---
title: Richard Gebhart, Gun Dog Trainer | Royal Gun Dogs
url: https://royalgundogs.com/richard-gebhart/
business: Royal Gun Dogs
trainer: Richard Gebhart (professional gun dog trainer since 2002)
phone: (530) 341-4496
email: royalgundogs@yahoo.com
trains_at: Hastings Island Hunting Preserve, 7758 Hastings Island Rd, Rio Vista, CA 94571 (Solano County)
booking: call or text Richard directly
---

- [Home](https://royalgundogs.com/)
- Richard Gebhart

# Richard Gebhart, gun dog trainer

Richard Gebhart has trained dogs professionally since 2002, first with field trial retrievers under Billy Sargenti and, from 2013, with pointers and other upland breeds under Steve Klassen. He has run and qualified at an AKC Master National.

Richard is an avid upland and waterfowl hunter. He understands the teamwork between a hunter and a well-trained gun dog, and how it makes a hunt better and cuts down on lost game.

## Field trial retrievers and the Rex Carr method

Under Billy Sargenti, Richard worked with field trial retrievers at varying levels. That is where he learned the Rex Carr method for Retriever Basics, the foundation he still builds retrievers on.

## Pointers and upland breeds

In 2013 Richard expanded his training experience to pointers and other upland breeds under Steve Klassen at Blue Ridge Kennels. Today his experience covers top-level field trial and hunt test dogs as well as everyday hunting dogs and home companions.

## The AKC hunt test community

Richard is active in the AKC retriever hunt test community. He has run and qualified at an AKC Master National, and he runs dogs and assists clients at local weekend AKC retriever hunt tests.

## His training philosophy

"Balance, encouraging the hunting drive and desire in the dog, coupled with the necessary 'team player' attitude to develop an exceptional hunting partner or competitive team."

Richard also enjoys training handlers alongside their dogs, in one-on-one or group lessons, so owners leave with the skills to keep their dog sharp.

## Book a session

Richard books directly. Call or text him at (530) 341-4496 to talk about your dog, or leave your details in the form below and he will call you back.

### Sources (1)

- Hastings Island Hunting Preserve : [hihp.com/royal-gun-dogs-dog-training/](https://hihp.com/royal-gun-dogs-dog-training/) (checked October 27, 2026)

Richard with an AKC Master National plate, an orange ribbon and a black Lab

### Where Richard trains

Hastings Island Hunting Preserve, 7758 Hastings Island Rd, near Rio Vista in Solano County. Call before you drive out.

[Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Hastings+Island+Hunting+Preserve+Rio+Vista+CA&destination_place_id=ChIJA_E9R8AphYAR_4YnvcqbaAU)

### His programs

- [Training programs](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/)
- [Puppy Camp](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/puppy-camp/)
- [Basic Waterfowl Program](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/basic-waterfowl/)
- [Advanced Waterfowl Program](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/advanced-waterfowl/)
- [Formal Gun Dog Training](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/formal-gun-dog-training/)
- [Private and group lessons](https://royalgundogs.com/programs/lessons/)

## Questions owners ask

[All questions](https://royalgundogs.com/faq/)

### Where did Richard learn to train retrievers?

Under Billy Sargenti, working with field trial retrievers, where he learned the Rex Carr method for Retriever Basics.

### Does Richard train pointing dogs?

Yes. He has trained pointers and other upland breeds since 2013, when he worked under Steve Klassen at Blue Ridge Kennels.

### Has Richard run at the national level?

Yes. He has run and qualified at an AKC Master National.