Looking for recommendations on a dog trainer

[corky]

I have a new lab puppy (4 mo old now) and am looking for a trainer.  Does anyone have a recommendation for a trainer in the Minneapolis area?  I do not plan on doing any field trials, just looking to end up with a well behaved gun dog.  I looked at Cannon River Kennels as well as On line Retrievers.  Does anyone have experience with either of these?

[snow]

Corky~

Is your dog a house dog or will he be kept out side? House/family and gun dog I suggest you AND your dog take classes together,dogs like kids will test you as they mature,meaning you need to know how to correct them the correct way once they step outof line,meaning you don't pysically reprimand your pup,a good trainer can train you and your dog,some places will take your dog for a few weeks to get the basics down then bring you in to train as well,this is also a good plan.I've had retrievers for over 30 years,my 1st class was held at the golden valley humane society and that lead to field training,I believe they still hold classes there and is a good place to socialize your pup with other dogs,these days you start with basic obedience when the pups are 8-10 weeks,years ago it would start at 6 months,the secret for training young pups with short attention spans is short sessions,pickup a book or dvd for starters,"sit,come and stay" are the 1st things your pup needs to learn,but formal training is a great idea,lots to learn for both of you.

4 Months old he could have bad habits already,better get after it asap,most field dogs are retrieving by now,pidgeons and chuckars.

Tim

[corky]

She is actually my third lab and I have her enrolled at the humane society as well as going to puppy play time for socialization.  She is doing well with heel, sit and following the rules of the house.  Yes, she is a house dog and a hunting partner.  The other lab I have along with her is 6.  I should have provided more contexts, but essentially am hard pressed for time and space to get her any gun training and experience with birds.

[Joe]

Take a look at Wings and Whistles Dog Training. They are located west of the cities in Watertown. 952-955-3240

I sent my ES there for both the Bird and Gun Intro. and the Fast Start program.

[shanee]

I had my dog trained by Terry Holzinger at www.holzingerkennels.com. I have a German Wire Haired Pointer but he speciallized in Labs. He was great and my dog turned out great. He was very good and it was like a boot camp for the dog and he did great. I am not to sure what the cost is compared to others. I know I looked around before I took my dog there and the prices were not to bad in comparison but the reviews I got from him were a lot better than others. I used to work with a dog trainer back home in PA were I used to live and he was good but I didn't realize how average he was until I worked with Terry.

[mcafferty]

http://www.highflynkennels.com/HFK_Home.html

I would check him out.  good price and love what he did with my dog.

[turfcat]

I would HIGHLY recommend TYPO LAKE KENNELS in Stacy MN 651-408 TYPO. I had my dog trained there, and the results are FANTASTIC. We wanted a well behaved dog that would hunt both upland and waterfowl. All I get is compliments on how well mannered she is from guest at our house to what a great retreiver. Had her in South Dakota on a big phesant hunt and everyone (13) loved how she worked and brought the birds right back instantly. All I can say is Thanks Greg Schriener and Typo Lake. 

[ATM]

Brian Rousher West Country Kennels.  Glencoe MN. 

[schwinger]

http://www.highflynkennels.com/HFK_Home.html

I would check him out.  good price and love what he did with my dog.

X2

Highly recommended.

[GotOne]

I had my lab at Cannon River for bird and gun intro-they did a nice job.  For the next level, I went to Tailgunner kennels near Mankato.  Roger is the only person that trains the dogs.  I have known him for years, he was a manager at Traxlers for many years, he still does some training out of traxlers, but has a nice place out in the country between Mankato and St. Peter.  He does a very good job, only charges for the actual birds he uses, not just a standard fee.  This usually saves you a fair amount of money over the others.  Give him a call and tell him Molly's owner sent ya!  He is currently training some of the Viking players dogs.  I also had dogs that Holzners trained and a place up in St. Cloud that slips my mind.  Tailgunner is very good and you will like the personal service.  Roger even tex'd me pictures of my dog during training.

[pheasantman2121]

I second brian at west country kennels