Gundog Training

Our Philosophy

At Wild River Kennels, we believe an exceptional gundog should be just as dependable at home as it is capable in the field. Rooted in the sporting traditions of New England, our approach to training is built around developing confident, well-mannered dogs that thrive in both environments. Whether navigating the grouse woods, working a waterfowl marsh, or enjoying everyday life with the family, we believe a truly versatile dog should be a pleasure to live with and a capable partner in the outdoors.

Our training philosophy emphasizes a strong foundation of obedience, clear communication, natural ability, and a willingness to work as a team. We recognize that every dog develops at its own pace, and our programs are structured to build lasting skills rather than rush milestones. From young prospects to seasoned hunting companions, our focus remains on thoughtful, progressive development tailored to the individual dog and its owner’s goals.

Above all, we believe the best gundogs are more than hunting partners. They’re family companions, adventure partners, and an extension of the lifestyle we value here in New England. Our mission is to develop exceptional family and field dogs that owners can enjoy with confidence, wherever life takes them.

Puppy Gundog Development

Recommended Age: 4–6 Months
2 Weeks | $80/Day | Total Training Price: $1,120

Every great companion and capable field dog begins with a strong early development.

Our two-week Puppy Gundog Development program introduces young dogs to the experiences, structure, and expectations of an active New England lifestyle. Through positive exposure, foundational obedience, confidence-building, and age-appropriate introductions to the outdoors, we begin developing the qualities that make a dog enjoyable both at home and in the field.

Whether their future includes mornings in the duck blind, afternoons in the grouse woods, or adventures with the family, our focus is on building a confident, willing young dog that is eager to learn and prepared for continued development.

Our Goal: Build confidence, encourage natural instincts, establish good habits, and create a positive foundation for a lifetime of family and field experiences.

What’s Included: Professional training, boarding and daily care, live birds and age-appropriate field exposure, and personalized owner instruction to support continued development at home.

Pricing excludes applicable Rhode Island taxes and recommended personal training equipment, including leads and electronic collars.

Gundog Foundation

Recommended Age: 6–12 Months
6 Weeks | $80/Day | Total Training Price: $3,360

Built for the demands of the field and the expectations of everyday life.

Our six-week Gundog Foundation program is the cornerstone of our training philosophy. We develop practical obedience, clear communication, and breed-appropriate field skills for retrievers, pointing dogs, and flushing dogs, while placing equal importance on manners, cooperation, and the ability to settle at home.

From New England’s upland covers and waterfowl marshes to the trails, backyards, and homes our dogs share with their families, we train with real-world expectations in mind. Each dog’s development is guided by its individual abilities, natural instincts, and the owner’s goals.

Our emphasis is not simply on producing a dog that performs in the field, but one that is a pleasure to live with, travel with, and enjoy throughout the year.

Our Goal: Establish a dependable foundation of obedience, field skills, and teamwork, developing a versatile family companion and capable hunting partner with the confidence and skills to continue progressing.

What’s Included: Professional training, boarding and daily care, live birds and breed-specific field work, and personalized owner instruction to ensure a smooth transition from our training grounds to your home and hunting environments.

Pricing excludes applicable Rhode Island taxes and recommended personal training equipment, including leads and electronic collars.

Hunt Test Development

Long-Term Training | Limited Enrollment

Designed for retrievers pursuing advanced AKC and HRC hunt test goals, our Hunt Test Development program offers ongoing, individualized training for dogs with an established foundation. We believe the qualities that make an exceptional hunt test dog should translate directly into a dependable, high-performing hunting companion in the field.

Our Goal: Prepare and develop high-level retrievers to consistently perform at the highest levels of AKC and HRC hunt tests, working toward earning titles.

Enrollment: Available to qualified new and existing clients following an evaluation and discussion of long-term goals.

Monthly training rates and availability provided upon consultation.

Private Gundog Lessons

Looking for a more hands-on approach? Wild River Kennels offers personalized, one-on-one gundog evaluations and private lessons tailored to your dog’s development and your individual goals.

Private Lessons: $125 / Hour
Plus applicable taxes.