Gundog Training
At Wild River Kennels, we believe in a positive approach to dog training. Every dog learns at a different rate and we choose to train at each dogs pace. We prioritize a dogs attitude over everything. We not only want our dogs to perform well, but look good doing so. We also understand that each dog is different and that a “cookie cutter” training approach won’t work, therefore, we adapt our training methods to fit each dog.
Our goals are to maximize a dogs potential, and we do this by being patient and treating each dog individually.
While we love the versatility of our Labrador Retrievers, we train all dogs for a variety of opportunities. We train dogs for upland hunting and waterfowl hunting. We encourage testing in AKC and UKC and can help get your dog ready as well as handle them for you in their tests.
Most importantly, we understand what proper owner involvement looks like with your dog. We work passionately to mentor our owners through all the phases of dog ownership and training. We offer and recommend working visits while your dog is with us.
PUPPY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
2 weeks. $1400. $700 deposit.
The Puppy Development Program at Wild River Kennels is designed to shape confident, well-balanced young dogs from the very beginning. Our focus is on manners, engagement, and fundamental obedience—creating pups that are attentive, respectful, and easy to live with. We introduce proper leash manners early, along with simple structure and expectations that help each puppy understand how to behave in the home and in public. Just as important, we emphasize positive socialization, exposing pups to new environments, people, and situations to build confidence and stability.
This stage is about more than obedience—it’s about building the mindset for future training. We develop focus, patience, and responsiveness while keeping the learning process positive and productive. Every interaction is intentional, laying the groundwork for clear communication and trust between dog and handler. The goal is a pup that is not only well-mannered but also mentally prepared to take on more advanced work.
On the field side, we introduce puppies to the earliest elements of gundog training in a way that encourages natural ability. Through proper, low-pressure exposure, we begin nurturing prey drive and developing early retrieve instincts. These are the absolute first steps of a future finished dog—building enthusiasm, confidence, and curiosity without force. Done correctly, this stage sets the tone for everything that follows
Board and Train
Training Lead
Live Birds
1 on 1 lesson at pickup
Taxes
GUNDOG INTRODUCTION PROGRAM
6 weeks. $3800. $1900 deposit.
The Gundog Introduction Program at Wild River Kennels is designed to establish the habits and standards every retriever needs from the very beginning. Our primary focus is obedience in the home and in public—developing dogs that are calm, respectful, and responsive in any setting. Through clear structure and consistent expectations, we build reliable behaviors such as here, heel, sit, place, and kennel, while reinforcing proper manners and engagement with the owner. The goal is a dog that lives easily as a family companion, travels well, and carries that same level of composure wherever they go.
On the field side, this program introduces young or inexperienced dogs to the building blocks of future gundog work. We focus on proper, confidence-building exposure to live gunfire, live game birds, and water (seasonal), ensuring each experience is positive and purposeful. Dogs are also introduced to foundational retrieving concepts, including simple marking drills and early fetch work through hold conditioning. Every step is deliberate—developing desire, control, and understanding without rushing the process—so each dog leaves with a strong start and a clear path into more advanced training.
Board and Train
Training Lead
Garmin Electric Collar
Live Birds
1 on 1 lesson at pickup
Taxes
Gundog Development Program
$1200 per month. Minimum 4 months.
At Wild River Kennels, our Gundog Development Program is built for owners who expect more from their dogs—both in the home and in the field. This program blends structured obedience with thoughtful field introduction to create retrievers that are dependable, composed, and responsive in any environment. From day one, we focus on clarity, consistency, and proper mechanics so each dog understands how to work, how to think, and how to handle pressure. The result is a dog that transitions seamlessly from a calm, respectful companion at home to a focused, driven partner in the field.
Our approach is rooted in developing complete dogs, not just trained behaviors. We emphasize steadiness, control, and engagement alongside early exposure to birds, gunfire, water, and real hunting scenarios. Every step is intentional—building confidence without shortcuts and reinforcing habits that carry forward into advanced work. Whether your goal is a reliable hunting companion or a dog that performs with precision in demanding conditions, this program lays the groundwork for long-term success.
For those with higher ambitions, the Gundog Development Program also serves as the starting point for retrievers with the ability to progress into advanced training and hunt tests. We recognize and cultivate talent where it exists, guiding select dogs toward a higher level of performance and refinement. Our passion is simple: develop exceptional family and field dogs, and for those capable of more, provide the path to reach it. These are the ultimate lifetime dogs.
Board and Train
Training Lead
Garmin Electric Collar
Food (Purina Pro Plan)
Supplements (AlphaDog Nutrition)
Live Birds
1 on 1 lesson at pickup
Taxes
EXPECTATIONS
TRAINING:
- Training sessions five days per week
- Each training session will last 15 minutes to an hour depending on the training session
- At Drop Off we will cover your goals for your dog
- Comprehensive 1-1 Pickup lesson covering the training
UPDATES:
- Minimum of one update per week
- Facebook & Instagram posts
- Phone calls
- E-Mails
Want More?
Interested in a more hands on approach? We offer one on one Gundog evaluations and private lessons on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly and monthly basis depending on your goals. Lessons can be virtual, on-site as well as off-site.
We service RI, CT, NY and all surrounding areas.