Looking for a lab trainer

[Pnwrider]

I have a six month old chocolate female I am looking to send off for 3-6 months of training in March. I did a search, but could not find a recent thread (found several from 5-10 years ago) on recommendations for a good dog trainer. The two I contacted that were recommended to me, have since retired. I am not looking to compete with her. I typically dove hunt a few times in the fall and waterfowl every weekend I can get out Nov-Jan. I have no problem working with her a few times a week to keep her sharp, but I will probably only get one shot at a hunting dog so I want her trained well/correctly. I'm on the westside and would like to find someone within a few hour drive. TIA for any insight.

[vandeman17]

My uncle owns Conway Kennels. He is pretty much retired but my cousin is lead trainer and they do a good job.

[Skyvalhunter]

Did you get your pup from a breeder? I would talk to them if you did and see who they suggest

[highside74]

Bryant at Rocking M in Eatonville has a great kennel and is a good trainer. He has fields and ponds so your pup will get diverse training. He has set ups for long retrieval training and will also do force fetch if you like.

He probably won't even treat your chocolate as a 2nd class citizen. Maybe. Jk

[Pnwrider]

Did you get your pup from a breeder? I would talk to them if you did and see who they suggest

Yes and they also do training, but they are a bit further than I would like to go...

I appreciate the responses so far!

[High Climber]

Keith Hartley with Cedar ridge retrievers in Longview trained a dog for me 8-9 years ago. If he’s still training he does a very good job 

[wadu1]

Bryant at Rocking M in Eatonville has a great kennel and is a good trainer. He has fields and ponds so your pup will get diverse training. He has set ups for long retrieval training and will also do force fetch if you like.

He probably won't even treat your chocolate as a 2nd class citizen. Maybe. Jk

I’ll second Bryant Meyer at Rocking M, good place to board as well.

[shootem]

Don't know if Butch Higgins is still training but he was great with my lab and Boykin Spaniel. He was in the Cathlamet area 5 years ago. He was happy to train me as well as the dog.

[Pnwrider]

Don't know if Butch Higgins is still training but he was great with my lab and Boykin Spaniel. He was in the Cathlamet area 5 years ago. He was happy to train me as well as the dog.

He was choice number 1. I left several voicemails and emails and no response, so guessing he has fully retired or not taking new dogs on at the moment.

[BD1]

My uncle owns Conway Kennels. He is pretty much retired but my cousin is lead trainer and they do a good job.

I have hunted under their dogs...solid dogs...I didn't have my dog professionally trained but that is where I would go...

[Happy Gilmore]

Bryant at Rocking M in Eatonville has a great kennel and is a good trainer. He has fields and ponds so your pup will get diverse training. He has set ups for long retrieval training and will also do force fetch if you like.

He probably won't even treat your chocolate as a 2nd class citizen. Maybe. Jk

I think he works at Boeing and is not a professional trainer. Someone like Keith Hartley, Butch Higgins and Conway kennels are dedicated to full time retriever training.

[cem3434]

I just got my pup back from Longhollow Retrievers in Ellensburg and couldnt be happier. She was there for 3 months and I got her back at 11 months old and have been pleased hunting over her this last month.

[WRL]

How far south are you willing to go for a trainer?

WRL

[Come Get Some]

Pm sent

[lpdoghunter]

Long Hollow Retrievers, Ryan and Blake are great.