I am very proud to say that I train my dogs, I hunt my dogs, and I handle my dogs in hunt tests and other competitive events. Although I have nothing against the use of "pros" and have certainly enlisted their assistance from time to time, it is just so rewarding to know that my dogs are the result of my hard work, time and dedication in selecting from good breeding stock, training regularly and putting the effort into helping them be the wonderful dogs they are! I am fortunate that I work from home so I can devote the time they need to flourish. I do not own/raise "kennel" dogs - so I must raise my pups with balance in mind, much like a typical parent raises a child - love them, teach them, discipline them and hope they have an enjoyable life and a successful future!
I have raised my dogs with a balance of leadership and reinforcement. I mostly utilize positive training but do recognize the need for reinforcement by use of training aids such as e-collars, etc. I am in the minority in that I do not believe that force-fetch is the "only" way to a good retriever and not all of my dogs have been force-fetched - not because I am opposed to it...simply because I felt they didn't need it. My dogs are trained with these priorities: (1) establish a bond with love; (2) provide leadership/authority and consistency; (3) encourage positive behaviors; (4) give them the time and attention they deserve in order to produce the dogs we want; (5) focus on clear communication.
I have raised my dogs with a balance of leadership and reinforcement. I mostly utilize positive training but do recognize the need for reinforcement by use of training aids such as e-collars, etc. I am in the minority in that I do not believe that force-fetch is the "only" way to a good retriever and not all of my dogs have been force-fetched - not because I am opposed to it...simply because I felt they didn't need it. My dogs are trained with these priorities: (1) establish a bond with love; (2) provide leadership/authority and consistency; (3) encourage positive behaviors; (4) give them the time and attention they deserve in order to produce the dogs we want; (5) focus on clear communication.
1. Relationship based on LOVE and RESPECT (not fear)
2. Show them who is boss - be the LEADer of your pack
3. TEACH & guide them in the right direction
4. Spend quality TIME to produce a quality dog
5. COMMUNICATE clearly and keep it simple
2. Show them who is boss - be the LEADer of your pack
3. TEACH & guide them in the right direction
4. Spend quality TIME to produce a quality dog
5. COMMUNICATE clearly and keep it simple
Interested in training with us?
Obedience...Gun Dog...Hunting Dog...Competition Training
I’m always happy to have owners/handlers join in and train with us!
My training and boarding business runs under a different business name (Hilltop Dog Camp) but with the same staff and at the same location (my home)! :)
My training and boarding business runs under a different business name (Hilltop Dog Camp) but with the same staff and at the same location (my home)! :)
Want to leave your dog in our capable hands to teach your dog the fundamentals of good behavior?
We offer several options for all breed and all age obedience training!
All Breed & All Age Obedience Training
Stay & Train or Private Lessons
~ Household Manners ~ On Leash Obedience ~ Off Leash Obedience ~
SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR PUPPIES UNDER 6 MONTHS OF AGE:
Puppy HeadStart
Puppy Camp
Gun Dog Puppy Camp
Stay & Train or Private Lessons
~ Household Manners ~ On Leash Obedience ~ Off Leash Obedience ~
SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR PUPPIES UNDER 6 MONTHS OF AGE:
Puppy HeadStart
Puppy Camp
Gun Dog Puppy Camp
For dogs 6 months of age and older:
“Combo Package” (Basic & Advanced)
Program Length: 4-6 weeks.
Program Details: our most highly recommended training option as it allows us the time to focus on both on leash and off leash behaviors, teaching foundational obedience commands and generalize and proof the commands so that your dog will have a “new normal” standard of acceptable behavior..
*discounts available to Katian puppy families.
Program Details: our most highly recommended training option as it allows us the time to focus on both on leash and off leash behaviors, teaching foundational obedience commands and generalize and proof the commands so that your dog will have a “new normal” standard of acceptable behavior..
*discounts available to Katian puppy families.
“Basic/On Leash Obedience” (Board & Train)
Program Length: 2-3 weeks.
Program Details: We employ balanced training techniques to teach your dog the foundations of good behavior and household manners.
*discounts available to Katian puppy families.
Program Details: We employ balanced training techniques to teach your dog the foundations of good behavior and household manners.
*discounts available to Katian puppy families.
“Advanced/Off Leash Obedience” (Board & Train)
Program Length: 2-4 weeks.
Program Details: must have completed our Basic Obedience Program. We begin with a review of on-leash commands and then the focus on off-leash obedience, which is the ultimate way to provide your dog with more freedom and fun…and less stress for you!
*discounts available to Katian puppy families.
Program Details: must have completed our Basic Obedience Program. We begin with a review of on-leash commands and then the focus on off-leash obedience, which is the ultimate way to provide your dog with more freedom and fun…and less stress for you!
*discounts available to Katian puppy families.
Private Lessons
For puppies 7-10 weeks old:
“Puppy Head Start”
● Up until about 8 weeks old, your pup has spent his/her entire life in the company of littermates. In most situations, a puppy is pulled from the comfort of his/her littermates/mom/breeder and whisked off to a foreign place with strangers...it can be quite an overwhelming experience for the little pup! Puppy Head Start helps to aid in the transition from being part of a litter to being an individual puppy! Primary focus is on potty training as this is the most difficult hurdle for new puppy families. We help to limit the stress that many families go through when trying to figure out if the pup is crying in the crate because of a necessity or to just get attention. Your pup will learn how to be comfortable and relaxed in a crate and will start a potty-training schedule. He/she will still get group recess time but the majority of the time will be separated from the litter so he/she can learn how life is without the littermate-crutch. We start individual treat-training and introduce the various basic obedience “commands”. We work on bladder control to minimize the middle-of-the-night potty breaks for you. ;o) This is when the real fun (& work) !
*2 weeks is typically a good amount of time to assume that an “average” pup will be in a comfortable crate-training routine and will have established a good introduction to puppy manners/obedience. However, every pup is different and there is no way to predetermine if your pup will be average, above-average, or below-average with regard to potty-training and puppy manners/obedience competency. Therefore, I cannot make any promises as to how much your pup will know or how well your pup is potty-trained. I simply promise to raise your pup just like I do my own, using my tried & true system of establishing good habits, discouraging unwanted behaviors & a establishing a good routine to set your pup up for success! :). Some families have a set timeframe in mind for puppy headstart and some families want to play it by ear and see how their pup progresses - either way is perfectly fine - just let me know!
Options for pups who go home but come for training prior to 6 mos. old:
“Puppy Camp” (Board & Train)
● Once the “pre-teen phase” kicks in, you may want to consider getting some help for behavioral issues that begin to pop up (pulling on leash, jumping up on people, etc.). Bad habits can be formed QUICKLY and it is much easier to prevent bad habits than to correct bad habits...so as soon as you see issues pop up that you can’t control, it's a good time to get some help! That’s why I offer Puppy Camp!! I take your pup and work on resetting behavioral expectations that you can continue at home. We work on basic household manners and try to correct any behavioral bad habits that are starting to form.
* Discounts are available if you sign up for puppy camps in advance! Ask us for details.
* Discounts are available if you sign up for puppy camps in advance! Ask us for details.
Here’s a before and after video of our puppy camp (pup was not a Katian pup and didn’t do head start training):
While I love working my own dogs, there are times when professional outside training has been advantageous for me and my goldens. There are very few pro-trainers I have trusted with my goldens. Trey Holladay (On Holladay in Spotsylvania, Virginia), Justin Jackson (Texoma Retrievers in So. Oklahoma), Brooke & Bucko Van de Brake (in Washington state), Tim & Lauren Springer (in Minnesota & Texas), Mark Madore (in north Texas), and Clark Kennington (in Missouri), (although there are a few others I recommend and would use if needed). Working hand in hand with some great trainers & assistant trainers, we are pleased to offer formal training options for our Katian puppies at a discounted rate. Your pup will get the love and attention from me as well as a great foundation of training to set the stage for a lifelong obedient companion... it's a win-win situation!.
Retriever 101
We host quarterly group get-togethers - called Retriever 101. We created this in collaboration with our local golden retriever club and is open to anyone with retrievers. We primarily focus on the beginning stages of hunt test training (training tips, what to expect at hunt tests, mock hunt tests, etc.). Suggested donation is $20 to help defray my costs for bird techs wages, birds, etc. Text Katie at 713-492-8599 for more information.
Boarding
We offer boarding at our kennel starting at $35/night per run (limited availability). In-home boarding is available for $75+/night. My Katian puppy families get discounted rates! We have limited availability so be sure to request your spot as early as possible!
I am pleased to offer boarding for my Katian extended family (Katian pups and any "sibling" dogs) at a discounted rate starting at $25/night per dog for indoor/outdoor kennel run boarding…or $50/night for in home boarding..
We also offer day training and optional add-on enrichment during your pup's boarding stay.
I am pleased to offer boarding for my Katian extended family (Katian pups and any "sibling" dogs) at a discounted rate starting at $25/night per dog for indoor/outdoor kennel run boarding…or $50/night for in home boarding..
We also offer day training and optional add-on enrichment during your pup's boarding stay.
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BIRDS AVAILABLE
We sometimes have training birds available fr sale. If interested, please let us know.
Types of birds we have at various times include:
ducks (including mallards), quail, pheasant, chukar, pigeon, guinea, etc.
We sometimes even have fresh quail, duck and chicken eggs too!
Types of birds we have at various times include:
ducks (including mallards), quail, pheasant, chukar, pigeon, guinea, etc.
We sometimes even have fresh quail, duck and chicken eggs too!