More Details: 

Join us for our highly popular 3-Day Retriever Training Workshop! Open to all skill levels, this event is perfect for those with a basic understanding of training concepts and some experience. Maximize your weekend by learning alongside fellow dog enthusiasts!

Early Registration Discount:

Enroll Before Dec 15th 2026 and get $100 OFF (working spots only)!

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​​​​​​GENERAL WORKSHOP INFORMATION: 

• Training includes use of frozen defrosted real ducks, dokens, and bumpers.

• Gunfire (blanks) will be shot.​

• We will start at 9am and will learn /train until approximately 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

• *note* we have an indoor and/or covered classroom areas to account for weather/any time we feel it might be a hazard to be in the field. Our goal above all is to have everyone safe and as comfortable as possible. ​

• ​You can expect classroom sessions as well as field drills, and simulated hunt test scenarios.

• You will learn how become more efficient planning your training and then practicing practical application.

• Demo dog(s) will be used to showcase some topics. 

• Fun training related contests will scheduled to challenge workshop participants to test their knowledge and the skills they will be learning. A great way to win some merch and swag for you and your dog(s)! 

• NEW for 2027! We will have some of our most popular BlackFoot merchandise available for purchase during the weekend. 

• Each working team enrolled will be given at least one working session per day. Based on number in attendance and the day's syllabus; some dogs may get more than one working session. 

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All retriever breeds welcome. If you are not sure if your retriever is an eligible AKC hunt test breed, you can find that complete list on the AKC website here. 

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All participants should be willing to learn to help throw birds & bumpers, load wingers (optional), set up stations & move equipment, plant blinds, and act as "marshal" ... Don't know how to do those things!? This will all be part of the workshop!

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INCLUDED: 

• Morning Coffee.

• Cooler beverages and snack all 3 days. 

• Sunday Lunch: (catered sandwiches, sides, desserts, and snack platter).

• Written Take home materials.

• Use of birds & equipment while on site.

• ​Official AKC Hunt Test Rule Book.

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COST: 

• 1 dog / 1 Handler 2 days = $450

• 2 dogs / 1 Handler 2 days = $850

• Audit (One handler / NO DOG 2 days) = $250​

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Safety first and foremost.

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1. When not working your dog, please be sure your dog is safely crated in your vehicle, has water / fan etc.

2. If your dog is not acclimated to gunfire we suggest that your first attend a few private retriever coaching sessions.

3. For safety, if you are unsure at all about your dog's recall; it is extra important to be sure they have a fitted collar with ID tag. Field days are conducted in open fields without fenced boundaries. 

4. Depending on the weather and your dog's abilities we may do water work in our pond(s). Please bring towels for your dog.

5. If your dog is not known to be reliable off leash, please bring a 30 - 50 foot light weight long line. 

6. An appropriate dog training whistle is essential. We use and recommend this whistle: . 

7. You may use whatever training equipment you typically use with your dog. If we feel something different could be helpful we have all sorts of collars and leads to offer for borrowing.

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SOME OF THE TOPICS WE WILL BE COVERING THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND: 

*These are not in order... Syllabus and more specific format will be introduced on day1.

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👉 The difference between FOUNDATION behaviors and OBEDIENCE behaviors.  

👉 How to create a shaped retrieve using positive reinforcement. 

👉 When and why to add pressure to training. How much pressure is needed and keeping the balance. 
👉 The benefit of training 2 sided heeling. 
👉 Running "Sight Blinds" for food reward.
👉 How to show young / nove dogs all the "pictures" a master dog will need to learn to identify. 
👉 3 - 5 Hand Casting (platform usage / phasing out / building difficulty)
👉 How to become a great bird boy! How and when to help, communicate with the line, and how to throw marks.
👉 The importance of Force Fetch and how to recognize behavior change to ensure use of least aversive pressure.
👉 Steadiness & remote sends using a place board. 

👉 The importance of back chaining and attrition. 
👉 Teaching and maintaining clean Whistle sits (from toys in the back yard to 250+ yard consistency)
👉 Bucket blinds (how and why)
👉 Walk up blinds (how and why)
👉 Essential Puppy foundation work and balancing the live / work lifestyle for the different life stages.
👉 Holding blind etiquette
👉 Setting and maintaining a consistency in your behaviors
👉 Developing and editing your training program .. step by step
👉 How to recognize and introduce environmental FACTORS
👉 Eyes vs. Nose work in the field
👉 Wingers and launching systems vs. helpers and gunners in the field.
👉 Obedience in the field vs. obedience at home​​

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