Training and Boarding Services
TRAINING SERVICES
Back Creek Kennel (BCK) offers quality obedience and started field training for both waterfowl and upland game. Because kennel space is limited, I make it a practice to not have more than two dogs in at a time for training. This allows me to spend quality time with your dog in a more structured, and controlled environment. Because I own and operate this kennel not only as a hobby, but as a natural extension of my waterfowling passion, your dog is not just a "number" like at some large kennels whose training time must be rationed with many other dogs. In fact, practically all of the dogs trained at BCK eventually become a temporary part of my family, sharing free (play) time with my other dogs as well as my children. The training season at BCK typically begins in early February when the days start getting longer, and the weather begins to warm and runs through October. I typically do not take in any dogs for training during the months of November, December, and January. Not only do I have limited daylight time for training during these months, but it is also hunting season, which is the time I set aside for me and my own personal dogs.
Obedience Training
Basic obedience training is the first step in developing a top-notch retriever or family pet. At BCK, the basic obedience commands taught include "sit", "come" or "here", and "heel". Additional commands that will be learned during the obedience training process include "kennel", "no", and "down". The obedience training process begins with on-lead yard work, then culminates with off-lead yard work using the e-collar as reinforcement of the training commands. If your dog is to be used for hunting, I incorporate two whistle commands in addition to the verbal commands into the obedience training in preparation for future hunting situations or possibly hunt tests.
As I mentioned above, I have very limited kennel space (I have dogs too!), therefore, I cannot keep and train someone's dog from the time it is a puppy until it is ready to be sent back to their owner. I really don't like this way of training (leaving a puppy at a kennel for training) in that it doesn't allow the puppy to establish the "bond" that I feel is so important between an owner and his or her dog when it comes to understanding verbal and visual commands and response expectations that are so important in the training process. Such being the case, I would prefer dogs coming to BCK for obedience training to be at least 8 months of age or older (dogs that need force fetch training should be 9 months of age or older). Dogs brought to BCK at this age not only allows the dog to be physically capable of performing the commands that they are given, but they are also mentally mature enough so that he or she can readily accept the rigors of an accelerated training process designed to accomplish the maximum amount of learning in the shortest period of time. Let's face it, most dog owners don't want to part with their pooches for only as much time as they have to when they send them off for training. When a dog comes to BCK that is both physically and mentally ready to accept the commands taught during obedience training, it makes for a much more enjoyable experience for both the dog and the trainer. A more physically and mentally developed dog also allows me to accomplish the obedience training program in a period of anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks, depending on the tractability of the dog and the time of year that the dog is brought in for training (winter months offer reduced training time due to the shorter days).
Missy being taught the "heel" and "remote sit" commands
(Click on the photos above to enlarge)
A complete obedience training program where the commands listed above are taught is $400, with the dog's owner also furnishing food while the dog is at BCK. Although an e-collar is used in the obedience training process, it is not necessary that you purchase an e-collar once your dog has completed the BCK obedience training program. If, however, your at-home (training) time is limited, I would encourage you to consider the purchase of an e-collar so that the dog does not regress from the obedience level when they were at BCK. There are a number of different models of e-collars available to satisfy both the homeowner or the serious retriever enthusiast. For those that feel that they might need help in an e-collar selection, I have recently been authorized to sell Tri-Tronics e-collars, and I would be happy to help you with an e-collar choice. If you decide to purchase an e-collar for your dog, I highly recommend that you obtain the proper training on e-collar usage BEFORE you place the collar on the dog.
Force Fetching
A complete force fetching (FF) program is also offered at BCK. The basic FF commands, "Hold" and "Fetch" are taught using time-tested methods that consistently produce the desired results. Depending on the number of dogs in for training here at BCK, all FF work will either be performed here at BCK or by my partner (John Brotherton). The basic program begins with the dog on the force table where the command "hold" is taught. Once the "hold" command is completely understood by the dog on the table, the command is reinforced on the ground.
Click on the photo below to enlarge
John Brotherton teaching Lacey the "Hold" command
After teaching the "hold" command, we progress to the command "fetch" where a variety of objects are presented to the dog in an effort to teach the dog to properly pick-up (fetch), hold, and then deliver an object to hand. The beginning or initial "fetch" commands are taught while the dog is on the table. When the dog has become proficient at reaching for an object while under restraint on the table, the dog is taken off the table, and the "fetch" command is reinforced on the ground.
Click on the photo below to enlarge
John Brotherton teaching Lacey the "Fetch" command
Once the dog appears to be comfortable with both commands, the lead is removed, and the rest of the FF training process is completed utilizing an e-collar. The cost for a complete FF program is $400 with the dog's owner also furnishing the dog's food until the FF training is completed.
It is important to note that it is considerably more difficult to properly execute the FF training program if a dog has not received the appropriate obedience training before the force process is begun. Such being the case, I may not accept dogs for force training unless the owner can demonstrate that his or her dog has previously completed an acceptable level of obedience training or the dog has successfully completed the BCK obedience training program.
BOARDING SERVICES
Another service offered at BCK is boarding in my outdoor kennel. The current boarding fee is eight dollars ($8) per day in addition to the owner furnishing the dog's food. This fee drops to $5 per day if you have multiple dogs. All dogs boarded at BCK are kept in shaded, outdoor kennels. In the winter months, shavings and/or straw is added to their bedding for insulation. I do not have access to indoor kenneling and I do not offer boarding services for cats. As noted above, kennel space and availability is an important consideration, therefore, arrangements for boarding should be made well in advance of need. Dogs boarded at BCK typically receive twice-a-day exercise (weather permitting), which is designed to accommodate house-broken dogs that need the opportunity to relieve themselves. All dogs boarded at BCK must be up-to-date on all immunizations as well as parasite preventatives. Further info on boarding and kennel availability can be requested via my email address or by calling 704-278-1699.
At BCK, I have access to a variety of field and water sites that can challenge even the best retrievers. Please contact me at my email address below for more information on the training and/or boarding services that are currently available or to get your dog on my training list.
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