Apex Performance Retrievers

Apex Performance Retrievers offers three core programs: Puppy Training & Finder (4-week board-and-train for puppies 4+ months old, focusing on socialization and foundational commands), Obedience Programs (2-week Basic On-Leash and 4-week Advanced Off-Leash with e-collar conditioning), and Retriever Programs (3-month Basic and 6-month Advanced with hunt test prep for AKC/HRC). All programs are board-and-train, with no partial enrollments allowed. Retriever programs include live bird fees. Training emphasizes instinct-driven, positively reinforced foundation-building before advanced skills. Clients receive weekly progress videos and are supported with transition guidance on the dog’s return home.

Pricing Summary

Puppy Finder: 10% of puppy’s purchase price. Puppy Training: $800 for 4 weeks. Basic On-Leash Obedience: $1,500 (2-week minimum). Advanced Off-Leash Obedience: $2,000 (4-week minimum). Basic Retriever Training: $1,000 first month, $800/month thereafter (3-month minimum). Advanced Retriever Training: $1,000 first month, $800/month thereafter (6-month minimum). Payment requires 50% at drop-off for obedience and puppy programs; first month paid upfront for retriever programs, with subsequent months due at the start of each month. All programs include weekly videos and Purina Pro Plan food.

Policies

Programs must be completed in full; no early exits or partial programs allowed. Dogs may stay longer if needed to achieve mastery. Payment is non-refundable once training begins. First month of retriever programs is paid upfront; subsequent months paid at the start of each month. For obedience and puppy programs, 50% is due at drop-off, balance at pick-up. Special diets and medications are accommodated at owner’s expense. Visits are permitted after 30 days of training. No personal toys allowed; Kongs provided.

Apex Performance Retrievers is a dog training business based in Princeton, Kentucky, founded by William Fletcher, a former U.S. Marine Corps IED Detection Dog Handler and canine instructor at Auburn University. The business specializes in board-and-train programs for puppies, obedience, and retriever hunting dogs, with a focus on building strong foundations using positive reinforcement rooted in dogs’ natural instincts—appetite, socialization, and prey drive. They offer structured, intensive training programs designed to transform dogs into well-behaved companions or high-performing hunting partners. Clients receive weekly progress videos and are provided with Purina Pro Plan dog food during training. William personally trains each dog, maintaining a maximum of 8 dogs at a time to ensure individualized attention. They also offer a puppy finder service to help families locate healthy, well-bred puppies suited to their lifestyle.

Their programs include Basic and Advanced Obedience Training, Basic and Advanced Retriever Training with Hunt Test preparation for AKC and HRC events, and a four-week Puppy Training Program starting at four months of age. All training is conducted at their facility, and they accommodate special dietary needs and medications at the owner’s expense. They emphasize long-term results, with no early exits allowed and no partial programs offered.

William is known for his responsiveness, willingness to meet clients halfway for follow-up support, and treating each dog as family. Many clients return for “tune-ups” and rely on him for ongoing training support.

The business serves clients across western Kentucky and surrounding areas, with clients traveling from beyond the region to access their specialized programs.

Accomplishments

Founder William Fletcher served as an IED Detection Dog Handler in the U.S. Marine Corps (2006–2010) and was an instructor at Auburn University’s Canine and Detection Training Center (2011–2013). He has trained alongside top professionals nationwide and founded Apex Performance Retrievers in 2020 to deliver elite, personalized training. His dogs have successfully completed AKC and HRC hunt tests, including Master and Grand level events.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients contact the business via phone, email, or the online contact form to describe their dog’s needs. William Fletcher then consults to recommend the appropriate program and guides clients through enrollment, payment, and drop-off logistics. A puppy finder consultation is also available for those seeking a new puppy.