Blue Ribbon Kennels

Blue Ribbon Kennels offers intensive board-and-train programs lasting several weeks, with training conducted 5 days per week in all weather conditions. Obedience training begins with leash-based commands (heeling, sit-stay, down-stay, recall) and progresses to off-leash compliance. Retriever training includes fieldwork with birds, gunfire, and distractions. Owners are encouraged to visit bi-weekly to observe progress and learn handling techniques. Training is individualized based on each dog’s temperament, age, and trainability. No group classes or day training are offered.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed. Clients must request a quote. Shipping costs for dogs must be paid in advance or COD. Extended boarding beyond training duration was reportedly not charged extra in one case, but no standard pricing structure is disclosed.

Policies

All visits, drop-offs, and pick-ups require appointments; unannounced visits are not permitted. Early visits during training are discouraged. Training is conducted Monday–Friday 7:30 AM–5:30 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM–12:00 PM; closed Sundays except for pick-up/drop-off. Dogs must have current vaccinations (including bordatella within six months), heartworm prevention, and any required medication at drop-off. Shipping requires payment in advance. Clients must complete a Client Dog Information Sheet.

Blue Ribbon Kennels is a full-time dog training and boarding facility that offers customized obedience and retriever training programs tailored to each dog’s developmental needs and the owner’s expectations. They provide board-and-train services with individual kennels, high-protein diets, and daily sanitation inspections to ensure dog comfort and safety. Their training emphasizes individualized, canine-focused methods based on behavioral psychology, avoiding anthropomorphic assumptions to help dogs learn effectively in a structured environment. Owners are encouraged to participate in training sessions and are provided with guidance to maintain progress at home. The facility features state-of-the-art grounds with water, birds, gunfire, and distractions to support realistic training. They also offer boarding services with strict appointment-only policies and require up-to-date vaccinations and medication records at drop-off.

They specialize in obedience training for all breeds and ages, including puppies as young as 4 months and older dogs, with focus on heeling, sit-stay, down-stay, and recall commands—progressing from leash-based to off-leash compliance. Retriever training is also offered with specific policies for weather, scheduling, and client involvement. Their philosophy, developed by John and Carol Kabbes, prioritizes emotional health and confidence-building in dogs through methods aligned with canine instincts.

Clients are advised to visit bi-weekly to observe progress, and the facility discourages early visits to avoid disrupting training. Shipping is available but requires payment in advance. They do not offer in-home training or group classes, focusing exclusively on facility-based, intensive board-and-train programs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must request more information or schedule a boarding appointment via their website. An initial evaluation of the dog is conducted to prescribe a customized training regimen. Appointments are required for all interactions, and clients must complete a Client Dog Information Sheet prior to drop-off.