Briarmarsh kennels

The training program begins at six months of age with obedience, whistle training, off-leash control, and force fetch. Dogs are collar-conditioned and introduced to field work using plastic and fresh-killed ducks. Progression includes single and blind retrieves, honoring, hand signals, and T-pattern running. The finished dog can perform triple marks, honors, and respond to whistle and hand signals off-leash. Training occurs five days a week at multiple field locations using remote bird launchers and electronic collars.

Pricing Summary

Training costs $650 per month with a minimum six-month contract. Boarding-only rates are $25 per day. Initial payment for the first month, along with heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives, is required upon drop-off. All veterinary expenses after arrival are the owner’s responsibility.

Policies

Training requires a minimum six-month contract. Owners must provide first month’s payment, current vaccinations, and preventative care upon drop-off. Any veterinary care needed after the dog arrives is the owner’s responsibility. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated.

Briarmarsh Kennels, located in Kinder, Louisiana, is a family-run dog training business operated by Richard and Jan Meche, who are full-time retriever gun dog trainers. They specialize in training Labrador Retrievers and other sporting breeds for obedience, duck hunting, and AKC/UKC hunt tests. Their program begins at six months of age with obedience, force fetch, and collar conditioning, progressing to field work using live birds, zinger wingers, and Dogtra electronics to simulate realistic hunting scenarios. They train at multiple locations to challenge each dog’s abilities and emphasize personalized training based on the individual dog’s temperament and needs. Owners are encouraged to participate in training sessions to learn how to handle their dogs, ensuring the dog becomes both a reliable hunting partner and a well-behaved family pet. They also breed AKC-registered Labrador Retrievers with health clearances and hunt test titles, focusing on sound genetics and performance. Additional services include boarding, dog training contracts, and the sale of Dogtra collars.

They transport dogs in a stainless steel Ainley topper that holds up to eight dogs and maintain a small client load to ensure personalized attention. Their training program typically requires a six-month commitment, with monthly fees of $650, and they require dogs to be up to date on vaccinations and preventative care before enrollment.

Accomplishments

Briarmarsh Kennels has produced 2 Master Hunters, 5 Hunting Retriever Champions, and 1 Grand Hunting Retriever Champion. Richard and Jan both run and judge AKC and UKC hunt tests. Their 15-year-old son earned his Hunting Retriever Championship in UKC at age 15, and the family continues to train for additional championships.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must contact Richard or Jan Meche to schedule an evaluation. Dogs must be up to date on all shots and preventative care before enrollment. Owners are encouraged to visit and participate in training sessions to learn handling techniques.