Buckeye Retriever Club

Training occurs through informal, member-led sessions at the club’s private grounds, with structured AKC licensed hunt tests and field trials held several times per year. Members train together to develop retrieving skills for competition, with guidance drawn from experienced handlers and club leadership. Training is not structured as formal classes but as collaborative practice sessions focused on field performance.

Pricing Summary

Membership fees are required to access training grounds and participate in events; fees are due March 1 annually. No public pricing for training services is listed, as training is provided through club membership and event participation, not as a commercial service.

Policies

Members may use the training grounds daily except during scheduled club events. Guests may visit once to observe membership benefits. Membership requires board approval. Event dates and ground closures are posted on the club calendar.

Buckeye Retriever Club is a nonprofit, AKC-licensed club focused on training and competing with working retriever breeds including Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Curly-Coated Retrievers, and Irish Water Spaniels. The club provides a community-based training environment at their private grounds in Hambden, Ohio, where members train together for AKC hunt tests and field trials. Training is informal, cooperative, and centered on developing natural retrieving abilities through shared experience and mutual support. The club hosts sanctioned events annually and welcomes new members to observe or participate. While not a commercial dog training business, it offers structured, skill-based training for dogs competing in field sports.

Members have daily access to the training grounds outside of scheduled events, and the club fosters fellowship among owners dedicated to improving their dogs’ hunting and competition skills. The club does not offer private lessons, boarding, or general obedience training for pet dogs, but provides a specialized venue for those pursuing AKC hunt test and field trial titles.

The club’s leadership includes experienced handlers and breeders, and past award winners include multiple AKC Master Hunter and Field Champion dogs, indicating a high level of training expertise among members.

Accomplishments

The club has produced multiple AKC Master Hunter (MH) and Field Champion (FC) dogs, including Carronade’s Eggplant Patsy and Watermark’s Black Ice. Club awards include the Ed Stone Hunt Test and Chessman Field Trial, with past recipients recognized for excellence in retrieving performance and sportsmanship.

How to Get Started!

Prospective members are encouraged to attend an upcoming event to observe training and learn about the club. Membership applications are available for download on the Membership page and must be submitted to the board for approval.