Code 3 Retrievers

Offers a Started Program (3 months) covering obedience, force fetch, collar conditioning, singles, steadiness, quartering, and simple doubles. Followed by an Intermediate Program (additional 3 months) adding land and water doubles over 100 yards, force to pile, T and Double T work, water swim by, wagon wheel, pattern and cold blinds, increased steadiness, and trailing. Training is structured, progressive, and tailored to individual dog needs with a focus on hunt test preparation.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not listed online and requires a phone call. All training packages include kennel services, transportation, food, birds, and training. Boarding is $25/day when space is available. Stud fee is $1,000. Discounts on training fees are offered for puppies purchased from Code 3 Retrievers.

Policies

Training agreement is available for download. Clients are advised to be patient as inquiries may take time to respond to due to high volume. No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated.

Code 3 Retrievers is a professional dog training business based in Arizona, specializing in Labrador Retriever training for hunting and hunt test performance. Run by John, the trainer has over 25 years of experience with 19 years as a professional, focusing on individualized training programs tailored to each dog’s unique personality and abilities. The business offers board-and-train programs for started and intermediate retrievers, with structured curricula covering obedience, force fetch, steadiness, marking, blinds, and water work. Training is conducted at their private facility in the West Valley of Phoenix, with additional field work at local farms and the Gila River. They also operate a summer training location in Western Montana with 20 acres and ponds. Code 3 Retrievers breeds high-quality Labrador Retrievers with a focus on performance, offering puppies with a 2-year health guarantee and discounts on training for purchased pups. They also provide stud services using top-performing Master Hunter Trooper, who throws all three colors and is clear of genetic issues. Boarding is available for $25/day, and all training includes food, transportation, birds, and kennel services.

The business emphasizes quality over quantity, limiting training to 5–7 dogs at a time to ensure personalized attention. They specialize in AKC, NAHRA, and UKC hunt test preparation, with over 90% qualification rates at the Master level. Training materials and agreements are available for download, and they assist clients in selecting puppies even if not from their own breeding program.

They transport dogs in a custom-built, climate-controlled trailer with a 40-gallon water tank and evaporative cooling system, enabling year-round training in Arizona’s arid climate. Their facilities include indoor/outdoor kennels with climate control, and they offer both Arizona and Montana-based training seasons.

Accomplishments

John has qualified over 90% of his dogs at the Master level in AKC, NAHRA, and UKC hunt tests. His stud dog, Trooper, earned his AKC Master Hunter at age 2 and holds multiple titles including MHR and SR. All breeding dams and sires are Master Hunting Retriever level or higher, with many being Field Champions. The business has been training retrievers for over 25 years.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to call or email John to discuss training needs, puppy prospects, or availability. An initial consultation is not advertised as free, but inquiries are welcomed to discuss goals and program fit.