Cripple Creek Retrievers

Training programs are structured in progressive levels: Obedience (basic commands like sit, here, heel, stay, down, kennel), Basic Gun Dog (collar conditioning, force fetch, steadiness, marking, hunting prep), and Competitive Hunt Test (preparation for AKC Junior Hunter to Master National Hunter titles). Each level builds on the previous, with hands-on training at their facility. Owners are encouraged to participate in training sessions and receive updates throughout the process. Whelping service supports breeding clients with puppy rearing and placement.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed; fees vary by program level (obedience, gun dog, competitive hunt test). Stud dog fees are listed at $950 for Ace. Whelping and puppy placement services are included with breeding support. Equipment such as Dogtra collars is available for purchase through their online store.

Policies

No specific cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated on the website.

Cripple Creek Retrievers is a dog training business located in Decatur, Texas, owned and operated by JC Strange, a professional trainer with 18 years of experience, including 12 years as a professional retriever trainer. They specialize in obedience training for family dogs and advanced gun dog training for hunting and competition, helping dogs excel in the duck blind, at home, and in AKC Hunt Tests. Their programs progress from basic obedience to finished field work, including collar conditioning, force fetch, steadiness, and marking. They also offer a whelping service to assist clients with breeding and placing puppies in suitable homes. The facility is described as clean and well-run, with staff who encourage owner involvement and provide regular updates. They endorse and sell training equipment like Dogtra collars through their online store.

JC and his team train dogs of all ages, from puppies to adults, with a focus on retrievers and sporting breeds. Clients report high satisfaction with the results, noting that their dogs become well-behaved, steady, and reliable in the field and at home. The business emphasizes bonding between the dog, trainer, and owner to achieve training goals.

In addition to training, they offer stud dog services using top-performing AKC Master National Qualifiers like Ace, Mac, and Yogi, and provide puppy placement support through their whelping program.

Accomplishments

JC Strange has 18 years of training experience, with 12 as a professional trainer. He trains dogs to compete in AKC Hunt Tests, with multiple dogs achieving Master National Qualifier status. Ace, one of their stud dogs, is a 6-time AKC Master National Qualifier and a member of the Master National Hall of Fame, one of only 52 dogs ever to achieve six or more passes. Mac and Yogi are also Master Hunters with multiple Master National qualifications.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can contact the business via phone or email to inquire about training programs, schedule a consultation, or discuss puppy placement and breeding options. The team provides guidance from puppy selection through training completion.