Cross Creek Kennel

Cross Creek Kennel offers several dog training programs. The Obedience Training Program, typically 9 to 10 weeks long and starting at 6 months of age, teaches four basic commands: “Here” (combining come and heel), “Sit”, “Down”, and “Stay,” both on and off-leash, and addresses issues like jumping.

The Basic Gun Dog Program, usually 5 to 6 months long for dogs 6 months and older, is structured in three stages. Stage 1 focuses on obedience and field introduction, including e-collar conditioning and exposure to birds, gunfire, and water. Stage 2, Mouth Work (Force Fetch), teaches proper retrieving and clean delivery. Stage 3, Steadiness & Marking, introduces remote launchers for visual marking and steadiness training.

The Intermediate Gun Dog Program is for dogs that have completed the Basic program and focuses on directional casting, blind retrieves, and hand singles, including learning different casts, pattern blinds, cold blinds, and water blinds. The Advanced Gun Dog Program/Hunt Test Competitions prepares dogs for AKC and UKC Hunt Tests, teaching complicated marking and blind setups such as doubles, triples, diversion, and honoring.

For younger dogs, the Puppy Head Start Program is available for retrievers 4 months and older, lasting about 3 weeks. This program introduces puppies to retrieving bumpers, Dokkens, dead and live birds, swimming retrieves, and situated gunfire in a fun environment to build their retrieving desire. Additionally, a “Before the Season Tune-Up” is offered for dogs that have completed their programs, designed to condition dogs, improve marking, and refine field obedience prior to hunting season.

Pricing Summary

The Basic Gun Dog Program and Obedience Training Program both cost $700 per month, with the first and last months prorated. The total cost for the 10-week obedience program is $1625. Boarding is available at $22 per day, which includes a large style run.

Discounts are offered, including a special rate if a puppy is purchased from them and returned for training within its first year. An early payment discount of $20 off the monthly training fee is available if payments are made between the 1st and 15th of the month using cash, check, or Venmo. Multi-dog training arrangements also qualify for discounts.

Cross Creek Kennel is a family-owned and operated dog training facility located in Crockett, Texas, specializing in professional dog training services with a strong focus on hunting dog training, retriever training, and pet obedience. They serve clients across all of Texas, including major urban areas like Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin.

The business was purchased by Matt Larkin in 1995, who has over 29 years of professional dog training experience. His wife, Helena, manages the office and assists with dog care, and their sons also help with kennel duties, making it a true family business.

Cross Creek Kennel offers a range of programs from basic obedience for family pets to advanced gun dog training for hunting and competition. They also provide dog boarding services for medium to large breeds and breed high-quality Labrador Retriever puppies for various purposes. The facility is smaller, allowing for quality time with each dog, and is situated on a thirty-acre property with access to various training areas.

Accomplishments

Matt Larkin purchased Cross Creek Kennels in 1995 and has over 29 years of professional dog training experience. He began his passion for dog training early, competing in obedience trials, and managed Cross Creek Kennels for five years while attending Stephen F. Austin State University. He has accumulated countless hours of professional hunting dog training and obedience dog training, titling numerous retrievers in AKC and UKC Hunt Tests.

Matt has been running and competing in hunt tests for over 30 years, achieving a very high success rate and titling many dogs in various levels of competitions. His wife, Helena, holds a degree in Animal Science with minors in Chemistry and Biology from Stephen F. Austin State University, and has experience working at the SFA Beef Farm and managing a veterinary clinic. She also launched two online pedigree databases, Hunting Lab Pedigree and Hunting Boykin Pedigree, supporting the hunting dog community.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can make a reservation or request an appointment by calling or texting, submitting an online form, or sending an email. For boarding, drop-offs and pick-ups are available Monday through Saturday by appointment only. All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations, including Rabies, DHP-CPV (or equivalent), and Bordetella (KC), and owners are required to bring heartworm and flea medication. Clients are encouraged to visit and work with their dogs during training to learn the commands themselves.