Elk River Kennels

Elk River Kennels offers three main training programs: Obedience (4 weeks, $850), Retriever Training (Program A: 4 weeks, $850; Program B: 8–12 weeks), and Upland Bird Dog Training (Program A: 4 weeks, $850; Program B: 8–12 weeks). All programs include daily boarding. Obedience covers sit, stay, come, heel, and correction training. Retriever training adds force breaking, steadiness to shot, and retrieves through decoys. Upland training focuses on steadiness to flush and gun introduction. Puppy training (7–16 weeks) includes crate training, bird and gunfire exposure, and retrieving. Training is individualized and conducted at the facility using live birds and field conditions.

Pricing Summary

Training rates are $850 for a four-week program, which includes daily boarding and obedience training. Additional bird fees apply for live bird use. Puppy training is also $850 for four weeks, including birds and food. A 50% deposit is required upon check-in, with the balance due at checkout. Rates increased on January 1, 2024. Boarding is available separately but pricing details are not listed.

Policies

A 50% deposit is required when checking a dog in for training. The balance is due upon checkout. There is no mention of cancellation or rescheduling policies. Clients are advised to contact Jeff in advance to reserve space, as the facility often fills up.

Elk River Kennels is a professional dog training facility run by Jeff Latour, who has been training hunting dogs since 2001. The business specializes in customized obedience, retriever, and upland bird dog training for all breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, pointers, and flushers. Training is conducted at their 40-acre facility in Elk River, MN, which features five purpose-built training ponds and varied upland cover for realistic field conditions. They offer board-and-train programs with daily boarding included in pricing, and also provide long- and short-term pet boarding for non-training dogs. Their facility includes heated and air-conditioned kennels and a large fenced exercise yard. In addition to training, they breed Labrador Retriever puppies and offer stud dog services for high-quality hunting lines. Clients report significant improvements in their dogs’ obedience, retrieving skills, and hunting performance, with many noting the trainer’s ability to overcome fearfulness and gun-shyness.

Jeff’s training is individualized to each dog’s personality and the owner’s needs, whether for hunting, AKC/HRC/NAHRA hunt tests, or home obedience. He is an AKC hunt test judge and has titled several dogs to Master Hunter level. The facility is designed for hands-on, field-based training using live birds and real-world scenarios, making it ideal for hunting families and competitive handlers.

They also offer puppy training starting at 7 weeks, with focus on crate training, introduction to birds and gunfire, and early retrieving skills. Their training programs are intensive and structured, with no group classes offered. All training is conducted one-on-one at the facility.

Accomplishments

Jeff Latour has titled several dogs to Master Hunter level and qualified them for the AKC Master Nationals. He is an AKC hunt test judge and has been training professionally since 2001. His breeding program produces dogs with high drive, trainability, and conformation, and his dogs have performed successfully in hunt tests and field trials.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should call or email Jeff to discuss training needs and reserve a spot, as spaces fill up quickly. A consultation is not offered for free, and clients are encouraged to contact Jeff directly to discuss program options, availability, and pricing.