Fine Line Retrievers

Training programs include a One-Month Basic Obedience course and a Three-Month Gun Dog Program covering intro to ducks and pheasants, force fetch, collar conditioning, steady-to-shot, and quartering. Specialized young dog training from puppy through transition is emphasized. Winter training occurs in Texas. Programs are tailored to individual dog needs, with options for day training or full board-and-train. Training is designed to produce field trial and hunting dogs with proven results in national competitions.

Pricing Summary

Monthly boarding and training: $1,075. Day training: $40/day. Trial handling: $50. Trial travel: $50. Handling + travel: $100. Birds (ducks & pheasants): $20 each. Heartworm/tick protection: $25/month. Airport pickup/delivery: $100 one-way. Vet trip: $50.

Fine Line Retrievers is a professional retriever training facility founded by Rick Stawski, a seasoned trainer with decades of experience specializing in field trial and hunting dog training. The business offers tailored programs for puppies through advanced dogs, with a focus on basic obedience, force fetch, collar conditioning, steady-to-shot, quartering, and transition blinds. Training takes place on a 165-acre private property with groomed land and water, plus an indoor heated kennel building. Rick’s program emphasizes fundamental training techniques without gimmicks, and he has trained over 40 FC and AFC dogs, 150+ Qualified All Age dogs, and numerous National Qualifiers. Day training and board-and-train options are available, with winter training conducted in Texas. Rick also created the Fowl Dawgs DVD training series, widely praised for its practical instruction. Clients include owners of competitive field trial dogs and hunting dogs used on premier North American properties.

Services include monthly boarding and training at $1,075/month, day training at $40/day, trial handling and travel for $50 each, bird use at $20 each, and mandatory heartworm/tick protection at $25/month. Airport pickup/delivery and vet trips are also offered. The facility is designed for serious dog owners seeking high-level performance training in retrievers.

Rick’s training methods are grounded in consistent, hands-on fundamentals, and his success is reflected in the consistent wins by his clients’ dogs in regional and national field trials, including HCARC, Vikingland, PRTA, and CMRC competitions.

Accomplishments

Trained over 40 FC and AFC dogs, 150+ Qualified All Age dogs, and numerous Master National Qualifiers. Dogs trained by Fine Line Retrievers have won major field trials including HCARC, Vikingland, PRTA, CMRC, and WCMRC. Rick Stawski is the originator of the Fowl Dawgs DVD training series, praised by Gun Dog Magazine and professional trainers.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should call or text Rick at (320) 267-3263 to inquire about availability, program options, and scheduling. Limited spots are available for qualifying-level dogs in 2025.