Gamekeepers Retrievers

Gamekeepers Retrievers offers customized training programs including full-time training, private lessons, and group training. Programs cover Puppy Foundation Training (12 weeks to 6 months, basic obedience, leash correction, land/water marks, gunfire, birds, crate training), Basic Hunt Test Training (force fetch, e-collar conditioning, yard work, marking concepts, multiple marks, entry-level test factors, 4-8 months duration), Advanced Hunt Test Training (difficult marking, multiple marks, diversions, higher yard work, blinds, mid/upper-level test factors), and Gun Dog Training (various hunting situations, basic obedience, quartering, sit-to-flush, seeking/finding game, flushing, blind/boat manners, handling to fallen game, retrieves to hand).

They also specialize in Problem Solving for issues like gun shyness, running wild, breaking, and hard-mouth. Workshops and seminars are offered, including Two to Five Day Retriever Workshops (intensive, hands-on, personalized plans), Water Workshops (water marking and blind work, de-cheating drills), Blind Workshops (lining, casting, handling on blinds), and Designing Retriever Training Set Ups Seminars (for handlers, trainers, judges on effective scenario design). Camps are also available, which are group training sessions with diagnostics.

Pricing Summary

Full-time training rates are fair and available upon inquiry. Private lessons are $75.00 per hour with a minimum of one hour. Group lesson pricing is quoted per group based on size and length of stay.

Gamekeepers Retrievers, Ltd. is a professional retriever training service specializing in training all breeds of retrievers and spaniels for AKC hunt test programs, breed club field programs, and as personal hunting companions. Mitch White, the Head Field Trainer and Key Note Speaker, has been training retrievers since 1988. His program utilizes an approach that works for various breeds, focusing on fairness to the dog and building a solid foundation for good decision-making in the field.

They offer full-time training, private lessons, and group training, customizing programs to meet individual client and dog needs. Gamekeepers Retrievers also has a breeding program, producing Flat-coated Retrievers under the name “Classic” since 1993, aiming for dual-purpose dogs that excel in both conformation and field work. They also breed Labradors and train English Cockers.

The business emphasizes producing “happy, stylish, confident workers” that are successful in competitions like Master National and field trials, as well as being excellent hunting companions. They also conduct workshops and seminars across the U.S. and Canada, which are highly sought after.

Accomplishments

Mitch White has been training retrievers since 1988. He is an AKC Master/Senior/Junior Hunt Test Judge, WC/WCI/WCX approved judge for Flat-coats, Tollers, Goldens, Labs, and Airedales, and a former UKC Finished/Seasoned/Started Hunt Test Judge. He is a columnist for several dog magazines and author of several training manuals, with a third manual in progress. He has appeared on outdoor television shows and at major sporting show venues.

His clients and students earn countless field titles each year, including several Master National Qualifiers/Finalists (3 breeds) and dogs with Field Trial placements. Gamekeepers Retrievers has produced Westminster winners, top-ranked specials, and generations of dogs with numerous field and performance titles since their first litter in 1996. Notable dogs include CH HRCH Gamekeepers Black Hawk MH WCX HOF (ranked #5 Flat-coat All Systems in 2001, Best of Breed Westminster KC 2002, FCRSA Hall of Fame 2002) and BIS RBIS BOSS GCHG Gamekeepers Prince Charming RN JH HOF (BEST IN SHOW 2016, RESERVE BEST IN SHOW 2016, Top 5 All Systems 2015/2016, FCRSA Hall of Fame 2016).

How to Get Started!

Interested clients can contact Mitch at Gamekpr61@gmail.com to discuss sending a pup for training or to inquire about private/group lessons. For workshops and seminars, it is recommended to check the Gamekeepers Facebook page for openings or have a local club host one.