Grand Prairie Retrievers

Grand Prairie Retrievers offers a Puppy Head Start Program for dogs 2–6 months old, focusing on desire, socialization, and exposure to wings, water, and decoys. The Basic Gun Dog Program is a 4–6 month intensive program with four phases: foundation obedience and retrieve drive, force fetch, e-collar training and field marking, and hunting environment exposure. Advanced Handling and Hunt Test Training includes multiple marks, blind retrieves using drills like Force to Pile and Wagon Wheel, and competition preparation for HRC and AKC tests. Boarding includes supervised play and is available for large breed dogs.

Pricing Summary

Puppy training packages start at $1,000 with a $300 deposit to reserve a pick. Special pricing is available for puppies that stay for training. Specific pricing for training programs is not listed publicly; clients are encouraged to contact directly for details.

Grand Prairie Retrievers is a full-time retriever training facility in Conway, Arkansas, founded in 2007 and owned by Matt Emerson. They specialize in training retrievers for duck and goose hunting, offering programs that range from puppy foundation training to advanced hunt test preparation. Their services include basic obedience for family pets, a four- to six-month Gun Dog Program, and advanced Handling and Hunt Test Training for dogs that have completed the basics. They also provide boarding for large breed dogs, with 16 covered outdoor runs, doghouses, and a half-acre airing yard. The facility uses training grounds including Boone Pond and private properties to simulate real hunting conditions. They emphasize drive, discipline, and respect, using force fetch and e-collar training as part of their methodology. They also breed and sell puppies with training packages available.

Matt Emerson has been training dogs since childhood, drawing from decades of personal hunting experience and mentorship from professionals. Clients appreciate his honesty, transparency, and commitment to animal welfare, with no reported use of abuse. He personally trains all dogs and welcomes clients to observe sessions. Grand Prairie Retrievers is known for producing dogs that earn HRC and AKC hunt test titles, with a track record of successful hunting partners and competition-ready retrievers.

Accomplishments

Grand Prairie Retrievers has trained dogs to earn HRC and AKC hunt test titles, including Grand Hunting Retriever Champion (HRCH), Master Hunter (MH), and Qualified All Age (QAA) titles. Notable trained dogs include Lucy, who retrieved over 500 birds, and Slick, a Grand Hunting Retriever Champion and Master Hunter who hunts regularly during Arkansas duck season.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should contact Matt Emerson directly by phone or email to discuss training needs, reserve a puppy pick, or schedule an evaluation. Clients are welcome to visit the facility to observe training sessions before committing.