Harpeth River Kennels

Harpeth River Kennels offers comprehensive dog training programs, with a strong focus on Retriever Training, which is described as their backbone and passion. Their basic retriever training program aims to achieve formal obedience, working multiple marks on land and water, steadiness to shot, e-collar conditioning with light use, mouth conditioning for proper game delivery, working from various hunting setups (stands, boats, blinds, pits), honoring other dogs, exposure to decoys, picking up simulated cripples, quiet blind manners, and safe riding on a four-wheeler.

They also provide an Obedience program, typically 6-8 weeks long, which can be shaped for individual client needs. This basic program covers commands such as sit, here, on and off-leash heeling, down, stay, place, no jumping, waiting at doorways, down to a dog bed, going into a kennel, and honoring other dogs. Owners receive all necessary information for continued training at home.

Advanced training is available after basic training and an evaluation. This includes three-way casting (left/right backs), long memory retrieves, pile work, site blinds, pattern blinds on land and water, T-drill on land and water, honoring multiple dogs, cold blinds on land and water, wagon wheel, advanced steadiness, long marks, and advanced nose work. Upland training is also offered, focusing on quartering, flushing, or pointing with live pheasants, quail, or chuckars on site.

Harpeth River Kennels is a small, family-owned business located in Middle Tennessee. They specialize in producing well-trained dogs, high-quality British Labrador puppies, and importing dogs. The business prioritizes cleanliness and care, offering a customized approach to training based on each dog’s individual needs and desires.

The founder, David Spaulding, has over a decade of experience and believes in a flexible training program that adapts to each dog, rather than a one-size-fits-all method. Their goal is to shape dogs into proud companions that are composed and responsive.

In addition to training, Harpeth River Kennels also breeds British Labradors from champion lines, ensuring healthy and happy puppies. They also offer started dogs and assist clients with importing trained dogs or puppies.

Accomplishments

David Spaulding, the founder of Harpeth River Kennels, has over a decade of dedication in developing proven programs for Obedience Training, Retriever Training, Upland Training, and Scent Detection. He honed his skills for 11 years at a local kennel before opening Harpeth River Kennels.

All dams in their breeding program are DNA tested, OFA scored for hips and elbows, and AKC Registered. Their puppy program is based on British Labradors from Champion Lines globally.

How to Get Started!

Clients interested in a started dog should send an email or call to inquire. For advanced training, it is recommended that the dog completes basic training first, followed by an evaluation to determine the next steps.