Harpeth River Kennels

Basic obedience programs last 6–8 weeks and include sit, stay, heel, down, place, door manners, and no jumping. Retriever training covers marks, steadiness to shot, e-collar conditioning, mouth training, and work from blinds and boats. Advanced training includes three-way casting, long memory retrieves, blind work, and pattern drills. Upland training uses live birds for quartering and flushing. Started dogs and imported trained dogs are available by inquiry. Each dog receives an individual evaluation before program placement.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed; clients are encouraged to call or email for customized quotes based on program type, duration, and dog’s needs. Board-and-train programs are offered in 6–8 week increments with advanced training requiring prior evaluation.

Policies

Client dogs are accepted on a case-by-case basis with prior consultation. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated, but clients are advised to contact directly for inquiries regarding scheduling or program changes.

Harpeth River Kennels is a family-owned dog training business in Dickson, TN, founded by David Spaulding with over a decade of experience in obedience and retriever training. They specialize in shaping smart, happy, and well-behaved companions using flexible, individualized training programs tailored to each dog’s needs. Their core programs include Retriever Training for hunters, Obedience Training for household manners, Upland Training for flushing and pointing, and Scent Detection. They also breed and sell British Labrador puppies from champion bloodlines, emphasizing temperament, health, and field performance. Dogs are trained in a clean, fun, and caring environment, with all breeding dogs living in loving off-site homes. David’s approach is rooted in respect and compassion, avoiding one-size-fits-all methods with the philosophy that “you cannot fit a square peg in a round hole.”

They offer board-and-train programs lasting 6–8 weeks for basic obedience and extended intensive programs for advanced hunting skills. Clients receive detailed instruction upon pickup to ensure consistency at home. The facility includes dedicated training areas for land and water retrieves, decoys, blinds, and live bird exposure for upland work. They also provide started dogs and imported trained dogs by request.

Accomplishments

David Spaulding has over 10 years of dedicated experience developing proven training programs for obedience, retrievers, upland, and scent detection. He has trained dogs from across the U.S. and maintains champion-line British Labrador breeding stock with global bloodlines.

How to Get Started!

Interested clients should call or email to inquire about availability, schedule an evaluation, and discuss training goals. An evaluation determines the appropriate program path—basic obedience, advanced hunting, or upland training—and whether the dog is a good fit for their structured board-and-train model.