Layton Retriever Kennels
Ranked #1 in Estacada and #44 in Oregon
Service area: Layton Retrievers is located in Estacada, Oregon, on a five-acre property, approximately 45 minutes outside Portland. They also utilize two off-site training locations.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Competition / Agility
- Working Dog
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Jumping on People
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
Program Formats
- Sessions Package
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Large
- Sporting
- Working
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ E-Collars
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Layton Retrievers offers three main training programs:
Basic Obedience: This program is based on the AKC Good Dog Citizen program and is suitable for large breed dogs of any age, though six months is considered an ideal starting point. It typically requires 2 to 3 months of training and covers commands such as heel on lead, sit, come, down, off (not jumping), and place.
Duck Dog Boot Camp: An intensive program designed for all-purpose retrievers, specifically for waterfowl hunting. The program is customized to each dog and includes collar conditioning, force fetch, double retrieves on land and water, steady to shot, deliver to hand, advanced retrieving techniques, three-handed casting, and quartering and taking commands in the field.
Hunt Test Training: This program prepares dogs for AKC Junior, Senior, and Master titles. Junior level tests require two land and two water marks delivered to hand. Senior and Master levels involve multiple long-range marks, honoring other working dogs, and performing blind retrieves. This is a lengthy process, requiring several months of training, and includes heel off lead, precision marks, steady to shot, blind retrieves, and advanced gun dog training.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Training involves significant time and repetition, with no definite timetable for completion. They recommend leaving hunt dogs for 3-5 months, with an option for a one-month tune-up before hunting season. Specific pricing details are not provided.
Testimonials
“Greg and his crew worked wonders with our very “strong willed” chocolate lab. I was nervous to leave my girl, but was immediately at ease when I saw how clean the boarding area and grounds were. It was obvious that all of the dogs were happy and healthy. Greg provided regular updates and was immediately responsive to my questions. He also went out of his way to work on situations unique to my dog. When I picked up my dog, despite all of the exacting hard work, my dog obviously loved Greg and crew. Greg and his staff also worked patiently to train us to reinforce the work. The results exceeded every expectation. We now have a dog that is not only obedient, but consistent and trustworthy. I give Layton Retrievers my highest endorsement..”
– KRISTEN CAMPBELL
“We have been extremely happy with Greg and the staff at Layton Retrievers. His training and handling resulted in our yellow lab Porter earning his JR Hunter title at 11 months old. He is patient and truly cares for the dogs he trains. He balances hard work with allowing the dogs to enjoy what they are doing and having fun. Porter is back early this year to continue his training and looking to that SR Hunter title before he is 2 yrs old. Greg’s training also produced a great gun dog! We hunted geese and ducks plenty this past winter and Porter performed above expectations, especially for a one year old dog. The kennels are kept impeccably clean. Greg communicates regularly and is quick to give us a call when there is anything out of the norm. We highly recommend Layton Retrievers for a well trained gun dog!”
– Don Cozad
“This place is awesome. Greg and his staff go above and beyond with training and customer service. I first sent my dog in for 3 months of consecutive training and the outcome was fantastic. The obedience alone was worth the wait. My dog would retrieve to hand, follow hand cast, quarter in the field, everything that was on the website was exactly what I got. Best of all my dog was happy and healthy.
I just sent him back for a refresher course and again I was amazed at the outcome.
Being new to hunting I truly didn’t know what to expect, but Greg and Brenda take the time with you one on one to explain and show you how to hunt with your dog safely and efficiently. I truly recommend Layton Retriever to any novice bird dog hunters and to any seasoned vets out there. Thanks again Greg and Brenda, you guys are the best.”
– Brent C
About the Trainer
Layton Retrievers is a dog training business owned by Greg and Peri Layton, established in 2012 in Estacada, Oregon. They specialize in professional waterfowl/upland retriever training and AKC hunt tests, also offering basic obedience programs.
The business operates on a spacious five-acre property located 45 minutes outside Portland, featuring a pond for training and access to two off-site locations for varied learning environments. They maintain clean and spacious kennels, ensuring individualized attention by limiting the number of dogs to twenty-five at a time.
Layton Retrievers uses premium equipment, including a dog truck for off-site training and AKC hunt tests, along with quality blinds, bumpers, and wingers. They encourage client involvement, inviting owners to participate in onsite live-flyer days for hands-on experience and providing one-on-one guidance on handling their dogs.
Beyond training, Layton Retrievers also provides boarding services for dogs. Their goal is to help dogs experience the joy of doing what they were made to do, achieve success, and become confident, well-mannered companions, leading to satisfied clients.
Accomplishments
Layton Retrievers was founded in 2012 by Greg and Peri Layton, driven by their passion for dog training and duck hunting. Greg Layton is highlighted as a knowledgeable and patient trainer who works with dogs until they understand the commands. The business emphasizes its foundation on experience, proven methods, and success in training retrievers.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients are encouraged to call Layton Retrievers to discuss if their gun dog training is suitable for their dog. They can also send a message via the contact page.

Contact Information
Associations
- AKC
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Kennel
- Pet boarding service