Marsh Dog Kennels

Marsh Dog Kennels offers several training programs designed to help dogs reach their maximum potential. The Basic Retriever Training program (3-4 months) focuses on basic obedience, collar conditioning, force fetch, steadiness, and introduction to hunting situations. The Finished Retriever program (3-4 months) is for dogs with prior training, incorporating foundational drills, advanced marking, and handling skills for competition.

The Pre-Hunting Season Tune-Up program (1-3 months) helps dogs refresh obedience, steadiness, and marking skills before hunting season. The Advanced Retriever program (3-6 months) builds on finished skills, focusing on technical multiple marks and blind retrieves for serious hunters or competitors. Additionally, a “Training the Trainer” program is available for owners who wish to train their own dogs, providing guidance and scenarios.

Pricing Summary

Training programs are priced at $800 per month for Basic, Finished, Pre-Hunting Season Tune-Up, and Advanced Retriever programs. The “Training the Trainer” program costs $45 per hour. Boarding services for dogs not enrolled in training programs are $30 per day, $200 per week, or $800 per month.

Policies

Before bringing a dog for boarding, proof of vaccinations, including rabies and Bordetella (kennel cough), is required. Clients are welcome to bring their dog’s food or transition them to Eukanuba Premium Performance, which is provided by the kennel.

Marsh Dog Kennels is a professional retriever training and full-service kennel located in Giddings, Texas, owned and operated by Mark Strickland. Mark personally conducts all hands-on training, ranging from obedience to master hunter level, on a fifty-acre property equipped with three kennel buildings. The facility includes a new fully enclosed kennel with AC and heat, a covered kennel area, and a partially enclosed kennel area, totaling 59 kennels.

The business offers professional retriever obedience training, AKC and HRC hunt test training, and professional gun dog training. They also provide full boarding services for dogs, with kennels cleaned multiple times daily. Marsh Dog Kennels aims to cater to each client’s individual needs to help their dog become an excellent hunting companion, field competitor, or a well-behaved family member.

Accomplishments

Mark Strickland, the owner/trainer, trained upland bird dogs and retrievers from 1989 through 2000 and has since reopened his kennels to resume training. He is a member of HRC (Hunters Retriever Club) and runs AKC (American Kennel Club) hunt tests. The kennel is home to GRHRCH (3) Elliott’s Bourbon Whiskey MH.

How to Get Started!

Marsh Dog Kennels offers to help clients assess their personal needs and expectations for their dog to reach its maximum potential. For boarding, proof of current vaccinations is required.