North Texas Dog Trainers

Programs include 2-month obedience, 8-week basic obedience, 1-month advanced tune-up, and daily sessions customized to the owner’s schedule. Gun dog training includes real hunting exposure during season and simulated hunting out of season. Puppy head start focuses on early socialization and scent work. All programs emphasize one-on-one training, owner education, and real-world application. Dogs are trained in natural environments like marshes and timber, not just in backyards or enclosed areas. Training is ongoing with weekly check-ins and support available via phone or email.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are available on the website’s full rates page. Training programs vary by duration and type (e.g., 2-month obedience, 8-week basic, 1-month advanced tune-up). In-home boarding is offered on a limited basis with rates based on length of stay and services provided. No public pricing listed; clients are encouraged to contact directly for quotes.

Policies

No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated. In-home boarding is limited and requires reservations. Training is conducted on a personal basis with flexibility for follow-up sessions. Clients are encouraged to contact the trainer directly for scheduling adjustments.

North Texas Dog Trainers is a small, family-run dog training business based in Rockwall, Texas, offering personalized, one-on-one training for gun dogs, retrievers, and companion dogs. With over 33 years of experience, trainer Richard Pulvino specializes in real-world hunting scenarios and obedience training, using non-pressure methods that emphasize natural behavior and scent work. Unlike large kennels, the facility limits training to 5–6 dogs at a time to ensure individual attention, and dogs stay in the trainer’s home environment rather than a kennel. Training includes in-home boarding, daily sessions, and intensive programs tailored to each dog’s personality and owner’s goals. The business also offers hunting opportunities on thousands of acres of real hunting terrain during season, and provides ongoing support via phone or email. Additional services include puppy head start, behavioral correction, and tune-up sessions for already-trained dogs.

Clients appreciate the home-like atmosphere, the trainer’s patience, and the focus on teaching owners how to continue training at home. The business trains all breeds, from small dogs to giant breeds like Great Danes, and accommodates both hunting and non-hunting families. Training is conducted in real-world settings—marshes, timber, and hunting fields—to ensure dogs perform reliably in actual conditions.

The business also offers vacation-style in-home boarding where dogs are treated as family members, with playtime and comfort provided even in extreme weather. Training is available for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs, with a strong emphasis on recall, obedience, and hunting drive.

Richard Pulvino does not compete in hunt tests or trials, allowing him to dedicate full attention to non-competing clients seeking practical, real-world results.

Accomplishments

Trainer has over 33 years of experience training working retrievers and versatile gun dogs. Multiple dogs trained have earned AKC Junior Hunter, UKC Started Hunter, Golden Retriever Club Working Certificate, AKC Novice Trick Training, and AKC Canine Good Citizen awards. Clients report dogs achieving high performance in field trials and hunting, including retrieving multiple ducks in challenging conditions. No formal certifications listed; reputation built on decades of hands-on experience and client results.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact Richard Pulvino via phone or email to discuss their dog’s needs. Initial consultations are not advertised as free, but personalized evaluations are conducted to determine the appropriate program. Clients may schedule in-home boarding or training sessions based on availability, with priority given to those seeking long-term or intensive programs.