Over The Top Retrievers

Over The Top Retrievers offers several training programs. The Basic Gundog Training is their most popular program, with a sixteen-week minimum, starting with obedience and progressing to novice field work. This in-kennel program aims to train hunting partners to meet family performance goals for various hunting scenarios.

The Obedience program typically runs for 8 weeks (2 months required) and covers basic commands such as SIT, HERE, HEEL, DOWN, KENNEL/PLACE. It includes distraction training, on and off-leash work, and private training sessions to educate the owner.

The Upland Bird Training program is designed for retrievers and has a minimum duration of 12 weeks (16 weeks for combined waterfowl & upland). It introduces dogs to gun fire, dead and live birds (pigeons, chukars, pheasants), and focuses on retrieving skills, quartering, steady to shot, and handling “no bird” situations. This program is exclusively for flushing breeds.

They also offer a Winter Camp from December through April at their East Texas training site, providing land and water work for dogs 7 months or older. The Preseason Refresher/Conditioner course is for previously trained dogs needing a refresher on obedience and hunting skills before the next hunting season, focusing on fitness and skill maintenance.

Pricing Summary

Training programs require a monthly investment. The Basic Gundog program has a 4-month minimum, while the Obedience program requires 2 months (approximately 8 weeks). The Upland Bird training program has a minimum of 12 weeks, extending to 16 weeks if combined with waterfowl training. Pups are priced at $3500.00 plus sales tax.

Payments are accepted via Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and all major Credit Cards, with a 3% fee applied to credit card transactions.

Policies

Over The Top Retrievers reserves the right to send a dog home at any time during their training stay if the dog exhibits behavioral issues such as uncontrolled barking, whining, vocal outbursts, or any signs of aggression towards other dogs or people, as a safety precaution.

Puppies sold come with a 26-month hip and eye guarantee. To keep this guarantee in effect, owners must ensure timely vaccinations, monthly internal parasite control, and submit CERF and OFA evaluations by 26 months of age. The guarantee is voided if these conditions are not met, if the dog is bred, or if ownership is transferred. If a dog is rated dysplastic or non-clear by OFA/CERF, the owner may choose a 100% credit towards a new puppy or a 100% refund of the purchase price, provided the AKC paperwork is surrendered with proof of altering the pet.

Over The Top Retrievers is a dog training business located outside Monticello in Wright County, Minnesota, with a 40-acre property featuring an enclosed play yard, upland training field, and training ponds. They specialize in hunting dog programs and obedience for mid to large breed dogs, specifically Upland/Waterfowl gun dog programs.

With over 25 years of professional dog training experience, they tailor teaching techniques to fit each unique dog. They offer year-round training, operating in Minnesota from May to November and in East Texas from December to April.

The business limits training to 10 dogs to provide more individual care and training for both dogs and owners. They also offer pups for sale from carefully selected bloodlines, emphasizing health, athleticism, and temperament, backed by a 26-month health guarantee.

Accomplishments

Over The Top Retrievers boasts over 25 years of professional dog training experience. Their dogs, River and Blaze, have an impressive 11 National Field Trial shared between their pedigrees. Blaze notably won the 2023 Super Retriever Series Crown Championship.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients should call 763-244-0819 to set up an appointment or reserve a spot for training, including booking for 2025 Spring Training or Winter Camp.

Prior to arrival, typically two to four weeks in advance, dogs must be current on DHPP, Rabies, and Bordetella vaccinations, and have a negative stool (intestinal parasite) test within the last month. Leptospirosis and Lyme vaccines are strongly recommended but not required. Owners must provide a vaccination certificate or permission to contact their veterinarian. Dogs also require flea/tick/heartworm prevention for the entire length of their stay, and owners must provide their pet’s food. Owners are responsible for all veterinary care in case of health concerns or emergencies.