Panhandle Dog Trainer

Programs include: Obedience Board & Train (30–33 days), teaching off-leash recall, sit, down, stay, heel, place, car etiquette, and house manners; Puppy Training (starting from day one), focusing on foundational commands and socialization; Retrieval Training (2–6 months), teaching force fetch, steady-to-gunsight, marked and blind retrieves, whistle commands, and gun safety; and Boarding, which includes a refresher course for previously trained dogs. All dogs live on-site with Devlin’s family, receive daily socialization, and are trained in real-world environments including parks, stores, and areas with children and noise.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed. Programs are structured as intensive board and train, with a minimum stay of 30 days and most dogs completing in 30–33 days. Retrieval training programs range from 2–3 months (basic) to 5–6 months (advanced). Pricing is customized based on program selection and dog needs.

Devlin Duvenhage is the owner and head trainer at Panhandle Dog Trainer, a Florida-based dog training business specializing in immersive board and train programs that transform dogs into well-behaved, obedient companions. Devlin trains dogs of all ages, from puppies to adults, with a focus on off-leash obedience, public socialization, and retrieval skills for hunting dogs. His training methods are rooted in decades of mentorship under renowned gundog trainers Greg Oyer and James Hamm, combining military-grade discipline with humane, leadership-based techniques. Dogs live on Devlin’s property, interacting with his family and other dogs in a climate-controlled environment, and are trained in real-world settings like parks, stores, and neighborhoods with children and noise. Programs include Obedience Board & Train, Puppy Training, Retrieval Training, and Boarding. Devlin emphasizes building a dog’s confidence and reliability in high-distraction environments, ensuring dogs are safe and responsive both at home and on adventures. He also offers ongoing support after training to help owners maintain progress.

Clients report dramatic improvements in behavior, including reliable recall, calmness around other dogs and people, and elimination of leash pulling, barking, and anxiety-related issues. Many describe Devlin as treating their dogs like family, with frequent updates and personalized care throughout the training process.

Accomplishments

Devlin Duvenhage trained under Greg Oyer, a legendary U.S. gundog trainer with over 50 years of experience, and James Hamm, a former U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major and top 10 dog trainer in America. He brings international experience from South Africa, where he trailed game with German Shorthairs and trained Boerbulls for protection and companionship. His training philosophy is rooted in mentorship and hands-on apprenticeship, not books.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins with a free consultation, during which owners provide details about their dog’s breed, behavior, and goals. After the consultation, owners select a training program and schedule a drop-off date for the board and train program. Devlin provides regular updates with photos and videos during training.