Patriot Retrievers

Patriot Retrievers offers retriever training, gundog training, and obedience training. The training process typically lasts 3-4 months, depending on the client’s specific requests. The program follows Mike Lardy’s methodology, emphasizing a mentored relationship with the dog, with teaching as the primary focus rather than strict testing or timelines.

The training includes working with real birds such as pigeons for puppies, pheasants, and ducks. A crucial component of the program is detailed one-on-one training sessions for owners, designed to ensure they understand the training their dog has received and how to effectively handle their dog upon its return home. Owners are encouraged to visit weekly or bi-weekly to work with their dogs.

The training takes place on a 40-acre private property featuring two large ponds, a mowed training field for drill work, and areas with elevation changes and cover for upland training. Dogs are housed in 20 indoor, climate-controlled kennels with fans and cameras. They are aired three times a day in secure chain-link fenced yards, grouped by sex, age, and temperament. The facility prioritizes safety and care, providing clean spaces, scheduled feedings, and access to clean water. Dogs are fed Purina Pro Plan Performance 30/20, with accommodations available for young dogs on puppy food or those with strict dietary needs.

Patriot Retrievers is a dog training business specializing in retriever training, owned and operated by Sean Rogers. Sean began training dogs in 2008 and has 23 years of service with the South Dakota Army National Guard, which inspired the business name.

The business operates on a 40-acre property located south of Hartford, South Dakota, just west of Sioux Falls. This property features two large ponds (13 and 6 acres), a mowed training field, handling hills with elevation changes, and a swim-by pond for swimming lessons. All 20 kennels are indoors in a climate-controlled building with fans and cameras, ensuring the safety and welfare of the dogs.

Patriot Retrievers’ mission is to provide the best retriever training experience for both dogs and their owners. They follow Mike Lardy’s program, which focuses on a mentored relationship with the dog, prioritizing teaching over testing or timelines. Training includes working with real birds such as pigeons for puppies, pheasants, and ducks.

A key aspect of their service is detailed one-on-one training for owners, teaching them how to use commands and handle their dogs effectively in the field. This ensures owners have a solid understanding of their dog’s capabilities upon returning home. The training process typically takes about 3-4 months, depending on the client’s requested training type.

In addition to training, Patriot Retrievers also offers puppies, trained dogs, stud service, and general consulting. They feed Purina Pro Plan Performance 30/20 but can accommodate special diets or puppy food if requested.

Accomplishments

Sean Rogers, the owner and dog trainer, began training dogs in 2008. He has 23 years of service with the South Dakota Army National Guard. The business highlights the achievements of its personal dogs: Molly (HRCH UH SDK’s Call for Fire) has an undefeated record in hunt tests and is finishing Quals. Liberty (HRCH UH Thunderstruck’s Patriot Retriever) never failed a hunt test and is running Quals. Rain (HRCH UH SDK’s Fire For Effect), the matriarch, earned her HRCH title at 20 months without failing a test and produced two FC’s and two HRCH in her first litter. Ace (Patriot Retrievers NightStalker) comes from notable lines including NFC Windy City Mighty Mouse and FC AFC Teddys Ebonstar James. Sean’s goal for the next 2-4 years is to be competitive with his personal dogs in field trial games.

How to Get Started!

To get started with training for a gundog or retriever, prospective clients are encouraged to contact Patriot Retrievers directly to ask questions or address concerns. For those interested in puppies, a “Puppy Application Form” is available to complete. Owners are also encouraged to visit the facility once a week or every two weeks to participate in their dog’s training and learn how to handle them.