Pecan Hill Kennel

Pecan Hill Kennel offers structured board and train programs: Puppy Training (4 weeks, $1500), Introduction to Obedience (2 weeks, $1500), Full Obedience (8 weeks, $2500), Introduction to Puppy Hunt (4 weeks, $1500), Introduction to Hunting (2 months, $2500), Fetch Conditioning (2 months, $3000), Hand Signals/Whistle Training (2 months, $3000), and Combination Hunt/Finished Dog (3–4 months, $6500). Hunt Refresher/Conditioning is offered monthly at $1200. All programs include house manners, obedience, and field or public exposure as appropriate. Training is daily and immersive, with reinforcement throughout the day.

Pricing Summary

Board and train programs range from $1500 for 4-week puppy or introduction courses to $6500 for the 3–4 month finished hunting dog program. Short-term boarding is $35/night for the first dog, $25/night for each additional dog. Long-term boarding is $900/month for the first dog, $600/month for each additional dog. Hunt conditioning is $1200/month prorated. Additional services include grooming and clipping for extra fees.

Pecan Hill Kennel is a family-owned and operated dog training facility located just outside Houston, Texas, established in 1986 by Pete Thuman and now led by his wife Leslie and their family. They offer board and train programs for obedience and hunting, with training occurring throughout the day in a 50-acre facility. Their programs focus on building a strong bond between dog and owner through practical, real-life applications, with structured four-step teaching, training, reinforcing, and correcting methods. They provide specialized training for puppies, full obedience, hunting dogs, and advanced retriever skills including hand signals and whistle commands. The facility also offers boarding, grooming, and conditioning services, making it a comprehensive destination for dog care and training. Their team has over 130 years of combined experience and emphasizes a family-oriented, high-standard environment for dogs of all breeds and sizes.

They specialize in creating well-behaved companions for home life and high-performing hunting dogs, with programs tailored from basic puppy training to finished hunting champions. Clients report strong communication, proactive care, and lasting results, with many returning for multiple dogs over decades.

The facility includes indoor/outdoor kennels, swimming, daily exercise, and complimentary baths and nail trims for boarders. They also offer refresher training and conditioning programs before hunting season.

Note: One negative review alleges safety concerns and unexplained injuries, but multiple positive testimonials highlight trust, quality, and long-term client loyalty.

Accomplishments

Pete Thuman, the founder, was a renowned hunting, obedience, and field trial champion trainer who trained thousands of dogs over his career. The kennel has produced multiple champion retrievers, including goldens and flat coats, and has been family-operated since 1986 with over 130 years of combined team experience.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact the kennel by phone or email to discuss training needs. Hunting and obedience programs require evaluation, especially for dogs with aggression. Boarding clients may request a training refresher if their dog previously trained at the facility.