Retriever Ridge Kennels

Retriever Ridge Kennels offers two primary programs: the Gun Dog Program and the Obedience/E-Collar Program. The Gun Dog Program includes puppy development, basic obedience, field training, blinds, retrieves, and real-world hunting exposure at European pheasant shoots and duck hunts. The Obedience/E-Collar Program focuses on foundational commands (heel, sit, down, recall) using e-collar and positive reinforcement techniques. Training is structured in intensive, multi-week board-and-train formats with ongoing owner education through video updates and in-person guidance. A training flow chart outlines progression from puppy to advanced levels.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed; clients are encouraged to contact directly for program quotes. Training packages are customized based on dog’s starting level, duration, and goals, with intensive board-and-train programs typically spanning several weeks. Equipment and training videos are sold separately.

Policies

No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated on the website. Clients are advised to contact directly for program details, and serious inquiries are prioritized, especially for dog placements like Doc, where finding the right owner fit is emphasized.

Retriever Ridge Kennels, established in 1997 in Northwest Arkansas, is a specialized dog training facility focused on large breed obedience and advanced gun dog training. Led by Keith Allison, the business offers tailored training programs for Labrador Retrievers and other sporting breeds, with services ranging from puppy development to advanced field training for hunting. Their unique advantage lies in hands-on, real-world training environments including European pheasant shoots and flooded timber duck hunts at the Greenbriar Hunting Club, providing dogs with authentic bird exposure. Keith emphasizes owner education, ensuring clients can continue training at home, and maintains strong relationships with trusted breeders to match dogs with owner goals. The kennel also sells training equipment and branded apparel, and maintains an extensive library of training videos for clients.

The training programs are designed for hunting enthusiasts seeking a reliable, well-mannered companion dog, with a focus on building drive, focus, and obedience under real hunting conditions. Clients receive regular video updates, personalized communication, and guidance on maintaining training progress after the dog returns home.

While primarily serving hunters, their obedience and e-collar program is also suitable for non-hunting owners seeking strong recall and control. The kennel does not offer general pet training for non-sporting breeds or behavior modification for non-hunting-related issues like separation anxiety or reactivity outside of hunting contexts.

Accomplishments

Keith Allison has trained multiple champion hunting dogs with titles including MH (Master Hunter), HRCH (Hunting Retriever Champion), and GRHRCH (Grand Retrieving Hunting Retriever Champion). His dogs have performed in high-profile hunts at Greenbriar Hunting Club, founded by John Olin of Winchester Firearms. He has been training since 1997 and is recognized by clients including former CEOs of Walmart and Leggett & Platt for his expertise in evaluating and developing hunting dogs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact Keith via phone or email to discuss their goals, dog’s background, and training needs. A personalized consultation is required before enrollment to assess the dog’s potential and match it with the appropriate program. For puppy clients, Keith helps source litters from trusted breeders before training begins.