Rock Valley Kennels & Shooting Sports

Rock Valley Kennels offers intensive board-and-train programs for gun dogs, starting with puppies or seasoning older dogs for upland and waterfowl hunting. Training includes live bird exposure, gun introduction, and fieldwork across 80 acres of varied terrain. Training is conducted using positive reinforcement only, with no pain-based methods. Boarding dogs may also receive obedience training upon request.

Pricing Summary

Gun dog training: $1,500 per month, includes birds, dog food, and boarding. Kennel boarding: $20 per calendar day, includes dog food or option to bring your own. Taxidermy pricing varies: pheasants $200, ducks $250, deer shoulder mount $850, fish $10 per inch.

Rock Valley Kennels & Shooting Sports is a dog training facility located in Echo, Minnesota, specializing in affordable gun dog training for all sporting breeds. Owner Jeff Berthelsen has over 40 years of experience working with gun dogs and has trained approximately 800 dogs using a “no-pain” approach based strictly on positive reinforcement. Training is conducted on 80 acres of diverse terrain including prairie, creek, and woodland areas, with live birds used for upland and waterfowl hunting preparation. The facility offers board-and-train programs, with training packages including birds, dog food, and boarding for $1,500 per month. In addition to training, they provide heated and air-conditioned kennel boarding at $20 per calendar day, with optional obedience training available upon request. The business also offers taxidermy services for birds, fish, and game mammals.

Jeff’s philosophy emphasizes that “collars don’t train dogs; people train dogs,” and he avoids electronic collars unless used only as a later reinforcement tool after foundational training. The facility is located on State Highway 67, approximately two hours from the Twin Cities metro area, and welcomes dogs of all ages and breeds for training and boarding.

The entire family, including Jeff’s wife Sandy and their sons, are involved in hunting and dog care, creating a home-like environment for dogs in training or boarding.

Accomplishments

Jeff Berthelsen trained under a professional dog trainer for seven years before starting full-time training in 2002. He graduated from the American Institute of Taxidermy in February 2011 and has trained approximately 800 dogs using his no-pain, positive reinforcement method.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact Jeff directly by phone or email to discuss training needs, schedule a visit, and make reservations for boarding or training programs.