Ryckman Kennels

Ryckman Kennels offers comprehensive dog training programs, including Obedience, Retriever, Pointer, and Rattlesnake Avoidance training, primarily through a Board to Train model. The Obedience program, ideal for dogs 6-7 months old, focuses on on- and off-leash commands (Come, Heel, Sit, Stay, Down, Leave It/No) and general manners like addressing jumping and barking, with family training sessions integrated. This program typically spans 7-8 weeks, with initial consistent practice followed by family involvement and refinement.

The Retriever Training program builds upon the full Obedience program, developing a finished companion retriever by encouraging natural desire without using force fetch. It includes conditioning to gunfire, dummy work, and live bird work, with multiple owner training sessions. Advanced retriever training, including whistle commands and hand signals, is available. Pointer Training, often an add-on, focuses on developing natural pointing desire, teaching commands like Heel, Come, and Whoa, and preparing dogs for upland game hunting.

Rattlesnake Avoidance Training, offered year-round by appointment, uses live rattlesnakes in a controlled environment to teach avoidance, with sessions lasting 45-60 minutes and owners participating. The kennel also provides year-round canine boarding in climate-controlled indoor/outdoor runs, including food and bedding, with morning and evening walks. New clients receive a free bath after their first boarding stay.

Pricing Summary

Obedience training starts at $3,000. Retriever training begins at $4,000 for a 6-month-old dog, with pricing increasing with the dog’s age and based on individual abilities; advanced retriever training is available for an additional cost. Pointer training starts from $1,500, varying based on the training package and the dog’s abilities. Rattlesnake avoidance training costs $200 per dog. Boarding rates are $36 to $38 per night. Grooming pricing is available upon inquiry.

Policies

For training, a current vaccination record (Rabies, DHLPP booster, Bordetella) is required upon arrival, along with a half training deposit in cash or check, and 2-3 doses of flea/tick and heartworm prevention. Dogs over one year of age may incur additional training charges. For retriever training, dogs over one year old or those with prior field experience require an evaluation at drop-off. During boarding, toys are not recommended or guaranteed to be returned. While premium dog food is provided for training and boarding, clients are welcome to bring their own food or bedding.

Ryckman Kennels is a family-owned and operated dog training business established in 1987 by Donald Ryckman, Sr. and Donald “Buck” Ryckman, Jr., initially focusing on training gundogs for hunters. The kennel has expanded from a backyard operation to a rural facility located between San Antonio and Boerne, Texas, serving clients from across the United States.

The business offers a variety of services including All Seasons Dog Boarding, Obedience Training, Retriever Training, Pointer Training, and Seasonal Rattlesnake Avoidance Training. They also provide professional guided quail, pheasant, and chukar hunts across Texas, leveraging Buck’s expertise and well-trained pointing and flushing dogs. Additionally, Ryckman Kennels offers some Behavior Modification and Grooming services.

The Ryckman family, including Buck and his daughters Elizabeth and Kathryn, are dedicated to continuing the business’s legacy. They emphasize their high-quality training, boasting over 55 years of combined experience, and pride themselves on the long-lasting obedience of their trained dogs, some retaining commands for over a decade.

Accomplishments

Ryckman Kennels was established in 1987 by Donald Ryckman, Sr. and Donald “Buck” Ryckman, Jr., initially to train gundogs. The Ryckman family, including Buck and his daughters Elizabeth and Kathryn, collectively possess over 55 years of experience in dog training. They have successfully trained dogs for clients from across the United States. The business has provided professional rattlesnake avoidance training for over 40 years, demonstrating long-standing expertise and client loyalty, with dogs retaining their training for over a decade.

How to Get Started!

To get started, prospective clients can fill out an online training reservation request form or call to schedule a visit or evaluation. For grooming services, clients can call or text Liz at 210-393-5927 for scheduling and pricing, or use the online request form. It is recommended to make reservations as soon as possible. For training programs, the process begins with the dog acclimating to the kennel’s routine upon drop-off. Post-graduation, one-on-one sessions are available for previous training clients.