Ryckman Kennels

Ryckman Kennels offers intensive board-and-train programs. Obedience training lasts 7–14+ weeks, beginning with on-leash commands and progressing to off-leash reliability around distractions. Families attend 1–2 training sessions to learn commands with their dogs. Retriever training includes obedience plus natural-reward-based retrieving, gunfire conditioning, and live bird work. Pointer training adds steadiness, backing, and field direction to obedience and retrieve skills. Rattlesnake avoidance is a 45–60 minute session using live snakes. All programs include daily structured walks, premium food, and climate-controlled boarding.

Pricing Summary

Obedience training starts at $3,000 and increases for dogs over 1 year. Retriever training starts at $4,000 for 6-month-old dogs, with pricing based on individual ability. Pointer training starts at $1,500 as an add-on. Rattlesnake avoidance training is $200 per dog. Boarding is $36–$38 per night. A half-training deposit is required upon drop-off. Pricing is quoted after evaluation.

Policies

Requires current vaccinations (Rabies, DHLP, Bordetella), flea/tick and heartworm prevention, and a half-training deposit in cash or check upon drop-off. Toys are not guaranteed returned. Boarding includes a free bath upon pick-up for new clients. Training sessions require scheduling; rattlesnake training is weather-dependent and by appointment only.

Ryckman Kennels is a family-owned dog training and boarding facility established in 1986 by Donald Ryckman, Sr. and Donald “Buck” Ryckman, Jr., and now managed by Buck and his daughters Elizabeth and Kathryn. Located on I-10 between San Antonio and Boerne, Texas, the kennel specializes in obedience, retriever, pointer, and rattlesnake avoidance training for hunting and companion dogs. They offer a board-and-train program with a focus on positive, repetition-based methods without force-fetch techniques, training dogs to respond reliably off-leash around distractions like cats, children, and other animals. Their programs include basic obedience, advanced retriever skills, and upland bird hunting preparation. They also provide year-round indoor/outdoor climate-controlled boarding, grooming, and guided quail, pheasant, and chukar hunts using their own trained dogs and custom hunting rigs. Their rattlesnake avoidance training uses live, humanely treated snakes in controlled sessions to teach dogs to avoid danger. With over 55 years of combined experience, they pride themselves on long-term results, with dogs retaining training even years after graduation.

They welcome dogs of all ages but prefer puppies 6–7 months old for obedience and retriever programs. Clients are actively involved in training sessions, with family members taught to handle commands alongside their dogs. They provide premium dog food during boarding and training, and clients may bring their own food or bedding. The facility is clean, rustic, and rural, allowing dogs to train in natural environments.

Additional services include professional guided hunts, dog grooming, and behavior modification. They do not offer daycare, walking, or pet stores, but their kennel and boarding services are comprehensive for hunting and obedience-focused dog owners.

Accomplishments

Over 55 years of combined experience among the Ryckman family. Trained dogs have returned for rechecks over 10 years after graduation, retaining full obedience. Established in 1986, they have trained dogs from across the U.S. and offer professionally guided hunts using their own bred and trained dogs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must submit a training reservation request form with dog age, breed, and training requested. A phone call is recommended to schedule a visit or evaluation before enrollment. Rattlesnake training requires appointment scheduling based on weather conditions.