Stillwater Kennels LLC

Training is divided into three progressive stages: Basics (3–4 months, starting at 6–7 months old) covers obedience, force fetch, and steady marking; Transition (3–6 months) introduces advanced marks and blind retrieves; Advanced focuses on complex handling in challenging conditions. Obedience-only training is available as a 1–2 month program. Clients can attend weekly training days to learn handling techniques alongside Jim.

Pricing Summary

Training fees are billed monthly and due on the 1st of each month. Fees are based on a per-month structure, with no upfront payment required at drop-off. Dogs must be removed before the 1st of the month to avoid billing for the full month.

Policies

Owners must provide proof of vaccinations for distemper, parvovirus, rabies, bordetella, and other diseases before training begins. Owners are responsible for all veterinary expenses incurred while the dog is in care. Training fees are billed monthly and due on the 1st; dogs not removed before the 1st will be charged for the full month. A signed contract and health information form are required prior to drop-off.

Stillwater Kennels LLC, run by Jim Manson, is a specialized dog training business located outside Covington in west central Ohio, focusing on retriever and gun dog training for hunting purposes. Jim offers structured training programs divided into Basics, Transition, and Advanced levels, designed to prepare dogs for AKC and UKC hunt tests, with additional obedience training available for pet owners seeking well-behaved companions. Training includes force fetch, collar conditioning, blind retrieves, and handling in challenging conditions like wind, water, and terrain. Clients are invited to attend weekly training days to observe and participate hands-on with Jim’s methods, and Jim encourages clients to visit anytime to train alongside him. He is also a Prostaff member of Kinetic Dog Food, suggesting a focus on nutrition as part of performance training.

Jim has been training dogs since 1986 and was the first in Ohio to champion a retriever without using rocks as training aids. He has trained multiple Grand Hunting Retrievers and Master Hunters, including his own dog Magic, who earned 20 AKC Master Hunter qualifications and won the Master National in 2017. His experience includes co-founding the West Central Ohio Hunting Retriever Club, and he emphasizes lifelong learning and field performance over competition alone.

The kennel provides detailed client forms and contracts covering health requirements, vaccination mandates, and monthly billing. Training is conducted at various outdoor properties to simulate real hunting environments, and clients can view photos and videos of past training sessions and hunt tests on the website. While primarily focused on hunting dogs, basic obedience training is also offered for non-hunting pets.

Accomplishments

Jim Manson championed the first dog in Ohio to earn a hunting title without using rocks as training aids in 1987. He has trained multiple Grand Hunting Retrievers and Master Hunters, including Stillwater’s Black Magic, who earned 20 AKC Master Hunter qualifications and won the 2017 Master National. He co-founded the West Central Ohio Hunting Retriever Club and has been active in the hunting dog community since 1986.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must download and complete the Information Form and Training Contract from the website, then contact Jim to schedule drop-off. Clients are encouraged to attend weekly training days to observe and participate in hands-on learning.