River Bend Retrievers

River Bend Retrievers offers three main programs: Smart Start Puppy Program (4–6 weeks for puppies 2–5 months), Basic Obedience Board & Train (4–6 weeks), and Retriever Training (4–6 weeks). All programs include intensive, in-facility training with daily obedience drills, socialization, and fieldwork for retrievers. Programs include commands like sit, down, stay, recall, heel, place, and leave it. E-collar training and force fetch are included in retriever and basic obedience programs. Private lessons and field trips are part of the curriculum. Owners receive hands-on instruction to continue training at home.

Pricing Summary

Board and train programs cost $700/month for puppies and basic obedience, and $650/month for retriever training, with a 2-month minimum. Boarding is $40 per night. Equipment is not included. Payment options include cash, check, Venmo, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Enrollment requires commitment to continuing training at home.

Policies

Enrollment requires a commitment to maintaining training at home. Boarding requires advance booking due to limited capacity. Vaccinations (Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella) are mandatory. Drop-off and pick-up are by appointment only. Training equipment is not included in pricing.

River Bend Retrievers is a home-based dog training and boarding facility located in Elk Point, South Dakota, led by Tianna Westendorf and Tony Stokely. They specialize in professional obedience training, retriever-specific hunting preparation, and puppy development programs, all rooted in positive reinforcement and relationship-based methods. Their training emphasizes clarity, consistency, and mutual trust between dogs and owners, with a strong focus on building reliable recall, leash manners, and field skills for hunting dogs. They offer board and train programs for puppies, basic obedience, and advanced retriever work, and also provide climate-controlled boarding with optional tune-up sessions for previously trained dogs. Owners are actively taught how to maintain training at home, ensuring long-term success. They also offer pet boarding with grooming add-ons and require up-to-date vaccinations for all boarders.

Their facility is small and personalized, ensuring individualized attention for each dog. Training includes e-collar conditioning, force fetch, and fieldwork such as upland quartering and retrieving from blinds. They cater to both hunting families and pet owners seeking well-mannered companions.

The team combines decades of hands-on experience in gundog training and obedience, with Tianna’s background in upland and waterfowl hunting and Tony’s calm, adaptive approach. They are known for their patience, clear communication, and commitment to helping owners become confident leaders.

Accomplishments

Tianna Westendorf trained under FR Labs in Britton, SD, and has years of hands-on experience in upland and waterfowl hunting with working dogs. Tony Stokely brings extensive experience in obedience and gundog training. Together, they have developed dogs for hunting performance and family companionship, with a focus on producing reliable, balanced dogs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin by contacting River Bend Retrievers via phone or email to discuss their dog’s needs. Enrollment is initiated through an online form provided on their website. A consultation is not offered for free, but training includes owner education to ensure home follow-through.