Turtle Creek Labs

Training is structured in progressive levels: Obedience (4–6 weeks) covers basic commands, force fetch, and marking drills; Intermediate training includes whistle sit, 3-leg patterns, blind retrieves, and steadiness; Advanced/Hunt Test training focuses on complex patterns, diversion birds, combined marks and blinds, and high-volume marking drills (80% singles, 20% multiples). All programs are year-round, with individualized schedules and monthly progress reports. Training occurs on-site using live birds and varied terrain.

Pricing Summary

Monthly training fees apply, with additional charges for handling fees, hunt test entry fees, live birds ($14 each), heartworm preventative ($15/month), and Frontline Plus ($15/month). Boarding is $15/day ($25/day for air-conditioned units with TV). A $35/hour consultation fee applies (plus birds). First month’s payment is due at time of delivery. Late payments incur a $25/week fee.

Policies

All dogs must have current vaccinations including Bordetella and proof of negative heartworm test. Veterinary services are billed directly to the client. Clients must sign a Training Contract and Client Information Form. Billing occurs on the 20th of each month with payment due by the 1st; late payments incur a $25/week fee. First month’s payment is due upon delivery of the dog.

Turtle Creek Labs is a full-service retriever training facility owned and operated by Bob & Teresa Tebbens in Greenwood, Delaware. They specialize in professional training for hunting and competition retrievers, offering programs in Obedience, Intermediate Gundog, and Advanced/Hunt Test training. Their 80-acre facility at Owens Station Hunting Preserve includes thousands of acres of training land, specially designed ponds, and live bird cover (duck, pheasant, quail, chukar, red leg) to simulate real hunting conditions. Dogs are trained year-round on a regular schedule with limited enrollment to ensure individual attention. They also offer boarding, breeding, and whelping services for competitive retrievers, with all breeding stock undergoing OFA, CERF, CNM, and EIC testing. Clients receive monthly progress evaluations and are encouraged to participate in training.

In addition to training, they provide pet boarding with indoor/outdoor runs, air-conditioned units with TV, fenced exercise areas, and miles of trails. They breed AKC-registered retrievers and offer stud services with titled dogs, focusing on producing intelligent, willing, and companionable puppies. Their services are tailored for owners seeking competitive performance in AKC Hunt Tests and field trials.

Accomplishments

Turtle Creek Labs breeds and trains AKC-registered retrievers for Hunt Tests and field trials. Their dogs are trained on thousands of acres of prime terrain with specially designed ponds. They use titled, tested dogs for breeding and offer whelping services for competitive clients. All breeding stock undergoes OFA, CERF, CNM, and EIC testing.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must contact Turtle Creek Labs to schedule an initial consultation ($35/hour, plus birds). Dogs must meet vaccination and heartworm testing requirements before enrollment. Clients must complete and return the Training Contract and Client Information Form. Payment for the first month is due at the time of dog delivery.