Wolf Creek Retrievers

Wolf Creek Retrievers offers a comprehensive retriever training program designed to produce quality hunting companions, with program lengths varying based on individual dog’s progress. The core programs include Gun Dog Training, typically lasting 5 months, which exposes young or inexperienced retrievers to simulated hunting conditions, guns, boats, decoys, and various birds. This program aims for proficiency in basic obedience, trained retrieve (force fetch), and steadiness, preparing dogs for AKC Junior Hunter and HRC Started tests.

The Advanced Gun Dog Training program, typically 6+ months, builds upon the basic package by introducing multiple marking and basic blind handling situations, including concepts like “force to pile,” “T” drill, “swim-by,” honoring, and marking multiple birds. Dogs completing this program should be ready for AKC “Senior/Master” hunting tests and HRC “Seasoned/Finished” tests.

For younger dogs, the Puppy Head Start program, lasting 1-4 months for puppies aged 2-4 months, introduces them to water, gunfire, birds, boats, decoys, basic obedience, and socialization, with the goal of fostering a love for retrieving. Additionally, a 6-week Obedience course is available for all breeds of medium to large dogs aged 5 months or older, covering commands like heel (on & off leash), here, kennel, sit, and stay. A Pre-Hunting Tune Up program, 1-3 months, is offered for experienced retrievers needing to stay sharp, emphasizing marking, steadiness, and blind work.

Wolf Creek Retrievers is a family-owned and operated full-service dog training center established in 2002, located about 40 miles northeast of the Dallas/Ft Worth metroplex in Caddo Mills, Texas. The business is run by Orie Mathews (owner/lead trainer), his wife Teri Mathews (obedience and young dog trainer), and their daughter Kamdyn Mathews (junior dog trainer). They live on-site, providing added security and convenience.

Their facility spans 40 acres, fully fenced, and includes a modern kennel with indoor and outdoor runs. They have completed building a technical training water area and also have access to thousands of acres of additional land and water nearby. This extensive property allows them to create diverse training scenarios for gun dogs, preparing them for hunting or competition in AKC Field Trials and AKC/UKC Hunt tests.

Wolf Creek Retrievers aims to provide a high-quality, positive learning experience, focusing on producing intelligent, eager, and willing gun dogs that are also enjoyable family companions. In addition to training, they offer dog boarding services, a free puppy locating service, and a puppy whelping service. They also occasionally offer well-bred Labrador retriever puppies for sale and AKC/UKC titled Labrador retrievers at stud.

Accomplishments

Orie Mathews proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for six years before establishing Wolf Creek Retrievers. The business successfully qualified 100% of the dogs they entered for the 2015 Master National. One of their female dogs, Molly (HRCH Wolf Creek’s Gambler’s Addiction QAA MH), achieved QAA status in field trials and qualified for the Master National in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. Another female, Donut (Wolf Creek’s Chocolate with Sprinkles), has received her Finished title.

How to Get Started!

To get started or schedule a visit, prospective clients can contact Orie Mathews directly via phone at 214-315-9500 or email at [email protected]. A New Client Form is also available online for contact requests. For puppy whelping service inquiries, Orie Mathews requests calls after 6 pm.