training costs?

[99EMBREY]

I am new to waterfowl hunting. I have a 8 month old chocolate lab that I was thinking of sending to a professional trainer. I was just wandering what I could expect to have to pay? I know the fees very, but what would an average be? Also, do you guys know of some good trainers in the south central/western ky area? Thanks for the thoughts.

[StraitMeatKilla]

The trainer I work dogs with here in Corry, PA usually charge anywhere between $85 - $100 a week, and I believe that includes boarding (kennel space and food) and training costs. You would be responsible for any veterinary needs, i.e. shots, meds, etc.

His name is John Dougherty (Labradougherty Kennels - I think that is the name of it - go onto Yahoo search and enter that and you should find him)...great guy and an awesome trainer. He works his dogs with mine so I don't get charged....as long as I throw and shoot for his dogs. Kind of a great deal!!!!! He has trained dogs from all over...and I pretty sure he just finished a dog for a guy in KY somewhere (I think he was a police officer down there).

As far as an average cost...I have seen prices anywhere from $350 - $1500 per month. Take it for what it is worth....whatever you do...RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH before you make any decisions. Ask for references, call them and ask questions, get INVOLVED with the training if it someone local.

Just my 0.02.

Strait

[Whiteout]

$400 to $500 dollars per month for training and boarding is an average cost for most trainers. This is what a trainer I worked for ahilw back charged......Food was the owners responsibilty unless they fed what the Kennel Owner used.

For this cost training took place 6 days out of the week 1 -2 times per day depending on where the dog was in training at the time. This trainer only took 6-8 dogs at a time for training as well. Many others take 2-5 times that many.....you need to investigate this matter for your self to make sure your dog gets the attention it needs.

Also, check with the PRTA (Professioanl Retriever Trainers Association) for references. Do a search you will find wome of the best around there.

Good luck!

[njhonker]

Hello.
Strait is right on the money. You can expect to pay $400 on the low end or anywhere up to thousands of dollars a month. It depends a lot on the trainer and of course what type of training you are expecting. There is simple obedience, marking and retrieving training and then there is serious field trial work that requires lots of hours, lots of time and lots of birds. The most important part of picking a trainer is chosing one that has a clean kennel and has lots of good references. Do not select one just because you like his prices, it could be a big mistake. And then also a good professional trainer will also go over the ground work with you and your dog so you know how to keep up with Fido's training. Believe me, no matter how hard a pro works on your dog and how good he becomes, the dog will lose it all quickly unless you hold up your end of the deal.
You can look in the magazine..The Retriever Journal for some good reputible pros or find a local retriever club and you will be able to find good local guys that way.
Good Luck

[Paul Cupka]

Hey 99EMBREY,
Strait is absolutley correct on all his info, and being that you are next door I'll tell you what I have been paying is around $550 (food, board frontline and heartguard). I do alot w/ the trainer and am out there working my dog 3-5 times a week when he stays at the kennel. I feel fortunate to have hooked up w/ this guy so like the others said, do your homework. I am mostly replying to your post for one reason though, if your dog is 8 months now, get him rolling, soon. This is a critical time in training a good duck dog! My boy is 14 months and I just came of the river w/ him, and he is doing things a veteran dog can't. But we started early. Alot of hard work and ALOT of time on your part, but it is so worth it. Good Luck and good hunting. Let me know if you need anything else.