Competition Retrievers
Competition Retrievers
While having a great hunting partner and a loyal companion are fantastic goals, some dogs are just built for more, especially dogs that are bred at a high-level. These high achieving retrievers will thrive in our competitive retriever program.
This program is for the dogs that will spend most of their off-season here at GARNER CREEK KENNELS or with us on our summer trip. We prefer to train in the Northern United States during the summer months to allow the dogs to maintain a high-level of training while not having the concern of heat and humidity.
During this time, we will run various retriever contests such as AKC field trials, AKC hunt tests, and HRC hunt tests. While this option can be costly, we believe it is the most rewarding and will take your retriever to their highest potential.
This program does not interfere with what you bought these retrievers for, which is to be a hunting retriever that performs at the highest level in the field. All of the program will be performed during the off season allowing you and your retriever as many days in the field, together, as possible.
In the competitive retriever program, we will push your dog to their limits and pursue the highest titles in their respective venues. This will also increase the value of your dog and make them more desirable for a breeding program.
Since we encourage our owners to be involved in training / running their dogs, every step of the way, the bond between owner and dog will also be increased. Here at GCK, we like to think of it as practice for the real deal and something fun you can do all year long. Not to mention, your dog will constantly be in perfect physical condition for when hunting season rolls around .
Here at GCK we compete in the following venues:
AKC Field trials : Derby (under 2yrs old), Qualifying stake
AKC hunt tests : Junior, senior, Master
HRC hunt tests : started, seasoned, finished, Grand
Price: $800 per month + fees
Fees associated with competition:
Monthly training at $800 per month.
For returning dogs: Dogs MUST be back in training at least one month prior to running any tests
For new dogs: Dogs MUST be in training for a minimum of two months prior to running any tests. Please note this length of time will vary from dog to dog.
Test fees: These MUST be paid prior to your dog running. We do not pay for tests.
Handler fees: As of now, Handler fees are $75 per day of handling. So on a two day hunt test, you will be charged $150.
Gas, Hotel, ONE meal: This cost will be divided between all dogs that are being ran.
PLEASE NOTE: If your dog is on a waitlist, or is only running one day of a two day test, you will still be charged for an equal part of the expenses. You will only be charged handler fees for when your dog is handled (ie: the one day of testing or if they get off the waitlist).