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About PRTA
The PRTA is an association of professional retriever trainers
formed for the purpose of establishing and maintaining standards of professional
conduct with respect to clients and to the retriever sport. Current or former
members include most of the historic professional trainers who have contributed
to what we know today about training retrievers; most of the pro trainers
currently successful in field trials; trainers who campaign dogs in hunting
tests, and hunting retriever trainers.
Members make their living training retrievers, and agree to
abide by the PRTA Code of Ethics. PRTA members train retrievers in all regions
of the United States and parts of Canada.
Find PRTA trainers near you in the Directory of Members; check
our Information section for frequently-asked questions (FAQ), tips and articles
on training retrievers, employing a pro, hunting with retrievers, etc.; or
browse our site to learn more about the Professional Retriever Trainers
Association, its services, Sponsors, and benefits.
What to Look for in A
Trainer
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Ask to tour the kennel and surroundings. The kennel
should be clean, well ventilated and the dogs healthy looking. Most
trainers have dog trucks with individual “dog boxes” that are used to
transport the dogs daily to different training ground locations. The
trainer’s bird pens should be well stocked with training birds and the
trainer knowledgeable. If you want to compete your dog in retriever
field trials or hunting tests, check out the trainer’s record of field
trial placements or hunt test qualifications, at the level you desire to
compete in.
Most professional retriever trainers accept dogs for
a minimum of three to four months and require owners to sign a liability
release form. It takes three to four months to train a basic level
hunting retriever and usually four to six months to start a basic level,
hunt test dog. Competitive field trial dogs are in training years at a
time throughout their life. Expect to pay $550. to $750. per month for a
reputable trainer, plus birds. Ask the trainer when you will be allowed
to visit or call for progress reports. Never show up unannounced as most
professional trainers have a very busy schedule. |
It is important to inquire about what instruction you
will receive on how to work your dog, during the training. Some
professionals specialize in retriever handler training as well as
competitive retrievers. Most trainers will prefer you to leave the dog
for a specified time before making your first appointment to visit, so
that the dog can adjust to the trainer and the new surroundings. Ask for
a step by step run down of what will be covered during the training
period. If your dog is not making satisfactory progress, at what point
will you be notified? It wouldn’t be cost effective to leave your dog
for six months of training if it was obviously failing by the second
month.
The success of your dog's program depends on a well
selected pup that is given the best start possible. Most professional
retriever trainers are friendly, informative people that love training
dogs, bird hunting and the retriever sports. Get in touch with a PRTA
member trainer now, and get your retriever on the road to success! |
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