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ISO Duck dog and trainer

826 Views | 15 Replies | Last: 53 min ago by LoneStarBQ
bonez832
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12:45p, 12/8/25
AG
Hey Ags, I'm after a lab pup and trainer/school recommendations. I've done the Google search and looked at reviews of kennels all over Texas, but curious to see of any first hand experiences/suggestions here.

Thanks
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Animal
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1:11p, 12/8/25
AG
Where do you live?

What are your goals for the dog?

If hunting, how much do you hunt?
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bonez832
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In reply to Animal • 1:20p, 12/8/25
AG
Animal said:
Where do you live?

What are your goals for the dog?

If hunting, how much do you hunt?


I'm just east of the College Station area.

Goal is for the pup to hunt/retrieve with their senses using commands as a backup/general direction. Calm demeanor in the blind, well behaved.

I hunt throughout the season. Coast, river, etc.
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Animal
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1:38p, 12/8/25
AG
OK - I am not too familiar with trainers in that area but I think it is best, if you can, to find someone close by so you can be somewhat involved in the process and learn as the dog learns.

If your identified trainer is also a breeder then I would get the pup from them. They have a vested interest in making sure the dog turns out .

I am sure someone will be along to recommend a trainer in your area. That is where I would start your search. If possible, meet several.

There is also an active BCS Retriever Club. I would attend some meetings and get to know some of those folks too. Most likely there will be professional trainers as well as individual dog owners there.
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Zjones920
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1:44p, 12/8/25
Best Retrievers is not far from you. We have 3 dogs that were trained there. Everything we needed in a lab. They have a whelping service and are not breeders.

My dog can go from a house dog to hunting dog as soon as she sees the shotgun go into the gun case.
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bonez832
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1:53p, 12/8/25
AG
Thank you for the responses. I appreciate it
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StayGolden05
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In reply to bonez832 • 1:54p, 12/8/25
AG
bonez832 said:
Hey Ags, I'm after a lab pup and trainer/school recommendations. I've done the Google search and looked at reviews of kennels all over Texas, but curious to see of any first hand experiences/suggestions here.

Thanks


Best Retrievers in Paige, Texas. I'm a Golden guy & use a different pro trainer, but if I were a lab guy, they'd be my first call. They'll know who has pups on the ground and will help you in all aspects.

If you want to shop around call Deana Houston at Black Label Kennels, Randy McBrayer at Little River Retrievers, Ryan Barr at Barr Kennels, Tom Garza at Lonestar, Kirk Wichman at Hidden Lake Retrievers, JC Strange at Cripple Creek, Drew Horn at HD Gundogs, or Ryan Middaugh at ETEK. There are about 20 more good ones I know I'm missing but you can't go wrong with any on that list & they'll mostly all have leads on pups.
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wareagle044
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2:17p, 12/8/25
We've spoke on the female I have remaining - would love for her to be a match.

I know agvet13 may have a litter on the ground now or close to it to explore. Her husband has Drake Sporting Dogs in Blanco Tx. Great set up out that way for both dog and training

Hard Retrievers in Snook a little closer to BCS.

A lot of good ones have been mentioned
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AV8ORAG84
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2:19p, 12/8/25
AG
Abkennels.com
Nathan Beabout , great guy , breeds and sell pups . Does training too
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agvet13
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11:49p, 12/8/25
AG
My husband is Justin Drake with Drake Sporting Dogs. We are in Blanco Tx (west of Austin). Our kennels are fully climate controlled and have covered play yards for exercise outside of training.
On the puppy side we have a litter of yellows/reds due early January. Also have a special breeding happening next week that will produce all blacks if she is confirmed pregnant.
Let me know if you need any other info or pictures
Thanks
Kim
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RAB87
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4:08a, 12/9/25
AG
So many good retriever trainers near you. Among the best is Best Retrievers. They're an Aggie family and fantastic people. My Best Retrievers pup earned her Master title and first Master National plate at 3 years old. They are in Paige, a little over an hour drive east of you. They train retrievers for hunting and for competition. They also have a whelping service and can help match your needs with a great litter.
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Hotlink07
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6:41a, 12/9/25
AG
Chris and his crew at Oak Creek is awesome we have a few dogs that have went through his program and friends dogs as well they are just east of college station off osr. So sounds like in your area.

https://www.oakcreekretrievers.com

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TBass IV
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11:16a
AG
Wildrose in Dallas
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DVM97
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In reply to AV8ORAG84 • 12:40p
AG
AV8ORAG84 said:
Abkennels.com
Nathan Beabout , great guy , breeds and sell pups . Does training too

Great guy, does a quality job with his dogs.
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TacosaurusRex
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In reply to agvet13 • 2:28p
Apologies for hijacking the thread, but yall also offer boarding, right? If so, do yall allow intact males to stay with yall?
"If you are reading this, I have passed on from this world — not as big a deal for you as it was for me."
T. Boone Pickens
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LoneStarBQ
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4:09p
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I highly recommend Best Retrievers. We've had two dogs that have been trained there. They also work with breeds other than Labs.
Best Retrievers
LoneStarBQ Fightin' Texas Aggie Band Class of 89 Midland, TX
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