At Cottonwood Retrievers we understand that every dog is different and not every dog learns in the same manner. We strive to bring out each dogs personal strengths and work on their weaknesses. We believe that without a good foundation a dog will never reach its full potential. We also realize that to optimize the dogs capabilities you first must be able to communicate with the dog in a fashion that they understand. The catalyst to reaching these goals is a good relationship between handler and dog;  a dog can only be as good as his handler. Our training methods are based on modern techniques that produce dogs that are well rounded. Depending on your personal goals your dog will have the skills for hunting, hunt tests, or field trials. We take great pride in producing dogs that enjoy their work as much as we do training them.

Conditioning

We believe that a well conditioned dog will perform better with less effort than a dog that is just trained. That is why we work all our dogs on a conditioning program that involves swimming or roading three days a week. This allows your dog to be more comfortable and confident performing in the field.

Gundog Training

Living in Idaho allows us to work dogs on a variety of Wild Game. We have access to several Private ranches that we spent time at in the fall hunting the dogs.  We have excellent upland bird hunting including pheasants, quail, and chukers, to great waterfowl hunting on our training grounds. Our vast amount of public land allows us to train and hunt on a variety of terrain. "They do best what they do most", gaining experience hunting allows the dog to put training and natural ability together. Our dogs are hunted during the season and get lots of birds in training. Our gundog program is tailor made for each dog depending on the type of hunting and what the owners needs are.

Puppy Head Start Program

We offer training for puppies up to six months of age. We socialize and develop their retrieving desire and marking ability. In the puppy head start program we teach basic obedience and properly introduce the puppy to water and gunshots. We do not believe in "washing-out" young dogs unless they show lack of desire after having had plenty of fun retrieves and plenty of time to develop. The best you can do is develop the young retriever in a fashion that fits his or her personality not your schedule. Our puppy head start program has contributed to the success of many young dogs in hunt test and field trials. We Offer discounted training to any puppies from Cottonwood Retrievers breeding program and discounted training on advanced training for any retriever that has been in our puppy head start program.

Hunt Test Training

We offer training and campaigning for all levels of AKC Hunt Tests. Our location offers us the opportunity to run trials in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Utah and Montana. Our training method is based on handler and dog development. We encourage people that have dogs in for training to get involved in Hunt tests. This is a great way to have a lot of fun and meet new people that enjoy hunting/training their dogs. Contact us about our spring and summer schedule of hunt tests.

Day Training

We offer day training for those who would like to bring their dogs and train with us. Questions and concerns about training or handling can be addressed during a day training session. There will be no charge for day training if you assist in field work, such as helping set up and throwing marks.

Private lessons and Obedience

We offer private lessons for those who want one on one assistance in training their dogs.  Basic obedience up to advanced obedience handling and marking drills. Private lessons are by appointment.

Rates

* We will be in Cairo Georgia the first of December

  *  Monthly Training: Call for rates

  * Contact 208-989-9913

This site was last updated 11/13/08