Our Experience
With over thirty years of experience in dog training, we have had the privilege of working with field dogs and show lines from North America, Ireland, and Great Britain. Our expertise lies in training Labrador retrievers for the field and fulfilling their role as family companions. We have also successfully rehabilitated troubled retrievers, which has been personally rewarding for us.
In addition to our years of experience, we are also an Animal Behavior College Service Dog Trainer, an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, an AKC Temperament Evaluator, and a member of the AKC Bred With Heart program. Our credentials also include being a certified pet evaluator for Therapy Pets Unlimited, a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), a certified trainer with the Canine Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT—KA), and certified in Pet Psychology (HCRUIO5) and Canine Communication (BX2K211S).
Having worked with so many different canines, we have a clear understanding of the possibilities for building great gun dogs, family companions, and working dogs.
Our Approach to Training
At the core of Sundance Retrievers, we have combined time-tested methods with current thinking and new technologies to implement a three-step training process:
- Teach - Give actions a name and mark that behavior with praise. At this stage, the cue is a request.
- Groove - Repeat the desired response until it is automatic.
- Apply - Transition the learned behavior into the field.
Our training program is based on the belief that building sound, quality animals requires fairness and consistency. Only by teaching with patience and understanding can one develop a companion that will be your best friend and trusted hunting partner.
Where We Work and Play
Sundance Retrievers is located at Willow Farm, a private 200-acre hunting preserve. Constantly surrounded by family, our Labrador retrievers thrive in a stimulating and nurturing atmosphere.
During the evening, you’ll usually find me reading a new book about dog psychology, sipping a cup of tea, and listening to classical music.
On the weekends, I enjoy going for walks in the woods whenever possible.
During evenings, you can find me riding my Polaris RZR or sharpening up my archery skills by shooting in a Techno Hunt league.
On the weekends, I work draft horses whenever possible. As an ambitious person at heart, I like to always be doing something from deer and turkey hunting to cheering on my husband and friends at local and ATV National Motocross tracks.
Our weekend and evening staff is made up of a dedicated team of young adults. They specialize in puppy adventures and field trips to their homes or into town.
