About Apex Performance Retrievers

Who runs it

"Apex Performance Retrievers was founded by William Fletcher, whose passion for training dogs began during his service in the United States Marine Corps as an IED Detection Dog Handler. From 2006 to 2010, William honed his skills through multiple combat deployments, ultimately earning an Honorable Discharge." The site continues: "His journey continued at Auburn University's Canine and Detection Training Center, where he served as an instructor and trainer from 2011 to 2013." The business itself is dated: "In 2020, William brought his vision to life by establishing Apex Performance Retrievers."

What they train

Three program families. Retriever work runs "Basic Retriever Training — Builds a strong foundation in essential skills," "Advanced Retriever Training — Expands on the Basic Program with advanced skills," and "Hunt Test Training," which the site quantifies: it "Prepares dogs for approximately 20 AKC and HRC tests per year, including Master National and Grand events." Obedience runs "Basic On-Leash Training" and "Advanced Of-Leash Training — An extension of the Basic On-Leash Program, incorporating electronic collar conditioning for enhanced reliability and off-leash freedom." Puppy work covers "socialization, exposure to various environments, and creating a strong, positively reinforced foundation," and the site also runs a "Puppy Finder" service: "We'll help you find the perfect puppy to welcome into your family."

The limit they set on themselves

Stated as a number, which is rare: "We keep a maximum of 8 dogs in training at a time to ensure each dog receives ample one-on-one attention, socialization, and high-quality training. This personalized approach leads to better results — but it also means spots fill up quickly, and we sometimes have to turn dogs away due to timing constraints."

Paying for it

The site describes a payment structure: "We understand that dog training is an investment… our flexible payment structure allows you time to manage the cost while still getting the high-quality training your dog deserves."

Boarding

Advertised as not yet open: the site carries a repeated "Dog Boarding • Coming Soon" banner and a waitlist — "Be the first to know when we begin accepting clients."

Where it is and who comes

"255 Bright Hill R. Princeton, KY 42445," with the claim "Trusted by Clients Across KY, TN, IN, and MO." Contact is "(270) 963-8645."

Before you book

Ask about prices, program length and any training certification. The site gives two spellings of its contact email on different pages, so the phone is the surer route.