About Right Start Kennel

What it does, and what it does not

Right Start Kennel is narrow by design. Its home page says: "Established in 1990, Right Start Kennels focuses solely on giving young retrievers the 'Right Start Advantage'. We specialize in taking young dogs and progressing them from the basics through transition, ideally prepared to go on to advanced training." The training is described as "individualized training based on the needs of the student within the parameters of a well designed, step-by-step, progressive program." This is a field-trial and hunting foundation program for young retrievers rather than a pet obedience, puppy class or behavior service.

Record and location

The site claims a record for the program: "Since then, RSK has provided the foundation for twelve national field titles and 174 field champions," and the home page carries a long list of national champions by year alongside the line "and 193 Field Champions." Headquarters are given as Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, with "winter grounds in Cairo, Georgia affording the young students optimum learning opportunities year round." The published phone number is (920) 467-3413.

The trainer, as the site tells it

The history is written about one person: the site says "Jim got his start training dogs at the early age of 17 when he became the proud owner of a Labrador Retriever," that "His first entry in a local field trial won him a ribbon which planted the seeds for his eventual career," and that his "college education was funded by his talent as a dog trainer where he graduated with an education degree in 1984, after which he went on to become a high school teacher. With experience as an educator and with his intuitive dog training skill, Right Start Kennel was born in 1990." It adds that "While Jim does not run many trials himself, preferring to stay home and train, he and his students usually run several derby stakes each year," and that his philosophy "is to develop a dog to its full potential by teaching within a structured, progressive training program." The site also advertises a three-disc DVD, "Retriever Yard Work with Jim Van Engen," described as providing "5-hours of insight, instruction and tips focusing on yard work."

Before you book

Ask about prices and program lengths.