About Texas Duck Dogs

Retriever training near Gainesville

Texas Duck Dogs is a retriever training kennel in the Gainesville area, about 20 minutes north of Denton, serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and clients from across Texas. Owners Wade and Lauren Cashion run it; Wade is a 5th generation dog trainer and handler who took his first training client at 18 and began competing in AKC Hunt Tests in 2012. The kennel specializes in dogs that are both family companions and hunting partners.

Programs and pricing

The entry-level Basic Hunter program, about 4 months for most pups, adds field work for dove and duck hunts to formal obedience, with a monthly one-on-one private lesson for the owner, at $1,500 per month. Advanced and Master Hunter programs follow. An AKC Hunt Test or Field Trial program runs $1,200 per month, and a 6-8 week Obedience Only program costs $3,600. All hunting programs include the obedience program. The kennel also offers Labrador puppies and started dogs.

What owners say

One client wrote that his dog Bear "did great in his first hunting season, and he is also a great house dog."

What to ask

Ask about waitlist timing, kennel availability and how monthly progress lessons are scheduled.