About Flyway Retrievers

Retriever training in Leona

Flyway Retrievers is a retriever training and boarding kennel on County Road 108 in Leona, run by trainer Charles Cates. Charles began training retrievers on the side 30 years ago, and Flyway credits word of mouth for its growth. Every dog is trained by Charles himself rather than a junior trainer, and the kennel takes up to 16 field dogs at a time.

Programs

Flyway works with gun dog, hunt test and minor stakes field trial prospects, typically from six months to two years depending on the owner's goals. General obedience and boarding are offered for most breeds. Each dog learns five basic commands as a baseline alongside retriever training, and a daily airing routine supports housebreaking. Dogs live in Priefert retriever kennels and travel in Ainley trailers, and there is a quiet, secure play area. Hours are Monday to Saturday.

What owners say

"Charles teaches to the individual dog and takes a personal approach to each dog he trains." Another client wrote that Charles put a Master Hunter title on their dog.

What to ask

Ask about pricing, program length for your dog's goals and current openings.