About Troy Creek Retrievers

A retriever training kennel

Troy Creek Retrievers is a full-service retriever training kennel in Westmoreland County on Virginia's Northern Neck. It trains retrievers for all levels of hunt tests, for gun dog work and as hunting companions, and has access to thousands of acres of private land with ponds for training set-ups.

Retriever program

Each dog goes through a formal obedience program that leads into retrieving basics: marking on land and water, force fetch, bird handling and delivery, and steadiness. Advanced dogs learn multiple marks, blind retrieves, honoring and upland skills. The kennel trains for AKC, HRC and NAHRA hunt tests and runs select dogs in AKC field trials. Young dogs are encouraged to start between six and nine months, with a four-month minimum.

Obedience for non-hunting dogs

For non-hunters and non-retrieving breeds, basic obedience is a five-week course built on reliable here, sit and heel. One-on-one hourly sessions are offered to owners who want to be directly involved.

Before you go

Dogs need current vaccinations including Bordetella, canine influenza and rabies, and owners sign a training contract. Owner involvement is encouraged. The kennel also breeds retrievers.

What to ask

Ask about monthly training fees, visiting during training, and the hunt test schedule.