Our training programs

At Prairie Spry Retrievers, we believe every dog deserves the right foundation to succeed in the field and at home. Our programs are designed to build confident, reliable retrievers through proven training methods, patience, and consistency.

Basic

Length: Minimum of 5 months

Focus Areas:

  • Basic obedience

  • Collar conditioning

  • Force fetch

  • Gun and bird introduction

  • Water introduction

  • Ability to run singles

  • Started Level Hunt Test Preparation

Outcome: Dogs in this program develop a solid foundation for hunting and started hunt tests. They’ll be steady, confident, and prepared for the field.

Intermediate

Length: Minimum of 8 months

Includes Everything in the Basic Program, Plus:

  • T-Pattern

  • Handling on blind retrieves

  • Advanced marking singles and doubles

  • Seasoned Level Hunt Test Preparation

Outcome: This program produces polished retrievers capable of running basic blinds, handling more complex setups, and performing at higher levels in the field and in seasoned level hunt tests.

Advanced

Length: 12 months+

Includes All Basic and Intermediate Program Training, Plus:

  • T-Pattern & Advanced Handling – Teaching dogs precision handling for blind retrieves.

  • Advanced Blind Work – Confidently running blinds in a variety of terrain and conditions.

  • Multiple Marks – Progression from doubles to triples for complex hunting scenarios and test setups.

  • Advanced Marking Concepts – Memory, angle entries, and handling challenging marks.

  • Finished Level Hunt Test Preparation – Developing the control, confidence, and skill set needed to successfully pass Finished level tests.

Outcome: Dogs completing this program become polished, reliable hunting retrievers capable of competing and performing at advanced levels. They’ll be able to confidently run triples, handle demanding blinds, and demonstrate the steadiness and discipline required to pass a Finished test.