Monthly Board/Train
Do you offer classes or is it only board/train programs?
We are primarily a board and train program where you leave your dog with us everyday for an extended period of time
How much do you charge a month? Payment Options?
When you send us a pup/dog we charge $900.00 per month. This includes your training, board, food, and training equipment. We accept cash, check, paypal, venmo, and cc. Payment is due every month. All payments must be made in full before pup/dog leaves us.
I'm nervous on sending my dog to a kennel. I like having them in my house and I feel a kennel is cruel.
This is more of a statement than a question but I see this more and more. A dog is a dog, and not very many dogs that come to the kennel can't tolerate the environment. If they can't tolerate the environment (loose weight, excessive barking, pacing, kennel painting, or undesirable behaviors that are deemed unhealthy) we send them home. Some dogs can handle short stays at a time where some can't at all. I will say I don't get paid enough to live with some peoples dogs so I will send them home as its the safest option for the dog and owner.
What if my dog needs veterinary care?
Owner's are responsible for their dog's vet bills. We have some great local vets but emergency services are now only in Eau Claire, Menominee, and the twin cities.
Do I have to fill out any forms?
We have a liability waiver that is required for all dogs staying here. We also have a common sense accountability waiver on your part for when the dog goes home so you fully understand your commitment once the dogs leaves us.
Can we visit our dog? Do we get updates?
You are welcome to visit only once per month by appointment only. Some dogs its best not to till the end. Training goes by pretty fast generally. I have a group on Facebook that private for clients only. The group is called NTK Updates (Enrolled Clients Only) and this is for customers only. I go in streaks on updating pictures. First and foremost is health of your dog, then training, then pictures.
How long do I send my dog for?
Length of training is determined by your goals and expectations. Generally speaking 3-4 months is the average length of time for most dogs. Just obedience is an average of 6 weeks. More comprehensive training is 6 months +. Clients that are reluctant to send the dogs for training I always tell that its a few months to a 10-15 year commitment.
How often are the dogs worked everyday?
This answer varies on the dog, training stage, and the dogs mental state. Force fetch we usually do three short sessions a day. Obedience work is usually two times a day, puppy work is short sessions throughout the day and then there is field work and that can vary. I try to separate different sections of training out and bring them together later in training. Quality of training versus quantity. I can go and accomplish way more in 5 minutes than 20 if you know what you are doing.
Do you use E collars or commonly known as "shock" collars?
YES! I am a big advocate for proper use of E collars. They are a great finishing tool for training as well a safety tool. E collars are used for finishing training not actual training. You must do all the manual training before overlaying with an e collar so the dog is fully aware of what is expected. I train my dogs that the collar is an extension of a lead and not necessarily a punishment. This way they are not collar wise (not saying they can't be) and are comfortable. This is also a safety tool for chasing unwanted game such as deer, chasing cars, and excessive barking.
What do you feed the dogs? How often?
We feed Inukshuk formulas and love them! We do offer supplements when needed as well. Dogs are fed according to their age and look. Some dogs are once a day and some 2-3 times.
Do you guarantee your training?
No. I don't guarantee anything on my training. Just because I can get the dog to do something doesn't mean the owner can. Usually if the owner can't its from lack of commitment, communication errors, not enough repetition or impatience. Sometimes a dog doesn't jive with the handler. Dogs have their own mind, they make choices and are free thinking. They sometimes make the right choices and sometimes wrong.
Do you do positive reinforcement? Negative?
I'm a firm believer that dogs like people reap the consequences of their actions. They learn even without human intervention on negative reinforcement. A dog touches a electric fence and receives a shock which deters it from making the same mistake. A dog pushes another dogs buttons too much and gets reprimanded. This is negative reinforcement. We don't live in a world where negative consequences are non-existent. I use both positive and negative reinforcement in my training and adjust accordingly.
I live far away, is there a shipping option?
We use Gundog Express regularly and highly recommend them. They are the only company we schedule shipping out of. If you prefer someone else we have the customers arrange shipping. We don't offer flying option at this time.
Our Breeding Program
Why did you choose British Labradors?
I was raised the backyard bred labradors. When I started training I worked many different breeds until I purchased Savage and Marlin. They were my first British Labrador puppies and they got me hooked. I like the trainability, the gamey tenacious drive, the low correction (for most), the size was a big sell for me, and the quiet nature of most of them. For me this is what I enjoyed and preferred which started my obsession with them. For me they fit the criteria of quiet in the home and a rocket in the field. Granted training makes a world of a difference but for a British it seems to come more natural.
Are British Labradors superior to American?
No. Every breed of dog or lines within a breed fit different people for different reasons. Everyone has similar goals to breed healthy well performing dogs but some do better for certain handlers. You can produce a hot British just as much as you can produce a calm American. Although they have their own styles, it really comes down to the handler preference. I've produced unintentional "hott" British. No breeder worth their salt will tell you that their program is perfect.
How do you choose your studs and dams?
I'm very picky and what I like, the next person might not. I keep the standard of soft mouth, quiet demeanor in the kennel (big one for me), good idle, very gamey but not OCD or necrotic, very biddable but not soft or puddy like temperament. I like a dog with grit, drive, and fluid running style. Not too independent but not clingy. A sound mind is key. I don't keep any dogs that are bitchy or aggressive. Even with heat cycles I like to keep the peace. Looks are also important. Pedigrees are a must but not 100% of the picture. My Annie girl has the weakest pedigree but is by far one of our best dogs.
What do you charge for puppies?
$2,000.00 per puppy. We never sell two puppies from one litter to one owner.
Why limited registration?
This keeps people from doing stupid things. Limited Registration prevents you from registering a litter of puppies out of your dog(s). I require that you must first:
- Health test hips, elbows, eyes to OFA/PENHIP Certification
- Genetic Panel
- Dog must perform above a pet level. Dog must hunt extensively and be proven worth breeding.
- Must be bred to another British of quality and they also must be health tested.
Started Dogs
How does it work getting a started dog from one of your litters?
We primarily raise and train puppies for customers out of our litters. This way we see first hand what we are producing and customers get a started to finished dog instead of a puppy. You get on a list on an agreed upon litter like you would if you just purchased a puppy. We discuss and pick a program to fit your needs/timeline and budget. You can name your puppy and even pick your puppy in most cases.
How do I know what litter to pick?
We can discuss based on that you are looking for to pick the right litter. The biggest thing is to pick the breeding and the puppy is the easy part. Look to the sire and dam to find what you will most likely get.
How do I pick a program?
We discuss your expectations and goals to determine the best program. I will not oversell you on what level you will need. A lot of it depends on how much work you want to do yourself.
What if my dog doesn't turn out?
Sometimes dogs don't turn out. Some dogs will out perform or underperform a customers wants and needs. Its my job to be the guy that brings this to your attention. In the past we often resell the dog and refund the customer or we resell the dog and restart a dog for the customer. I won't send you a dog that isn't ready let alone a dog that can't perform.
Refund Policy
Our refund policy states that if you decide to back out of a started dog for any reason while the dog in training at our facility, we will relist, resell, and then refund you after the dog has sold. You will be refunded the full amount you had paid down on the dog. The does not include remaining unpaid balance. If you take the dog home and give it a fair shot within 30-90 days and we both deem the dog not suitable for you we will take the dog back to resell and refund you in that order. This may take days to months to accomplish. We don't take dogs back if you have harmed their training beyond repair.