Donald L. Smith
3755 Pine Meadow Rd.
New Albany, OH 43054
614-855-7944
614-296-3630
Training programs are as follows:
I offer basic obedience and retriever training for gun dogs and hunting tests. I accept a very limited
number of clients. My current rate as of January 2008 is $400 per month and includes kenneling at my home and all costs, including
food, training and plenty of exposure to birds, both pigeons and live and dead ducks. I keep both ducks and pigeons on site.
Monthly heartworm treatment, flea and tick treatment and the cost of veterinary services, both routine and emergency, are
not included. Usually, I accept no puppies less than 5-6 months of age for intensive obedience and field training, but I am
willing to talk to those with younger dogs about starting earlier and I am prepared to work with owners of younger retrievers
for brief stays with me and socialization training at special rates. No dogs are accepted for training without a recent veterinary
examination, being cleared for any parasites and must be current on all inoculations for contagious diseases. I have been
training dogs since 1970, including obedience, show and field training, beginning with bird dogs (German shorthaired pointers)
and, in 1986, with Labrador retrievers.
Novice Training: The novice or basic field program is intended for those dogs that have had no formal
training. Although usually these are younger retrievers, I have successfully trained retrievers as old as 5 years of age that
have had no field or obedience training before. The program is normally 3-4 months, but may be longer, depending upon the
abilities of the individual dog. It includes obedience, both on and off lead, including voice and whistle response, force
fetching, collar conditioning, gunfire conditioning and training on marked retrieves, with plenty of birds, both on land and
water. Emphasis will be placed on your dog’s steadiness to wing and shot. When the program is completed, your dog will
be a good basic retrieving companion for hunting and will be dependable on birds when it marks the bird’s fall. The
dog that has finished the basic program will be able to satisfactorily compete in hunting tests at the AKC Junior Hunter and
HRC/UKC Started levels.
Intermediate Training: Intermediate training is offered for those retrievers that have completed a beginning
field program. My preliminary evaluation will determine whether the dog is a candidate for intermediate training or whether
a refresher course is required. Intermediate training is intended for those who want their retriever trained for basic land
and water blind retrieves with whistle and hand signals. Training will also include multiple marked retrieves. Obedience,
steadiness and field and blind manners will be emphasized. The program is normally 3-4 months in duration, but may be longer
based upon the dog’s abilities. The dog that has completed the intermediate program will be able to handle a variety
of waterfowl hunting situation and be able to compete at the AKC Senior Hunter and HRC/UKC Seasoned levels.
Advanced Training: Dogs in advanced training receive more complex marking and blind work than in intermediate
training. They will be presented with complicated multiple retrieve situations designed for their success and to improve their
abilities as a finished waterfowl hunting retriever. They will be exposed to a variety of different retrieving problems, minimizing
the chance of your buddy being presented with an unfamiliar situation while afield with you. At the end of the 6-8 month program,
your dog will be able to compete at the AKC Master Hunter and HRC/UKC Finished levels. Your dog must be trained to the intermediate
level before being accepted for the advanced program.
Handling fees: Handling: I am more than happy to handle those client dogs that I have trained at hunting
tests. I will also handle other client dogs as long as I have had the opportunity to work with the dog beforehand. I have
a fully equipped stainless steel, dual axle, 8-hole Jones dog trailer for your dog’s comfort. Between that and my cap-equipped
truck, I can transport as many as 12 dogs in comfort and safety. Feel free to contact me for rates
Pre-season tune up: This program is intended for those retrievers which have had prior field training,
but have been given a bit too long of a much deserved rest after the waterfowl season has ended. Your buddy will be brought
back into shape and those abilities for which he has been trained will be polished up. The program focuses on steadiness,
delivery to hand, marked retrieves and, to the extent your dog has been trained to them, blind retrieves. No new skills or
abilities will be taught. The goal is to have your buddy ready for you to enjoy another waterfowl season together. Duration
is 1-2 months, depending on the dog’s needs and what you want to accomplish.
With all training programs, I encourage owners to visit, if at all possible, on a weekly, biweekly or
monthly basis, depending on the stage of training and, of course, are encouraged to check regularly on progress. It is imperative
that the owner becomes familiar with his or her dog’s progress and abilities and learns how to handle their dog
