We recommend balanced trainers or high standards positive trainers with competitive experience who will help you teach your dog to have good manners, not just use crutches like front clip harnesses, Gentle Leaders or Haltis to physically restrict the dog (which can have orthopedic consequences). Your puppy should be able to walk on a loose lead wearing a flat buckle collar with effective training. We also do not recommend trainers who only rely on corrections. We have to teach before we enforce standards. Early, effective training is vital with intelligent, high drive dogs.
Below are some trainers/facilities we feel comfortable recommending.
Obedience/TrickDog/Agility/Scentwork:
Dana Hart, Training By Hart, Mono ON https://www.facebook.com/trainingbyhart
Tamsu Learning Centre, Tottenham ON https://www.tamsu.ca/
McCann Dogs, Flamborough ON https://mccanndogs.com/
Marie Sawford, Companion Dog Training, Cambridge ON https://www.companiondogtraining.org/
Cheryl Bishop, Elite Dog Training, Kitchener ON http://www.elitedogs.ca
Del Lunn, Goldunn Kennels, Wallaceburg ON https://www.goldunnkennels.ca/training.html
Trimark Canine Services, Mississauga ON https://trimarkcanineservices.ca/
Retriever Fieldwork/Gundog Training:
Shelly Blom, Sterre Kennels--group classes, private lessons, and limited board and train; CKC/AKC hunt tests
Sandie Bond, Dovetail Kennels--board and train program; CKC/AKC hunt tests; Courtland ON summer/ Newbern, Alabama winter https://www.facebook.com/DovetailKennels
Brent Samis, SamisGunn Retrievers--board and train--Washago ON 705-689-5295 | gunnrs@rogers.com
Greg Montgomery, Erie Shores Retrievers--board and train; focuses on HRC competition--Cottam ON https://www.facebook.com/ErieShoreRetrievers