Feeling Stuck in Your Retriever Training?
Most handlers want to train their own retriever, but they’re stuck asking questions like:
Is this method right for my dog?
Why does it feel like I’m guessing?
With so much conflicting information online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—and even easier to make foundational mistakes that affect your retriever for life.
Guidance from Trainers Who Have Been There
Retriever Foundations was created by professional trainer Dan Ihrke and amateur handler Chris Rud to give you expert-led, step-by-step guidance for building a confident, obedient retriever—whether you’re headed to the duck blind, hunt test, or field trial.
We’ve been where you are. We’ve made the mistakes. We’ve also figured out what works.
Now we’re here to walk you through it.
Your Clear, 3-Step Path to a Solid Retriever
3. Build a solid dog
Enjoy a retriever that makes you proud in the field and at the line.
"Chris' gun swing drill drastically improved my gun work program and my dogs are seeing more marks that are hard to see. It is also a great drill to add into a gun dog program to build confidence for young dogs."
