Bent Creek Kennels Terrell Cooke Owner/Professional Trainer Welcome to Bent Creek Kennels, our programs produce stylish retrievers that are exciting to watch in the field, make excellent hunting partners, and are also wonderful family pets.   Our training programs are tailored to the individual dogs needs.  We only accept a limited number of dogs in training, so that all our dogs get the attention that they need.  We start by trying to get the dog to retrieve without any pressure or requirements.  We teach basic obedience commands, and in the process, win the dog's confidence and teach the beginnings of self discipline.  We force-fetch all dogs,   which is the process of teaching them step by step the proper way to recover, carry, and deliver a dummy or bird.  This is equally true for competition dogs and hunting dogs, and our early training is the same for both. BASIC OBEDIENCE AND YARD WORK (3-6 MONTHS OR TRAINING) Force-Fetch and Collar Fetch Collar Conditioning Marking Drills(Simple Doubles) Force to Pile Whistle Sit Swim-By and Water Force (Cheating Singles) Wagon Wheel Lining Drills Steadiness Drills Basic Training is the most important part of training and is the foundation of training yet to come.  Basic training consists of obedience commands(verbal and whistle), complete trained retrieve program for reliable delivery to hand and the go when sent concept and collar conditioning on all commands to ensure a quick response even at great distance from the handler. Advanced Training (6 Months and More) Marks and Blinds Combined Advanced Marking Drills (in lines, converging marks) Advanced Blinds Marks (80% Singles and 20% Multiple) Finished retriever training program involves all basic training listed above plus training for multiple marks, diversion marks and blind retrievers, dogs completing this program will be able to complete difficult multiple marks concepts, will handle smoothly, be steady and will honor other dogs at work.  They will be able to handle any situation that may arise in an average day of hunting.   Advanced Training takes all the skills taught to a finished dog to the extreme level needed for campaigning.  This training teaches your dog to handle very technical multiple marks and blind retrieves, emphasis is put on precise marking handling and straight lines through cover, difficult terrain and water.  The advance level requires an above average dog and if this level is your goal with your dog, we will give you an evaluation based on our opinion of you dogs ability after going through the basic training program. Bent Creek Kennels Client Information All dogs are required to have current vaccinations including bordetella(kennel cough). All dogs must have proof of negative test for heart worms. You will be billed on the first of each month.  The bill will consist of training fees and any bird fees used during training. Charges for all veterinary services  will be billed directly to you. You will receive a monthly evaluation describing your dog's progress, as well as,  any strengths/weaknesses.  We encourages owner participation.   If you would like to discuss personally your dog's progress, please feel free to contact me at (806) 383-2850 after 7:00 pm.