Common Questions
What People Are Asking Us
Is my pet too old to be trained?
At Sinking Creek Kennels, we understand that some older dogs may have difficulty learning new skills, but we believe that any dog can be trained at any age. Our experienced staff will work with you and your dog to create a customized training plan that is tailored to your dog’s individual needs.
How long does it usually take to train a gun dog?
How long does it usually take to train a dog striving to reach the Master Hunter Level?
At Sinking Creek Kennels, we understand that every dog is unique and the amount of time it takes to train a gun dog will vary depending on the individual dog. Generally, it can take anywhere from 4-7 months to complete basic training for a gun dog. If we feel like your dog is not making progress Blake will contact you and have a conversation about the dog and we will leave it up to the owner if they choose to move foward with training.
Where does my dog sleep at night and is there someone with them?
The Master Hunter level is a great achievement with in the AKC arena. To reach this level it takes drive, discipline and dedication. The time frame of achievement of this status depends on the individual dog and the amount of time and dedication that the owner is willing to devote to the training process. On average it takes about two years to train a dog at a master hunter level.
Our facilities are temperature regulated and indoors. The dogs are kept in individual 4 x 8 state of the art kennels. The Sinking Creek Kennels are on site at our home so there is someone always available to let them out to air " use the bathroom & run", feed, and incase of any emergencies.
Do you provide food for my dog or do I have to bring it?
For our longer term gundog and hunt test training programs we provide a high protein 30/20 Pro Plan diet which will give them the nutrients they need for their training days. The meals are included into the price of your monthly training package. We advise that you start your dog on this food at a minimum of 2 weeks prior to drop off. You will want to start the change by mixing the new food in with their old food. For our obedience training camps you will need to bring the food for the length of stay.
Yes, absolutely! We understand that your dog is a part of your family, and we encourage you to come visit them while they are here. We do ask that you give us a call ahead of time to make arrangements so that we can ensure that you are able to get through the gates .
Can I come visit my dog while they are being trained at Sinking Creek?
How am I billed and what payment methods do you accept?
When booking your service you can pay with cash, check, vemno, ACH or credit card. If you pay with credit card there is a 3% service fee added to your invoice, If you pay with ACH there is a $10.00 fee added to your invoice. For our train and board programs you are billed monthly for the upcoming month. ( Just like an apartment lease) If you are taking part of an obedience class or private lesson your payment is due prior to reserve your dogs space.
What is the difference between HRC Hunt Test and AKC Hunt Tests?
An AKC Hunt Test is an event held by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and is designed to evaluate a dog’s ability to perform the tasks of a hunting dog. The test involves retrieving, pointing, tracking, and other skills. The HRC Hunt Test is a hunting test held by the Hunting Retriever Club (HRC) and is designed to evaluate a hunting dog’s ability to handle and retrieve game in a variety of hunting conditions. Both tests are designed to demonstrate a dog’s ability to perform the tasks of a hunting dog.
Can my dog train to compete in both HRC Hunt Tests and AKC Hunt Tests ?
It is possible to train a retriever dog to compete in both HRC (Hunting Retriever Club) and AKC (American Kennel Club) at the same time, but it can be challenging. Generally, the training and conditioning for each competition are different, and it may take additional time and dedication to train the dog for both events. HRC focuses more on the hunting aspect of retriever dogs, and the competition consists of field events that simulate hunting conditions. On the other hand, AKC mostly concentrates on bench shows and standard field alignment tests. While the two clubs have some overlap in their events, the judging styles and objectives are different, and dogs may need different training strategies to perform well in both.