Trinity Oak Labs offers basic, intermediate, and advanced
Hunting Retriever training. We mainly work with Labradors, but
will accept other retrieving breeds as well. Our program is
tailored to each dog, keeping the owner's goals in mind, whether
it be for AKC or UKC/HRC Hunt tests or as a finished waterfowl or
upland hunting retriever. Dogs are trained daily and
individually, one on one with a trainer. We encourage owner
participation at all levels, and also encourage dogs to return
annually to build physical fitness for hunting season.
*WHAT TO EXPECT*
Please keep in mind that all dogs are created differently in their ability to
learn and absorb information. We recommend beginning training for a dog 6 months old (depending on the dog's mental maturity). Dogs create bad habits just like humans, and by starting dogs at a young age, you leave less time for these habits to be made. The older the dog gets, the more bad habits they have, and the harder it is for both the dog to learn and the trainer to teach. Often, these "older" (2 yrs +) dogs that haven't had any training yet will double the time that it would have took as a young dog (under a year).
We believe in customizing your dogs training program to ensure maximum interest, success, and enthusiasm for both your dog and you. All of our training programs can be modified to fit you and your dogs personality and specific needs. Not all dogs will follow the agenda set out in our training programs. This is okay, we understand, and have no problem in individualizing any training program.
We are available via both phone and email, and we encourage you to call or check in with us during your dog's training time as often as you like. You may also visit upon occasion as well. We will let you know with all honesty how your dog is progressing and his ability to reach various levels of training. You and your dog will be treated fairly and with the utmost respect at all times.
Your dog's success and enthusiasm, on and off the field, is what we strive for in our training and is why we love training dogs.
Remember, while the training outline is the same for each canine, the method and pace may differ based on the canine’s temperament, socialization, age, and ability to learn.
They are first schooled in the method of learning. Each canine entering into one of the programs below will include behavior modification (jumping up, pulling, etc.).
*Training Programs*
About the Trainer
Abby Eash is the head trainer at Trinity Oaks, and has
been training retrievers for the past 9 years. She has
received Trainer training under some of the finest retriever
professionals in the nation, and learned a great deal in the
time spent with them.
Abby earned her first Hunting Retriever CHampion title
on a dog in fall 2008, and her 2nd title in Spring 2009. She
also attempted her first Grand Hunt Tests that spring,
making it to the 2nd series with Coach, while in the fall going to the 3rd series with Tory.
She has earned over 25 titles throughout AKC and UKC hunt tests. In 2011, she handled three new Hunting Retriever Champions, two new Master Hunters - earning first passes on multiple others, and finished the year averaging a 92% hunt test pass rate in all levels of entry! We are excited about the addition of more titles to the kennel in the future as she continues to train.
See Testimonials below.......
"Training with Abby has allowed my dreams as a Trainer/Handler to become a reality."
Following are some information on the specific training programs that we have available at this time, but as stated above, these can be adjusted to meet the goals of the dog.
The prices listed include the following provisions: All birds, shells, dog food, boarding, etc. Any additional services - such as Heartworm medication or Flea and Tick treatment - (which the client requests) will be an additional charge.
#2: Basic Gun Dog Training
Single marks thrown up to 75-100 yards on land/water
Force-Fetch
Obedience Training
Collar Conditioning
Our basic training program will produce a dog that will be able to pass a Started Hunting Retriever"(SHR) or AKC "Junior Hunter"(JH) test. This program usually takes a minimum of 3 months to complete, but may be more or less depending on the dog. The result will be a dog that ignores decoys while hunting, delivers the birds to hand, and is capable of doing 50- 75 yard marked retrieves on land or water. When finished with this program, gunshots will also not be an issue for the dog as shots will then mean "birds."
$500 per month
574-971-1366
Check out our new website! What do you think?
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"Grizz did great this year for his first time out on the waterfowl. He retrieved around 60 ducks and 2 nice honkers. I can't wait till next year. "
~Matt"
Washington
Quick Links:
Upcoming Litters
Retriever & Gun Dog Training
Trinity Oak Labs is a kennel that I cannot thank enough. I started training in 2008 after purchasing a yellow lab, from another local kennel. I didn't know about TOL until after I purchased my pup, or else it would've been from them.
I met Abby shortly after I joined the Backwater Retriever Club. From day one, Trinity Oaks has helped me prepare for AKC/UKC Hunt Tests and my success as a Trainer/Handler is mostly because of the knowledge the Eash family has shared with me.
After training with Trinity Oaks several days a week, me and my lab - Tucker, have successfully passed 4 straight AKC Hunt Tests earning his Junior Hunter Title.
Training with Abby has allowed my dreams as a Trainer/Handler to become a reality; and
even though my dog is not a Trinity Oaks Lab, when-ever I finish college, I am looking to purchase a puppy from this Kennel.
THANKS TRINITY OAKS!!! ~ Bryan Bates
*Training Testimonies*
I recently brought my dog, Spider, to Trinity Oak Labs in fall 2009 with what I thought was a serious problem handling birds. After a couple sessions correcting me, and just a week with my dog, things are now going very well.
Thank you very much for getting us through this. What I thought was a big deal, you made it seem easy to correct.
I would highly recommend anyone who is having any difficulty with their dog to come and see you right away. It sure makes a difference when things start to go bad!
= Gene and Spider
"What I thought was a big deal, you made it seem easy to correct."
My yellow lab female, Millie, was sent to Trinity Oak's for training when she was 9 months old in the spring of 2008. After she was there for just two months, she had very good obedience, sitting, staying, and heeling very well on command, and also respected our leash.
She loves retrieving and has a good hunting instinct. She isn't afraid of gun reports and is attentive. She marks very well, holding until released, and then goes straight to the bird.
Millie had also completed the Force-fetch program and she now brings it directly back to us, and releases on command.
Those were exactly the things we had been hoping for with training, and we are very pleased with the service and training that we received from Trinity Oak Labs.
Our next dog will definitely be coming from your kennel and receive the training as well. Thanks so much!
= Gorden ~ Indiana
1: Obedience Training Program
In our Obedience program, your retriever will be taught basic obedience commands such as sit, here, heel, and kennel.
This is a 2 week course, and "Owner training" is included.
$200
#3: Intermediate Retriever Training
Hand Signals
Force-to-pile
Extended Handling drills
Pattern Blinds
Swimbye
Lining Drills
Single and Double Marks thrown up to 150 yards
Steady
A dog that has completed this program will be able to pass a UKC seasoned test or an AKC Senior Hunter. He will be able to run blind retrieves and obey hand signals in the field, run double marks, ignore diversion birds, and be steady at the line. This program is est. 4 months to complete and participants MUST have already completed Basic training.
$500 per month
#4: Advanced Retriever Training
Triple Marked Retrieves
Advanced Blind Retrieves
Extreme obedience and control
A dog completing this level will be able to pass a UKC Finished or AKC Master Hunter Test. They will be able to mark multiple marks, run very difficult and technical marks and blinds, and basically have every tool necessary to exceed at these levels. The est. amount of time needed to get a dog up to this level coming from the seasoned level is 4 months, but may be more or less depending on the dog.
$500 per month
#5: Upland Hunter Program
Force-Fetch
Obedience Training
Marks
Lots of birds
Dogs completing this level of training will display finished level control and be able to complete a UKC Upland Hunter (UH) test. Dog will have obedience training, be steady to wing and shot, deliver to hand, and sit for walk-ups. Generally you will look at about 3 months of training minimum to successfully complete this training program.
$500 per month
Trinity Oak Labs - Mel and Char Eash - 260-593-2768 abby@trinityoaklabs.com
Started Dogs
"I acquired a black lab ‘Blake’ a couple of years ago from field trial lines. I looked around locally and found Abby. Abby has great dog sense and has the proper knowledge to be a first class retriever trainer. She prides herself on continual improvement as well. I believe it the near future we will see Abby achieve national stature. Last summer she and Coach competed in a field trial and she earned a jam, competing against such renouned handlers as Jason Baker and Bill Hillmann!
Our goal this summer is to finish Blake’s HRCH title and to enter him in a field trial Qual. Abby will handle him.
Although I am fairly new to the Retriever scene, I have a long background of dog training and knowledge thereof. I have had the benefit of seminars from leading German Police trainers, SAR trainers and now Retriever trainers, including Al Arthur and Jason Baker, also Andy Attar and Pat Burns, and Evan Graham. I have enough knowledge to spot trainers who know or don’t know what they are doing.Abby has rare ability to read dogs. Her approach involves more than mechanics. She approaches each dog as an individual, since dogs are individuals and learn differently. Abby combines her intuitive gifts with correct knowledge and discipline of retriever training to help your dog become the very best retriever it can be." ~ Maugh, Michigan ~ Spring '13"Abby combines her intuitive gifts with correct knowledge and discipline of retriever training to help your dog become the very best retriever it can be."
