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*The week of Jan 24th I will be leaving to train in the Southern Pines area of North Carolina and returning around the 1st of April. I can be reached either through our VT home number or my call at (802) 349 0417
*I'm happy to announce that Snowbound Kennels is now a dealer of Owens Products Inc. dog boxes. For 20 years I have offered nothing but my services training dog but in that time, countless clients and friends have asked my advice on how best to safely transport their dogs and I now have the opportunity to offer them not only a fine product but also special pricing. Please visit the link below and then contact me and we can discuss which box would best suit your needs.
www.owens-pro.com/products_dogboxes.php
Snowbound Kennels is a full-time, year-round training kennel based in Addison VT. Adjacent to the Dead Creek Goose management area and one mile from Lake Champlain, taking advantage of both the training opportunities and warmer weather of the Champlain Valley.
Located on over 100 acres of open and wooded farmland and at the end of a 3,500-foot private drive, Snowbound Kennels has excellent training grounds available at our doorstep including a training pond and wild birds available for training literally feet from the kennel.
Addison County is the largest farming county in VT. For years it has hosted licensed Field Trials and Hunt Tests, including the Master National. In addition to our own property we have access to virtually unlimited training grounds in the neighboring area.
A member of the Professional Retriever Trainers Association [PRTA] and supported by Tri Tronics, I have been hunting, training and enjoying retrievers for over 40 years. After training dogs for, and competing successfully in Hunt Tests and Field Trials at all levels, I no longer campaign myself. I now specialize in training dogs and their owners to reach whatever goals they may have.
Originally from Stowe VT, two-time home of the AKC Amateur National Field Trial, I was fortunate to have learned my formal training from some of the top professional trainers in the country. Traveling south to train during the winter months for over 16 years has allowed me to continue training and sharing ideas with many fine trainers.
My training program focuses on dog-trainer-handler communication. I do 100% of the training and assistant trainers are never used. Feeding and kennel chores are also handled by myself 99% of the time. This way I have complete control of all facets of a dog's program and have hands-on contact with the dogs at all times. All training concepts are thoroughly taught before they are enforced. Short cuts and superficial methods are never employed. Dogs are given every opportunity to learn at a pace that suits their temperament. The training methods that I use result in a happy, stylish worker in the field.
No matter what your goals are for your retriever, Snowbound Kennels has the grounds and the knowledge to make those dreams a reality.
As much as I enjoy retrievers, pointing dogs hold a special place in my heart. Snowbound Kennels grounds have everything I need to bring out the best in your pointing dog. Open fields will get your youngster started. Intermediate dogs will use cover strips and fence rows that border emerging woodlands. As their skills improve, second growth timber that can hold an abundance of woodcock and grouse is available for working your dog on wild birds right on our property.
In an effort to provide high quality training I will only take in a limited number of dogs at one time. I do not breed dogs, board them, sell electric collars or other training supplies.
Due to the fact that many owners needs differ so greatly in regards to their dogs training requirements, I encourage you to contact me regarding training options. If you have any questions feel free to get in touch with me. I can be reached by either email or phone.
The dogs I've trained come from all over the north east and as far away a South Carolina. Please inquire for information on references. I’ll be more then happy to provide you several.
Training programs
Pointing dogs
Whether you're looking to start a youngster, get a veteran dog a pre-season tune up, or exposure to wild birds, it can be done at Snowbound Kennels. Having the ability to train pointing dogs right from the kennel gate gives me the opportunity to maximize their training. My training program is simple and very effective. First the dog is taught what we want it to do, second the dog is shown how we'll enforce what its been taught and finally, the dog is exposed to higher and higher levels of situational excitement while commands are fairly enforced.
After experimenting with various training tools and techniques over the years, I've found that while many can be used successfully, most are not needed and in some cases counterproductive. Dogs are first taught while on a check cord and whoa is taught on the ground. No place boards, slippery barrels, tables or other gimmicks are used. I find all the pointing dogs I've trained easily learn the skills they need without resorting to those additional 'tools'.
My program assures your dog of the best chance of success while maintaining great style and a positive attitude.
Retrievers & Flushing dogs
Training for your retriever or flushing dog is another at "the kennel door" proposition at Snowbound Kennels. In addition to the open fields, mowed cover areas and ponds, I have access to other excellent training areas in the Dead Creek area. Additionally, Lake Champlain is less then a mile from the entrance to our property and provides the necessary water work for dogs that need that type of 'big water' exposure.
Flushing breeds have all they need too. Our succession fields to second growth woodlands provide excellent natural habitat in which to expose dogs to an outstanding variety of covers. Youngsters can get a solid start in less threatening cover while be big boys can train in the heavy stuff.
My training program will bring out the best your dog has to offer while maintaining the great style we all love to see.
Training options
Full board training: This is the program most chosen by my clients. Your dog stays at the kennel throughout its training and you are encouraged to visit and watch training any week day. While not always possible for clients that live a distance away, all clients will work with me and their dog before the dog goes home so that the owner feels comfortable enforcing trained commands, maintaining and understanding how to advance their dog in the future before they go home. Depending on the dog, this could take one training session or several.
Dogs in full board programs may begin at any time, no special starting date is required. The same is true with their departure, they are ready when they are ready. Additionally, there is not set amount of time your dog has to be in training. I will discuss training progression with you and give you my best advice on how to attain the goals you have for your dog.
Day Training: While I offer no scheduled classes as such, I do offer one on one [or group] training for those of you looking for input on your training skills as you work with your dog. These can be either training day long or scheduled private time as best suites your interests and available time.
Short term training: While I do not board dogs, I will take sporting dogs for periods of time when the owners may be away. Usually these are dog that I have worked with previously but that does not have to be the case.
(802) 759 2965
Alec Sparks
| Professional training for retrievers pointing and flushing dogs |