Backwoods Retriever Training: Quality Hunting Retriever Training

Backwoods Retriever Training in Paragould, Arkansas focuses on one thing: turning your retriever into a polished hunting dog. Founded by Garrett Meier, the operation specializes in waterfowl and upland hunting training, with obedience classes available for larger breed dogs.

You get 14 acres of actual hunting conditions: - Tech ponds for water work - Two acres of flooded timber - Multiple lots for force fetching and handling drills - Cover, decoys, boats, and blinds to simulate real hunts

"We simulate the hunt as best we can."

This isn't generic obedience training—your dog encounters birds, gunfire, water, and the equipment they'll face in the field.

Waterfowl Hunting Training - The core program using decoy work, channel drills, technical blinds, and swimming exercises. Dogs learn standard and advanced force fetching, handling drills, and marks with and without the pond.

Upland Hunting Training - Specialized work for upland game bird hunting alongside waterfowl training.

Obedience Classes - For dogs of any age that need foundation work or problem solving. Meier believes every dog benefits from proper training.

Meier's approach revolves around one principle: not all dogs are trained the same way. He develops individualized techniques to maximize each dog's potential rather than forcing dogs through a standardized program.

Capacity - Limited to 16 dogs at a time because he prioritizes quality over volume. Each dog receives equal attention.

Age Range - Trainers prefer dogs from 4 months to 1 year old, when their mindset is right for learning.

Client Involvement - Owner participation happens during parts of the training to solidify the dog-handler bond and create a working team for the field.

Exercise & Play - Dogs run and play at the end of each day to get additional exercise and bond with other dogs, learning from each other in the process.

"I have a stubborn 2 year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Garrett trained her up and she is ready to hunt. She stays until commanded and returns to heel on command now. I can't wait to get her on some ducks." - Kyle (Poplar Bluff)

"Garrett did an excellent job with my dog Case. Great job with communicating the progress of my dog, all around a great experience." - Logan (Bell City)

"He will call you or text you back no matter the time of day, and even keeps in touch with you after you pick your dog up to check in on how you and your dog are doing." - Jonathan (Bokoshe)

"She is a delight to be around. I am able to go on peaceful walks with her, and she respects my authority." - Kate (Oklahoma City)

Backwoods Retriever Training 2817 Grn 628 Rd Paragould, AR 72450 (870) 476-7001 [email protected]

Serving hunters across Arkansas, the region, and beyond.