Northern Plains Retrievers
Northern Plains Retrievers started in 2003 as a summer side hustle. By 2015, Wade and Julie Stottler went all-in, turning their passion into a full-time operation near Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. Today they run a dedicated training facility while selectively breeding Labrador Retrievers specifically...
Own Northern Plains Retrievers?
01 // DETAILS
Business Details
Full description and what we offer
Northern Plains Retrievers started in 2003 as a summer side hustle. By 2015, Wade and Julie Stottler went all-in, turning their passion into a full-time operation near Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. Today they run a dedicated training facility while selectively breeding Labrador Retrievers specifically for hunting bloodlines.
Their core philosophy is straightforward: bring out a dog's natural hunting and retrieving instincts while building the obedience that keeps it under control, focused, and eager to work as a team.
They limit client dogs to 10-12 at a time to ensure each dog gets real attention. Programs include:
| Program | Duration | Cost | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy Program | Variable | $800/month | Foundation work, basic obedience, intro to birds |
| Started Program | 8-10 weeks | $800/month | Core hunting skills, steadiness, retrieves |
| Finished Program | 5-6 months | $1,000/month | Multiple marks, blind retrieves, advanced work |
| Hunt Test Training | Variable | $1,100/month | AKC/HRC/APLA competition-level training |
| Obedience Program | 4 weeks | $1,000 | Off-leash commands, crate training, handler instruction |
| Shed Hunting | 2 weeks | $450 | Antler finding and retrieval training |
"Once you've hunted with a trained retriever, you'll never want to hunt with anything else."
Wade handles all training and competes in hunt tests himself. He also guides pheasant hunts at Paul Nelson Farm near Gettysburg, South Dakota in fall—so he knows what working dogs actually need to do in the field. Julie manages whelping, puppy development, nutrition, health screening, and the business side.
They specialize in pointing Labrador lines. These dogs either point themselves or produce pointing pups. According to their clients, pointing labs are easier to train, possess stronger instincts, and combine hunting drive with solid family temperament.
Breeding Program Details: Black, chocolate, and yellow Labrador Retrievers. Current litters and upcoming breedings available on their website. Also offer started puppies and started dogs for sale after training completion.
Wade has handled and titled dogs in: - AKC Hunt Tests (Senior/Master levels) - HRC Hunt Tests (Seasoned/Finished levels) - APLA Hunt Tests - NATHA run and gun competitions
Customer feedback tells the story:
"Brylee had a guided goose hunt this morning and did amazing! She will start guiding pheasant hunts at the end of the month. She has been so great!" — Matt Z., Holy Oak, CO
"Thanks again Wade for all the work you and your family have put into Murphy. He has come a long way." — Erik H., Fargo, ND
"Bella's training was amazing. She's much more behaved around the house and hunting last weekend, she was like a 5 year veteran. She ended up with 10 ducks in two days." — Alan S., Bloomington, MN
"Had to let you know I was pheasant hunting for the first time and brought Nova. We had 5 other labs 3 years plus and 12 guys, and she had retrieve after retrieve. Everyone couldn't believe how well she did for 7 months old." — Ryan S., Superior, WI
- •Health Requirements: Current rabies and parvo/distemper vaccinations required at drop-off. Dogs need bordetella (kennel cough), heartworm preventative, and flea/tick preventative for their stay.
- •Billing: First month payment due at drop-off. Subsequent months billed monthly (one month = four weeks). Live bird costs (ducks, pheasants, chukars, pigeons) are at market price and billed separately.
- •Private Lessons: $100/hour available by phone request.
- •Handler Training: Owner training included in Obedience Program so you learn to work your dog confidently.
48828 County Highway 6, Parkers Prairie, MN 56361 20 miles north of Alexandria, 7 miles west of Parkers Prairie