K & L Kennels

K & L Kennels operates on a 200-acre Century Farm south of Higginsville, Missouri—owned by the Koenig family since the mid-1800s. The entire property is managed for upland habitat, giving young dogs real exposure to cover and game birds. Eight ponds on the property, including a 3-acre technical pond built in 2010, handle water work training.

Mike Lettau came to Missouri from Texas, where he trained Labrador Retrievers for duck hunting in the rice fields. John Koenig, originally from California, started with German Shorthaired Pointers before transitioning to Pointing Labs in the mid-70s. Together since 1989, they've developed a straightforward system for testing and nurturing the pointing instinct in Labradors.

K & L doesn't force a one-size-fits-all program. They customize training to fit the dog and handler—not every hunter needs a dog steady to wing and shot doing 200-yard blinds. A pheasant hunter has different needs than someone hunting over liberated birds on a preserve.

The process: - Honest evaluation of your dog's current abilities and your actual hunting expectations - Step-by-step training with a specific goal in mind - Owner involvement throughout—the more you visit or communicate by phone/email, the better you'll understand your dog's progress - References available—they encourage you to call past clients

Mike and John have 25+ years training Retrievers specifically. What sets them apart: they believe there's no shame in a great flushing dog. They've seen puppies that loved to chase turn into some of the staunchest pointing Labs to leave their kennel—if the dog is raised as a willing team player.

They work dogs at multiple levels: - Hunt Test Games (HRC and AKC levels) - APLA Competition (American Pointing Labrador Association) - Field work for upland pheasants and duck hunting

"If your dog is raised and trained to be a team player that works with you willingly, you will have an enjoyable outing, which after all is what the majority of our clients want from their animals."

K & L occasionally has started dogs and puppies available. They breed selectively and only work with serious inquiries. Past offerings include championship bloodlines and dogs steady to wing and shot with full blind retrieve capabilities.

Stud Service & Partnerships: - Available through their breeding network - Connection to Hunters Point Kennels in Marshalltown, Iowa (contact: Justin McGill, 812-216-4119)

K & L Kennels 17750 Ragland Rd Higginsville, MO 64037

• •John: 816-616-5941 (cell)
• •Mike: 816-616-5942 (cell)
• •Email: [email protected]

John and Mike are usually on the property or close by. Walk-ins welcome, or call to discuss your dog's training needs.