Handler CapitalTM Dog Training
KRISTENJMURRAY.COM
Pro-Trainer, Neal Kauder, directs private lessons and group trainings at Orapax. His Handler Capital TM training method is heavily inspired by Rick Smith, and the Smith family's Silent Command System. Neal has also learned a great deal from Sonny Piekarz, Hay Creek Kennel, and Jordan Wells, J. Wells Kennels. Neal also ascribes to selected techniques from Mo Lindley, Lindley's Kennels. Taking knowledge from these dog men and studying animal cognition more generally, his training approach is dynamic...it continually evolves with new and proven dog training techniques.
Rick Smith, Silent Command System
Sonny Piekarz, Hay Creek Kennel
Jordan Wells, J. Wells Kennels
Private Dog Training
Call 804-514-1576 for information and pricing for one-on-one training for any bird or companion dog. We work on foundational training that includes manners and obedience, correcting problem behaviors, at-home visits, puppy development, and environmental soundness training. Rates vary, and training is by appointment only, with the handler involved in each session. Board-and-Train and at-home training is also offered.
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Dog Training Group Courses
Call 804-514-1576 for information on group training taking place Sunday afternoons. Courses are open to companion and gun dogs for all breeds and all ages 8 weeks and up. Puppy development through intermediate and advanced steadiness is covered in different class levels for pointers, flushers, and retrievers. Training methods for manners, obedience, and puppy development are proven for ALL breeds. Class size is limited, with 2 classes each Sunday: Foundation class is always offered, then either Intermediate & Advanced or a combined Handler session. The cost is $30-$40 for a 1 or 1.5-hour class on a per-dog basis, so bringing multiple family members is welcome. More detailed information is in the adjacent flyer.
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Dog Training Membership
Our Dog Training Membership gives you, your family, and your bird dog a place to recreate and train at a significant discount compared to regular $65 pay-as-you-go fees. Members receive a discount on quail for training and for dog boarding. The cost is $125 per month (you pay by the month, for as many months as you choose).
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With membership, you will enjoy access to the preserve property to run your dogs through the fields and woods (unlimited during off-season, limited but sufficient field access during the hunting season). To cool down, there are 2 large and easily accessible ponds spread out on the property, as well as Lickinghole Creek, all of which can be accessed to work on water retrieve or to just acclimate your pup to water. You will also have access to our 16 ft. shaded training table for puppy, obedience, and fetch training. You also can use the obstacle course when available (unavailable on Sunday afternoons during Group sessions).
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One member described the dog training membership as “entry into a
huge private outdoor dog park”, a perfect description!
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* Additional guidelines include signing paperwork, following rules about guests and other dogs, and notice and use limitations.
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Access to Homing Pigeons
Pigeons (5 are provided by staff in a box) and training areas are available year-round: $65 for up to 2 hour access. Call office to book this offering.
Board or Board & Train
Dog boarding is available for $40 per night/per kennel (discount of $10 per dog/per night for Dog Training Members). A second dog in a kennel is an added $10 per night. Upon request and screening, dogs are also taken in-residence for training, these dogs stay from 3 to 6 weeks depending on the need. Training can include manners and obedience, puppy development, foundation, intermediate, advanced, and trained-retrieve work. Up-to-date vaccination records are required, and your complete contact information and signed paperwork will be required for check-in.