SATISFIED AND RETURNING CUSTOMERS

We purchased our field Golden Retriever named Gauge with the intent of having him trained for waterfowl hunting. We searched for a retriever trainer that had experience. After looking for some time, we found Rick Walklate of Simply Retrievers. When speaking with Rick, he really took into consideration our wants and needs with Gauge. Gauge was 16 months old when we took him to see Rick. Rick saw right away that Gauge was not only going to be trained for waterfowl hunting but he needed obedience training as well. As heartbreaking as it was to leave our dog, it was comforting knowing he was in good hands. Rick would send e-mails, and call us with updates and information on how Gauge was doing. You could tell in Rick's voice how he cared for our four legged family member!

Shortly after he had taken him into training, Rick noticed two things (among others). Something wasn't quite right with Gauges eyes, and Gauge couldn't swim. Rick hopped in the water, and taught Gauge how to swim! Rick also took him to see an ophthalmologist and it was then that we were informed that Gauge has cataracts. Even with an eye disability, Rick turned Gauge into a Junior Hunter. That's a successful trainer!

When Gauge came home in October, he was still the same sweet dog, but now . . . he had manners! After his arrival we scheduled a goose hunt for that Saturday and Sunday, where in the hunt Rick handled Gauge and instructed us on all the commands. Due to Rick's hard work and training, Gauge retrieved 202 geese and 137 ducks for the 2010 season. We sent Gauge back to visit "Uncle Ricky" for a refresher course before the next waterfowl season. For those who are interested in having their dog trained, speaking from experience I would highly recommend Rick Walklate at Simply Retrievers.

Want your dog trained for Waterfowl Hunting? Rick does it! He has a topnotch waterfowl program designed for the hunter.
Want your dog trained for hunt tests? Rick does it! Look, he took our partially blind dog and made him a junior hunter!
Want your dog trained in obedience? Rick does it!
Want your dog to be loved and sincerely cared for when away from home? Rick does it! Not only do you get your dog successfully trained, you will gain a friend in Rick. I know we have.

Rick, thank you for all your hard work, dedication, and heart that you have put into our Gauge.
The Howe Family,
Corey, Dana, Evan, Tanner, Gauge and Tailor
Upstate NY

I can't thank you enough on the fantastic job you've done with my black lab pup. I interviewed quite a few trainers and like I said to you before, I knew that you were my guy. When the day finally came for me to drop Neeko off I felt so much better once I met you. I really appreciate you taking the time to show me different stages of training with your other dogs and not rushing me out of there.Considering his pedigree, I knew that Neeko was gonna be a good hunting dog, but I never thought that at 10 months of age you would have him beyond junior work and already starting senior work. The dog truly is a machine in the field and water, yet still is a pup inside my home. What I really appreciate was the emails and phone calls from you to give me his updates.

I have plenty of people that help me train my dog and always say what an unbelievable dog he is, as a matter of fact a DEC officer was watching me do water work and the officer also couldn't believe what my dog was doing at 10 months of age. I couldn't be prouder of my pup, but he wouldn't be half the dog if it wasn't for you training him. I will see you at the end of hunting season to drop him off, we need to get him ready for the derby this year! The best part about meeting you Rick is, I don't just look at you as my trainer, but also as a friend. Thanks so much Rick, and see you soon.
Stephen D'Amico
Long Island, New York

My name is Thunder Bay. I'm a 2 year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever who came to Maine from Ohio to be part of my grandfather's (CH Safe Harbor Treasure Lake Geo MH WDQ**) human family. I'm told that I'm an especially well-bred boy. I guess well-bred doesn't necessarily mean well mannered. I have lots of energy and my nose must be checking out everything. Soon my humans felt I needed more of a life than I was getting; they are busy running a rescue program for less fortunate Chessies as well as a dog boarding business, Chesapeake Safe Harbor.

Here Uncle Ricky entered my life. I can definitely say that I love my work with Uncle Ricky. I just cannot get enough of our games and work together. By the end of August last year I was a titled Junior Hunter. Now, I'm working towards my Senior Hunter title - maybe even a Masters???

I've made many new canine friends, as well as all the human friends in Uncle Ricky's life. He keeps an eagle's eye on all of us in his training camp and after our work is finished, we all go for great long hikes through the woods. It is such fun! I know my human family would be more than happy to talk with anyone about my life at Simply Retrievers.
Jane and Ron Peabody
Chesapeake Safe Harbor
Bremen, Maine

As an over-the-top owner of two Chessies, it took a lot of convincing from friends and family to send my slightly unruly boys to Rick Walklate for training. I was reluctant to entrust their care to someone else. Enrolling my 8 month old and 2 year old in Rick's program was the BEST decision I could have made. Not only did they receive lots of love and attention, they received the finest training available.

Every day my husband and I reap the rewards of Rick's incredible abilities. My slightly unruly dogs have been transformed into obedient, hard working, hunting machines. I highly recommend Rick Walklate to anyone interested in the most exceptional training money can buy.
Simply Retrievers IS simply the best!
Barbara and Andrew Garza
Montrose, Colorado