Avery Creek Retrievers

Avery Creek Retrievers has trained three dogs for me. My first lab went through basics and is an active hunting companion and hunt test dog. She is preparing to run finished tests with guidance from Billy. My other two dogs have been trained to finished level at the kennel and hopefully will run the fall HRC grand. Billy and his staff go above and beyond to give every opportunity to all dogs in his program. From spending hours working with me as a handler and mentoring me to be able to run and take full advantage of the training. I highly recommend Avery Creek Retrievers.

We trusted Billy and Avery Creek with our dog to become a bird dog and left her (with visits) for a 6 month period. In that time, she contracted fungal infections, cracked a tooth, had severe anxiety to the point that she chewed off nearly 2 inches of her tail, cracked paws, and became a sad shell of her normal self. She retained no obedience skills, never mind the bird dog skills, and despite being promised daily and then weekly updates, we were never informed that she had in fact failed training until my husband arrived to pick her up (after driving 14 hours). When asked about the lack of communication, we were told Billy was understaffed and dealing with a lot so photos aren't a priority. I can understand that if it was communicated, but the amount of follow up and repeated asks made it clear despite our continued on time payments and trust in the process, we and our dog were not a priority. If I could rate this place 0 stars, I would. Despite what others told us, it is clear that Avery Creek Retrievers caused irreparable damage to our dog. I not only do not recommend them, but I highly encourage anyone who's considering them to seriously consider if the neglect and trauma is worth the risk.