Meglyn Retrievers

I have trained retrievers for 40 years, professionally for 22. I have trained hundreds of retrievers and put retrieving titles on more than 140, including Master Hunters and Hunting Retriever Champions. I have received many very positive reviews. This is the second negative one that I have received. The first, years ago, was totally unfounded. When Mr. Minner brought his dog, he said he was going to North Dakota to duck hunt 4 months later. I told him that I would try, but novice training averages 4 months and it sometimes takes longer - 5 or 6 months. I tell every prospective client that and it’s on my website. Every dog learns at a different pace and some simply need more time to advance. My priority is always the dog’s well-being and long-term success — not rushing results. Mr. Minner said that he asked for pictures and videos and I only sent two. I have no record that he asked for any. I sent him two videos once. He said he asked weekly how his dog was doing. According to my records, he asked about twice a month. I replied every time with accurate updates. He came see his dog twice prior to October 15. Each time I demonstrated the dog’s progress. He seemed to be pleased. In mid-September, I told him that his dog was doing well and I hoped to have him far enough along by mid-October, exactly 4 months, but it was not a guarantee. I will not rush results. One thing I was doing was breaking his dog to gunfire. I do that by association with retrieves; something they love to do. I’ve never had a dog show gun shyness using that technique. A few have been a bit sensitive, but I’ve always worked them through it. On October 15, Mr, Minner said he wanted to come see his dog; he said nothing about taking the dog home. This was his third visit in almost 4 months. I showed him how his dog was doing; then taught him how to handle his dog. This included making retrieves with ducks and using gunfire. The dog did fine, but I also told him that I was a little concerned about some of the reactions to gunfire. Nothing major and I was sure I could work through it until I was satisfied; that it may only take a few weeks. We talked afterward and near the end of that conversation, Mr. Minner said he wanted to take him home that day. I told him that in my opinion, he wasn’t quite ready. I also reminded him that 4 months was only a average. He insisted. He never expressed any dissatisfaction with his dog’s training. In fact, he mentioned bringing his dog back for more training and asked about private lessons, coming with the dog to train with me; both of which I said was possible. He admitted that he had never trained a retriever and had no training equipment. I knew his North Dakota trip was imminent and counseled against taking the dog. When I saw Mr. Minner’s review I texted him asking him to call. He didn’t. We texted for awhile. In the review he said that the dog was worse than before he’d sent him to me. His dog was only 6 months old when he came here and had no formal training. When he took the dog home, his dog was retrieving enthusiastically, marking falls well and delivering to hand. My only concern was some of his reaction to gunfire. It was almost a month from the time Mr. Minner took his dog home and after he had been to North Dakota when he posted the review. During our texts, I asked him repeatedly what training he had done after he took him home. He never gave me an answer. Mr. Minner complained that I was training too many dogs. The fact is that he has no idea how many client dogs I train; he’s never been in my kennels. On my website, I say that I only accept a limited number of clients. I’ve never had more than 10 at any given time. When Mr. Minner’s dog was here there were at most 7 client dogs. Many trainers have 20, 30, 40 or more. His dog was never “put on the back burner” as he claims. He has no basis for saying that.