........... "RIO"

Rick,

I can't tell you enough how impressed I am with Rio in regards to the relatively short time you had her. Greg (my son) and I have been running her thru her commands and working her in the field all week. Just a few days after we had her home, Greg asked if he could use her on a commercial hunt with a group from a local company and I very reluctantly said OK (only due to her lack of seasoning). He and his hunters had 19 flushes and she had 18 hard points and awaited her OK to flush (the one she missed was a flushed bird on her return from a retrieve).... they took a 20 minute break at the 2 hour mark and then they went back out for another 1.5 hours, we are very impressed with her!

All my best to you and Kathy Sincerely, Scott Stewart www.TheHighLonesomeRanch.com

I used to belong to another upland sporting club and I have hunted with many different guides over a variety of dogs, I can say truly Rick's dogs are awesome and by far the best I have ever hunted over. Thanks Rick for a great day! We will be booking some more hunts with you before the end of the season.

Michael Candelairo

Hudson, CO

........... "CHARLIE"

To future hunting dog owners,

I purchased a male GSP from Rick and Kathy Fitzpatrick of Gun Dogs R Us / ACC Ranch & Kennels in the fall of 2010. "Charlie" was raised in the high country of Colorado near the town of Vail. I mostly worked on discipline and a strong bond between he and I, taking him everywhere I went. We did some retrieve drills, and some wing pointing with a fly rod, but very limited field work as there was lots of snow on the ground just weeks after I brought him home.

When he was only 11 months, I took him on his first hunt, for blue grouse. I limited in less than an hour, with Charlie finding and pointing all three birds.

I then had him in the field 5 or 6 times, again for grouse, but never for more than 2 hours or so. He was amazing, keeping a close distance to my shooting range, and pointing, flushing and sometimes retrieving wild birds. He would constantly check in with me with eye contact, hunting not for himself but rather for me. I could not have been more pleased.

At 13 months, he guided 4 groups of hunters, some as large as 14 people, by himself in South Dakota for 15 days straight. This was the first time he had ever hunted for anyone other than me, and was the "STAR" of the show, putting up the vast majority of every pheasant shot. Hunters would race to position themselves near Charlie for the best opportunity to get some shooting. I was overwhelmed with their compliments and praise. The last group we guided, referred to him as "Sir Charles", and made it clear that if I came next year that would be ok, but Charlie better be there!

I am heading back to South Dakota in a few weeks to give him more practice, and am very excited of his future as he is still so young. Additionally, I am now waiting for his parents next and last litter to arrive in just weeks, and have committed to purchasing another GSP from Gun Dogs R Us.

I can't even begin to express how impressed I have been with their entire operation, and am so thankful for their commitment to excellence that produced a champion dog like Charlie.

It would be my pleasure to be a reference to anyone wanting to hear more of my positive experience, or even meet Charlie to help in their decision to buy from Gun Dogs R Us / ACC Ranch & Kennels.

Thanks for everything Rick and Kathy!

Sincerely,

Pete Mott

December 13, 2011

Rick Fitzpatrick....Gun Dog Supplier

I have have had the pleasure of hunting over some of the dogs Rick has trained and I also have judged in hunting dog events several of the dogs Rick has produced/trained. The results are excellent. The dogs have great temperments, excellent drive, stamina and hunt very well for a foot hunter.

Top qualities: Great Results , Personable , Good Value

John Morton

Englewood, CO

........... "MURPHY"

Murphy is a 2 year old Llewellin Setter. He was born with all the tools to become a very good bird dog, but last year in his second season he developed a tendency to creep in from a point. With planted, pen raised birds that was not a big deal, but on wild roosters and quail it was disastrous.

I brought Murphy to Rick at Gun Dogs R Us, for just a short period this summer. I had to be out of town for a while, and decided to give Rick just 3 weeks to see what could be done. The first two weeks were kind of sketchy. Murphy would hold 1 or 2 points and creep on the third. He would stop and hold the point utilizing the "whoa" command, but in the field in a heavy cover situation you can't always see what's happening, therefore I would not be able to hold the dog up once he got on a bird. I admit I was nervous about what could really be done in just 3 weeks. When I got back to town I went down to see Rick and pick Murphy up. He had been at Gun Dogs R Us for just 22 days.

Rick put out 3 birds and Murphy caught scent and went on point instantly. In one case he was about 30 yards away from the bird so Rick released him and Murphy moved cautiously up to about 10 yards and froze once again. He pointed and held steady on all 3 birds beautifully with no verbal command at all , he held his points as long as we wanted. It was really amazing.

Thanks Rick for settling this young dog down and helping me look forward to a great season! I have attached a picture of Murphy on one of his most stylish points.

Matt Henehan

Pine CO

........... "Bert & Ernie"

We recently adopted Bert and Ernie, two young English Pointers from the same litter. They had been surrendered to a local shelter, only skin and bones, deemed as "failed" hunters. The two dogs were wonderful home companions right from the start, however, they were scared of everything and everyone unfamiliar. So with low expectation for their progress, we decided to send them to Rick to see if he could at least give them some sense of confidence. Wow, Rick must have magic powers! He exceeded our wildest expectations. We now have two well adjusted dogs who have also quickly turned from failure into a pair of skilled gun dogs.

Thank you Rick!

Marc & Amy Olmsted

Broomfield, CO

........... "Katie"

Rick trained my english pointer "Katie". Katie is a non-stop ball of energy. Rick was patient and understood what drove her. Katie is two years old, but in 90 days Rick brought her from so-so to great. I watched Rick work with other dogs also, I learned a lot about dogs and their dispositions. What really impressed me was Rick seemed to know how to assess and handle each personality. I did not realize dogs were as different as people, always thought "a dog was a dog" and dog training was a "one size fits all" situation. Rick kept telling me dog training is as much training the owner as training the dog, I may have learned as much as Katie did. Rick is very much hands on working with the owner, so you understand what to expect and how to "work" the dog properly in the field. If you are having Rick train your dog, I suggest you visit at least once a week to watch/work with your dog, It will go a long ways towards your finished product. The more you understand about how to handle your dog, the more rewarding it will be for both of you.

Thanks Rick, another happy client accompolished!

Rod Sperr

Aurora, Co. .

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I contacted Rick Fitzpatrick at Gun Dogs R Us to inquire about training our pup for bird hunting. After interviewing several trainers via e-mail we decided to set a time to go on out to his place to meet him and look at his facilities. Well before that could happen we ended up selling our home, which had been for sale for some time so that we could move back home to MN. This obviously put a damper on the dog training issue. Anyway, through out all our dealings with Rick we found him to be most helpful. We told him we would be interviewing several trainers, instead of getting defensive he gave us a list of very useful inetrview questions that we should be asking through out this process.

Once we found out we had to be moved out in 30 days, I immediatley contacted Rick and asked if it would be feasible or beneficial for him to bring our pup in for a 30 day stint before we left. This was his reply: Yes, I would be able to take your pup in this weekend for 30 days. However, my recommendation would be wait till you move. Reason being, once the pup has gone through an intial training period you will need to spend some time with him reinforcing what he has learned. I am sure with your big move your time will be limited and you would not have the time to follow through with the him. Thus having to pay somebody else once again to re-establish what he had learned.

Of course I could always use more business, it is more important to me to give my clients the best advice that will be most beneficial to the pup as well as your checkbook. I am sure you will be able to find a wonderful trainer in MN.

This was my reply back to Rick;

Thank you so much for your honest answer! It's nice to deal with an honest person in this day and age; that's for sure. I'm going to focus my efforts to get the pup enrolled in training out in Minnesota... they have quite a few places out there as hunting is obviously a pretty big deal. If I have any friends out in the Denver area looking for bird dog training I'll definitely send them your way as you've been nothing but helpful and responsive to all of our questions. Thanks again and best of luck to you!

Ken Ferk

Denver, CO

........... "Yogi & Noah"

Dear Rick and Kathy,

Rick, I know I had to twist your arm a little to tackle this project of taking on my two unruly boxers (not being hunting dogs and all!) So, I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything you have done, for our family. This has truly been a life changing event for us. We can now finally enjoy our dogs! Noah and Yogi came to you two three year old out of control boxers with terrible manners and a complete inability to listen to authority. They came back to us two incredible dogs who actually listen! Gone are the days where they used to drag us across the neighborhood chasing rabbits. Now they walk next to us without leads. We go to the park, throw the ball, and they bring it back! The whistle training has proved particularly useful at the park. It really is amazing, and we are so grateful! We so appreciate you having the patience and skill to train our dogs to be well behaved. Our dogs may not be hunting dogs, but they are undoubtably the best trained dogs in the neighborhood.

Thank you! Thank you!

Sincerely,

Katherine & Kris.....Colorado Springs

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........... "Frank"

First of all let me say I can go on and on as to how valuable Rick has been for my 4 legged "kids"... We adopted a rescue GSP (Frank) that was said to have some behavioral problems and "No ability to hunt" and sent him straight to Rick in hopes he could be salvaged not only as a hunter, but as a healthy, happy dog. Now Rick said it is not his training, but the dog has a excellent innate ability for birds & is just super sharp, but we know that this dog is happy and healthy and driven because Rick has provided him a great environment to be successful in his training & that Rick has bonded with him using positive reinforcement. Rick & Kathy even allowed him to start training early because we just had to get Frank out of his prior living conditions. We consider Rick not only our "Amazing Trainer" but also a friend. He has trained our other GSP and I can say without a doubt that I wouldn't let anyone else train my dogs. Thanks Rick & Kathy

Dawn & Danny

Pueblo West

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........... "Tug"

Rick, Just wanted to touch base and let you know that Tug is doing awesome this season. He's steady to wing and shot and been pointing pheasant and quail all season. Been to Kansas, Nebraska, Eastern and South Eastern Colorado and the ducks are finally moving so he's on the river a bunch. Hope you and Kathy are doing well. Happy Holidays!

Jim Koustas

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........... "Zeus"

Zeus is the second started dog I have purchased from Rick at Gun Dogs 'R" Us and once again he has not disappointed. Although Rick advertises these dogs as started dogs, so far both the dogs I have received have been truly trained to hit the fields as professional guide dogs.

Jason Ostrander

Grey Reef Anglers & Wingshooting

(Orvis Endorsed)

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Update 11-27-2010.....Hi both,... Hunting season is going great for Danny & Hector --- every member of Danny's family has been so impressed with Hector's skills and listening ability.

Hector has been so soft mouthed - has not plucked a feather off of any them. They had their big pheasant hunt in Kansas a couple of weeks ago and Danny was so excited how he was doing that he forgot to get pictures of our little boy in action.

He loves it, every day he now "talks" to Danny to encourage him to go, he gets so excited and nervous he starts whining & shaking even before he can get out of the vehicle.

We just can't thank you enough... me especially; for you mostly training Danny... LOL Danny has done a wonderful job with him.

Happy Holidays. See you in 2011 for some more expertise. Til then Dawn & Danny & Hector Vertovec

Hector's first day of Dove Hunting 09/01/2010.

Hector was a good kid and did exactly what he was supposed to, it was amazing to watch. We are looking forward to Quail and Pheasant season to actually get to see him point, but for retrieving, he definitely has it dialed in. Thanks Rick for everything you have helped him and us accomplish. He loved being out there and is only due to get better. We are really happy to have found you!!!

Danny & Dawn Moews

Pueblo, CO

I have had the privilege of watching Rick and his dogs work our youth hunts. In my opinion they are the epitome' of what a dog and guide are about!

Troy Bowman, Pheasants Forever President

"Nellie" (19 Month GSP)

This wordy testimonial to the customer service and dog training programs offered by Gundogs-R-Us is well earned and long overdue. It is not my intent to brag about my GSP but rather to demonstrate the outstanding traits that the breeding program of Gundogs-R-Us produce and to share with you why I highly recommend Rick's gundog training program.

The Breeding:

At 19 months my GSP, Nellie, is built like her mother, McKenzie, tall, lean and graceful. She has the long distance runner's build and endurance that working the wide open spaces of Colorado requires. She carries her head high and moves with such grace that she stands out from other GSPs in the field or at field trials (okay maybe I'm a little biased). Her personality is warm and friendly. When requested, she patiently approaches small children and strangers with a wagging tail and bright eyes to allow them a quick pet and a handshake. She has bonded lovingly with my wife making her presence in the house less obtrusive (the dog's presence that is). She is a natural and versatile retriever. She is a very bright dog and a willing learner.

The Customer Service:

From the beginning it was apparent that helping me find a dog with a personality that fit our family was Rick and Kathy's primary goal. Rick was dead-on with his evaluation of the pup's personality. Since taking the dog home Rick has never failed to promptly return my many calls.

Gundogs-R-Us Gundog Training:

Rick connects with dogs and their handlers in a rare way. His training methods are tailored to the dog's and owner's needs and turns out trained hunting dogs that are of the highest caliber for the casual hunters or for daily work at premier hunting preserves. Rick's approach to training the dogs is patience, consistency and his rare gift of thinking like a dog. Rick also has a warm and unpretentious approach to working with the dog owners. Rick's response to my not-so-great methods for training my dogs usually are a gentle comment like, "Well, you can do it that way but you might want to try doing it this way." Rick is also very careful to listen to the expert on my dogs -"ME".

In conclusion, I'm sure that there are other fine trainers of gundogs and breeders with fine GSPs available but none at such an outstanding value.

Joe Byron....Aurora, CO

CASSIE (11 mos old Weimaraner)

Rick....One word description of Cassie's 1st hunt...FANTASTIC!

She was so impressive, the first day of our hunt 2 fellows offered to buy her!

Here is the story from our hunt, opening day Kansas 2009!

The day started with grabbing some breakfast at one of the local diners in town. I started conversing with 2 other fellas from Denver, who were also there for the opening. They asked how many in my party? Just myself and my dog I replied. They queried as to what kind of dog I was running? I told them an 11mos. old Weimaraner! (they were running a German Wirehair and a Brittany). They both proceeded to tell me that the hunt instinct has been bred out of Weimaraner's and they don't/won't/can't hunt! I just politley told them; I believe this one does.

Later in the day I ran into these 2 same guys as they were exiting a field, I inquired how they were doing? They conveyed they had seen alot, but the dogs were getting them out too far for them to get shots. I told them I was going to work the draw across the road. They explained they had already been through that draw and there were no birds in there! I said well I'm here, I'll give a shot anyway.

We weren't in this draw 60 seconds when Cassie locked up, I walked in and flushed a hen, Cassie started to give chase I told her NO BIRD, she pulled off. We proceeded to hunt, a few minutes later she locked up again this time a rooster, I knocked that one down, Cassie retrieved. We found another hen then another rooster wich I also knocked down and Cassie retrieved. As I came out of the draw these 2 fellows had been watching this scenario unfold from the road. They were in total disbelief! One of the fellows again stated "WE RAN OUR DOGS THROUGH THERE, WE DIDN'T SEE ANY BIRDS" At this point the other fellow asks; HOW MUCH YOU WANT FOR THAT DOG? I very politley told him I couldn't possibly sell her because Weimaraner's can't/won't/don't hunt,remember! They then asked where I had my dog trained? I gave them your information, so they may be giving you call!

As I pulled into the game check station on the way home that evening, the warden asked how I did? I told him I had 2 birds...he replied; "Well you are ahead of the game", he then explained they have had groups of 20 come through with only 1 bird! I am just pleased as punch, I could not be any happier with what you have accomplished with my dog!

Thank you so much!

Pete Lowrance

Denver, CO

Daisy..Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

This has been my first experience owning a gun dog. Daisy is well on her way to being a great bird dog. She is still very young and she's more than I expected. I can't imagine what she will be like when she gets another season or two under her belt. Rick has taught her all the necessary commands she needs to know: whoa, steady, no bird, dead bird, fetch it up, etc.

The best part of the training however came after I took Daisy home. Rick emailed me on several occasions asking for updates on how Daisy has been doing. He is also willing to give training advice and tips where needed. How many trainers would go out of their way to do this? I don't think many would. For this reason my other dog will be seeing Rick in the future.

Thanks Rick!

Craig

www.schenckfarmandkennel.com

Ozzie (18 mos. GSP)

Rick...You will be glad to know that Ozzie was a superstar in Kansas this weekend. He pointed at least 8 birds and probably got 8 or ten others up just by getting on their scent while they were running! He is really a good dog..he is loving life and doing great!

He is very tired after two very full days of hunting! He is getting a day off today!

Vince DeRose

Denver, CO

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PARKER (18 mos. GSP)

Rick...Just wanted to give you an update on Parker's first outing (opening weekend 2009). I could not make it out. However, a good friend of mine and some buddies had mentioned they were going. Since they only had 1 dog in their group I suggested they take Parker.

The report I got back was his performance was "AWESOME"! My friend said he looked like a veteran out in the field; staunch on point, held point, retrieved to hand and tracked down wounded birds. My buddy stated he couldn't think of anyway for this dog to improve! I can't wait to get him out myself! Hopefully, next weekend.

I am very happy!

Thank you!

Terry Christanson

Hanover, CO

LUWAK (Yellow Lab)

I highly recommend training with Gun Dogs R Us in Peyton, CO. Rick and Kathy are wonderful people and had the utmost patience and skills in training our dog!

Steve Schopper

Manitou Springs, CO

MURPHY

Rick.... (Sept. 2009) Murphy is quite at home here in Wyoming. He just finished the last of my scouting trips before the sage grouse season opens and he has performed flawlessly. He has got over a dozen solid points on sage grouse already. He even worked some birds today some 300yards before pinning down and we got great 20yard flushes, he's gotta nose! Just took him a couple covey flushes to get that scent down and now its all business as I got to see his light bulb turn on over the past couple days, with all the birds he's been into. Tomorrow I'm taking it easy on him we are just going to go find some blue grouse and only scout half a day. I have some great pics of him on point and I'll get them off to you after the season. Rick, thanks for training such a great dog!

Update (Nov. 2009)...Rick, I have to tell you Murphy is making me look like a "ROCK STAR" to my clients, I just can't express in words how good this dog is! Once again thanks for doing such a great job training this dog!

I will be in the market for another started dog next year, please reserve one for me! I really want to get another one from YOU!

Update April 18, 2010...Rick, just letting you know our operation was just awarded the highly coveted "ORVIS" endorsement. When it came to the the hunt portion of our inspection, of course it was imperative I utilize the right dog to impress the Orvis Rep. I decided my dog of choice would be Murphy, as I stated in my earlier e-mails Murphy has just been astounding all season, Well he didn't let me down, he was full on his game. The ORVIS REP was more than impressed. I believe his comment was; That is as good a dog as I have seen in quite some time! He actually wanted to know where and who had trained that dog. I obviously told him about you and handed him your card. He was very impressed.

Again, Thank You so much for turning me on to this hunting machine extraordinaire!

Jason Ostrander

Grey Reef Anglers & Wingshooting

307-267-2559

www.greyreefanglers.com

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Teagan

I recall Gene and I saying we would pay anything if we could just get teagan to come when she was called. You solved that problem in two days! We are still amazed everytime she comes when shes called. We just can't believe the progress Teagan has made! You are both miracle workers

Jaimie, Woodland Park

LUCY

I first brought Lucy, my German Shorthair pup to "GUN DOGS "R" US" when she was six (06) months old. Lucy was a puppy and like most shorthairs, full of energy! Lucy spent three months with "GUN DOGS "R" US" learning the basic commands (whistle and verbal) needed to hunt. During the third month of her training, I participated in the training every weekend. Yes, I had to be trained also and Rick did my training for FREE! During our training, I will never forget working on the "hold to flush" command. Rick placed Lucy on a 3' square piece of plywood and told me to tell her "whoa" if she stepped off the plywood upon release of a bird. Rick released the bird and Lucy took one small step. I immediately YELLED "WHOOA!" and placed her back on the plywood as I was instructed. Rick immediately approached me and put his hand on my shoulder and said "Matt, never yell at your dog, just tell her what to do". Before the end of the third month, Lucy and I were both trained and that fall, I shot more than 50 birds over her.

I was so impressed with Rick's training methods and gentle spirit and with how far Lucy had come through her training, I decided to take her back to "GUN DOGS "R" US" for another 3 months of training (finishing) the following Spring. Rick worked on Lucy's ranging, retrieving, taught her how to honor the point of another dog and also taught her that it was wrong to jump on people. I can hardly wait for hunting season to get Lucy out! I consider Rick and Kathy good friends and I will continue to have "GUN DOGS "R" US" tune up Lucy and I as needed. You won't find a more personable, caring, professional dog and handler trainer as they don't get any better than "GUNDOGS"R"US".

Thanks - Rick and Kathy......You guy's are a class act!....Matt and Lucy.

BELEW Chocolate Lab .......I wish I could have gotten him out earlier for pheasants. He is 13 months old now.

As you know, he did perfectly well during dove season at 9 months old, retrieving a few doves and several pigeons.

Well, we finally made it out this weekend for pheasants and he did great. Each retrieve was like lightning and brought directly to hand. On one of the retrieves I shot the bird and he flew about 300 yards and then just fell 75 feet from the sky and bounced. I had told Belew "No Bird!" because I didn't think the bird was hit and he stopped. When I saw the bird drop I said "Git him" and he ran to the area and located the bird and brought it right to me. It was magnificent!

He stops at whoa when hens fly or shots are missed, quarters(comes around) with almost imperceptable double tweets on the whistle. I wish we had the moisture we got today, because it was drier out east than I've ever seen it. He had a tough time smelling them and they were getting up at 30 yards(I'm glad I switched to a full choke), so, he didn't really get any chances to flush or point, but he knew what he was doing.

He is a machine in the field, but, tests me around the house. Maybe I should have had you house train him too! Not really. He's a joy. He just loves to play.

I cannot thank you enough for training me such a WONDERFUL partner. He's with me all of the time, and everything you've done shines through each and every day.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Rick!!!!!

Happy New Year

Kirby Boos

Englewood, CO

After a very disappointing and disastrous experience with another local trainer, I feel fortunate to have found Rick Fitzpatrick at Gun Dogs 'R' Us, he is not only good with the dogs, but also knows that communication with the owners is a key ingredient in this process!

I got to tell you Rick that Jake is just working great for me! I could not be any more pleased with him and it is only because of the great job you did with him.

He responds to the whistle or the beeper on his collar really well. Think I have a great pointer thanks to you. Jake will be two next month and for a pup he is doing great. Thanks again for a job well done!

Bob Cook

Colorado Springs

Winston... German Shorthair Pointer

As my wife and I are not wealthy people it was imperative for us to pick the right trainer for Winston the first time. We were not in the position to jump from trainer to trainer if one didn't workout!

Rick and Kathy at Gun Dogs "R" Us, not only were they sensitive and very caring for our pup, they made us feel very welcome in their home and listened to our needs.

Rick advised me to come out anytime I had a chance, he was very willing to show me his techniques used in the training, once he showed me the techniques, he had me working my own dog, that was really cool!

I was also impressed by his low key approach with the dogs, his commands are firm but calm. He is really patient with the dogs. One of his philosophies is: Don't force it! If the trainer or pup is having an off day call it a day, there is always tomorrow!

I can tell you from 1st hand experience you will not be disappointed if you choose Gun Dogs "R" Us for your training needs!

Sean

Aurora, CO

Rick, Thank you for doing such a wonderful job with Winnie!

I want to relay to you our first hunting trip Nov-2007:

I went hunting with several of my buddies to Kansas for a 3-day hunt. It was a pretty phenomenal week-end, we brought home over 80 birds as Winnie was the only dog in our group she was kept very busy, not only finding, pointing and retrieving but she was excellent in tracking down and finding the wounded birds that ran on us.

At one point we joined with another group of hunters with professional guides and several dogs to work a large field,. In our conversation they asked how we were doing, we told them we were doing pretty well and relayed to them how many birds we had. They then asked how many dogs we were running, I told him just one, my little Winnie here. He then asked how old she was, when I told him she just turned 1 year old, he was quite astounded and made the comment the way she was hunting he thought she was a seasoned veteran. He then inquired who did I have train her, I told him about you and gave him one of your cards. He commented he was not familiar with you, I just told him that you did one heck of job with my Winnie and he readily agreed!

As we departed and headed back to our vehicles these guides were struggling to keep their dogs under control, while I walked off with Winnie at heel with no problem.

I remember when I dropped Winnie off at your facility; in our interview I told you I wanted a dog to hunt both upland and waterfowl as well as a well-behaved dog. You have delivered to me exactly as requested. If anyone asks about gun dog training, I will, with all the confidence in the world tell them you are the go to guy!

I can't wait to get her out goosing, there is no doubt in my mind she will perform just as well, I will keep you updated!

Please convey my thanks to Kathy for all her help!

Randy

Berthoud, CO

On my first hunt after picking my dog up from Gun Dogs "R" Us, I called Rick from the field just to tell him Thank you, because I now have the "BEST HUNTIN DOG ON THE PLANET"

Bill

Colorado Springs, CO

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Keena's Story

I started my search for a dog trainer when I acquired my 4-month-old Chocolate Lab (Keena). Keena was my baby and I was going to be very cautious in my choosing a trainer. I had heard several horror stories of dogs being mistreated, abused, over shocked via e-collar and consequently ruined by over aggressive training techniques.

I met with Rick and Kathy of GUN DOGS "R" US, Kathy kept assuring me that Keena would be cared for just as one of their own dogs, after a few meetings with Rick and Kathy I felt confident my Keena would be in good hands, one of my main concerns was the use or abuse of e-collars. Rick explained that any training tool if used incorrectly will have a negative impact, thusly if the tools are used in a proper manner the pup will accept the training process in a fun and confident manner. Rick is confident enough in his training process that he encourages his clients to come out to the facility, not only to watch him work your dog but invites you to join in while he coaches you to work your own dog! This was a big deal to me, I was out there on several occasions, and I never witnessed or saw any indication that the Rick's techniques were abusive or overly aggressive!

When I dropped Keena off she was a 4-month-old wild little puppy full of reckless abandon. 90 days later I had a 7-month-old well-behaved wonderful hunting partner. Rick was able to channel all that puppy energy into the hunting process, yet Keena maintained her happy go lucky personality.

Keena was out hunting upland and waterfowl at the age of 9 mos. old, my buddies and anyone that witnessed this young pup out in the field could not believe she was not even 1 year old yet!

There may be trainers out there just as good as Rick Fitzpatrick of GUN DOGS "R" US but I can't imagine there are any trainers any better!

After I picked my dog up, my girlfriend at the time asked me if the investment of getting my dog trained was worth it? My response to her was: I AM SO PLEASED, THAT GUY COULD HAVE CHARGED ME DOUBLE AND IT WOULD HAVE STILL BEEN WORTH EVERY DIME!

Rick and Kathy, thanks to both of you for your hospitality and Kudos to you Rick for a job well done! I have the hunting partner I had hoped for!

Jason

Westminster CO

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Beignet's Story

We have had our German Shorthaired Pointer, Beignet, now for about a year and it is a good time to reflect upon our experience with her. We bought our pup from Rick and Kathy Fitzpatrick, knowing what we wanted was a tall order, an enthusiastic and energetic hunting dog, but one that would make a manageable house dog and a pet for our kids as well. Well, here we are a year later and it seems we have the best of both worlds. With Rick's help in field training and my daughter's work on obedience training, Beignet is shaping up to be a fantastic hunter and fun loving family member. Beignet lives comfortably (perhaps too comfortably) in our kitchen, she enjoys our yard, the nearby park and plays very well with the neighborhood dogs, but when we head out to the hunt fields she is all business, pretty remarkable for a 1 year old puppy!

When we picked Beignet from the litter, Rick and Kathy helped us identify mannerisms and characteristics of a pup which might be clues as to how she would be as an adult. We looked for an active and playful puppy that would have the confidence and stamina to hunt, but one that would easily accept training. After the kids identified the playful ones, Rick and I took the selected pups out to the field and looked for signs of instinct and confidence, Beignet was our top choice. Since then Beignet has been on a straight-line trajectory to becoming the perfect gun dog. She has learned all the basic field commands (whoa, quartering, here) and is now backing and retrieving. She is incredibly birdy, solid to point and a tireless hunter despite challenging environment and hunting conditions. As solid as Beignet seems to be in the field, remarkably, she recently won Grand Champion in a recent Arapahoe County 4-H Showmanship and Obedience Intermediate Class Competition. Despite the new environment there, and plenty of canine distractions, Beignet responded well to our daughter's commands (sit, down, stay) and walked with the young handler like a champ.

That is Beignet's story. For all the great progress we know she is still young and has a lot of work and maturing ahead (she does get a little too excited about our neighborhood rabbits), but honestly, we could not have asked for a better dog or for better help with her training! Rick and Kathy thanks to both of you!

Mike & Susu Dugas & Family

Greenwood Village, CO

Co-Owners of Swanson Lake Ranch & Hunting Preserve

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"My goal in life is to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am..."