Gun Dog Training
Whether you are looking to take your best friend and couch potato for a couple hunts a year or want a hard charging machine to chase those hunt test ribbons, we can deliver. We offer basic programs that teach steadiness with gunfire and delivering a bird to hand, but also teach advanced techniques like marking multiple falls and running blind retrieves with hand signals for an ultimate hunting experience. Contact us for pricing.
Obedience Training
If your goal is to have a well-mannered pet that you can enjoy on a leisurely walk then this is the program for you. We will teach sit, here and heel at your dog's pace. Every dog responds to training in different ways and we work hard to make it a positive experience for your pet. When your dog comes home you will have not just a good dog, but a well-trained dog. All breeds are welcome - not just retrievers! Contact us for pricing.
Boarding
We would love the opportunity to give your pet a Rural Route Retreat! Your pet will have its own private kennel and the opportunity for many potty breaks a day, as well as plenty of one-on-one time with us. Feel free to bring their favorite blanket or bone to have a little piece of home. Any size and breed is welcome but our limited boarding spots fill up quickly. $30/dog per day.
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About
Owner/Trainer
Jon-Michael Rull
What started as a dream watching the Super Retriever Series on TV in 2006, quickly led to Jon-Michael training his first Labrador, Deke, to achieve the titles of Grand Hunting Retriever Champion (HRC), Master Hunter (AKC), placements and even TV time in the Super Retriever Series. Since then he has trained countless retrievers for hunting and hunt tests and, after retiring from the Air Force in 2022, opened Rural Route Retrievers in Fairmount, Illinois. He resides there with his wife, Amanda, two black Labradors Hunting Retriever Champions Rookie & Howie (sons of Deke) and a black cat that thinks he's a dog, Scout.
Jon-Michael's passion is developing young dogs into well-trained retrievers to be a hunter's companion in the field and at home for years to come.
Vaccinations
At least a week before drop off, all owners are required to show proof the dogs are current on all vaccinations, including Bordetella, Rabies, DHLP, and Parvo. To keep the kennel safe we cannot allow drop off without these documents.
Training Contract
All owners having their dogs trained will be required to sign a contract upon drop off. Feel free to print and bring it with you at drop off.
Boarding Contract
All owners boarding their dogs will be required to sign a contract upon drop off. Feel free to print and bring it with you at drop off.
