Derek Randle
Miami, OK
Background
Derek's got a fair dinkum extensive background in retriever training, starting when he co-owned War Eagle Retrievers. After that, he went on to design and develop the first retriever training facility and lodge – The Retriever Academy, right there in Miami Oklahoma.
Through his training and handling, Derek's racked up a swag of top gongs in the AKC, HRC & NAHRA, including GRHRCH, GMHR, and MH titles. He's the proud owner and trainer of the first 2-time SRS Champion, and just recently, he smashed a new HRC Grand record for the most passes in a single Grand – 7 out of 7, mate.
Over the last 20 years, Derek's been flat out like a lizard drinking, hosting heaps of seminars and official events, including AKC Hunt Tests/Field Trials, HRC Hunt Tests and SRS Qualifiers. Right now, he's busy as a bee developing and rolling out the United Retriever Series: The only 'competitive/standardized' retriever game that uses simulated birds.
Why I Use SportDOG Brand
I use SportDOG Brand products because of the functionality and customisability they offer for training each individual dog.
Favourite Products
My favourite product is the SD-2525. The versatility that this remote trainer offers is what I need to do my job well on a daily basis and make the dogs I train better hunting mates.
Websites
http://www.theretrieveracademy.com/Other Senior Prostaff
Ed Bullard
Ed's got a long history of breeding, training, and competing with his bird dogs. He's been a keen outdoorsman his whole life. His focus is on training bird dogs and breeding Brittanys.
Ethan Kimmince
Ethan began his career in the zoo-keeping industry, spending nine years as a tiger handler at Australia Zoo. His expertise extends beyond big cats, having worked in Canada with bears, wolves, and cougars. After leaving the zoo world, he founded Wolf Within Dog Training, applying his deep understanding of animal behaviour, operant conditioning, and training science. In just five years, Wolf Within has become one of Queensland’s top-rated dog training companies, renowned for helping owners build stronger, more harmonious relationships with their beloved pets.
Rick Grant
With his wife Terri, Rick co-owns and operates Perfect 10 Kennel. Their business offers boarding, grooming, and retriever training. They also breed Labrador retrievers. Rick has 30 years of experience in retriever training, participating in everything from field trials to hunt tests to upland hunting competitions.
