New Era Newspaper, Parker, SD Friday, March 22nd, 2002
Steenhoven Teaches Dogs New Tricks
By Sarah Ebeling
North Country Kennels has been open for business in Parker since the Steenhovens moved to Parker in September of 2001. Rick and Robin Steenhoven are the owners and operators of the kennel.
Rick knows a thing or two about Labrador Retrievers. He should. He not only owns four blacks and one chocolate one, but he has finished four of them with Grand Master Hunting Retriever titles. North Country Kennels offers a variety of services at his business. "We offer all breeds of obedience training and hunting dog retriever training. We also have lab pups, offer stud service and guided hunting" explained Steenhoven about all that is offered at the kennel. "We do not offer standard boarding, but we do board the dogs that are enrolled in our training program." told Steenhoven.
Steenhoven breeds only Labrador Retrievers but has trained all breeds of dogs. "We have a very selective breeding program. Sometimes we look for years to find the correct breeding ". said Steenhoven about the animals that are bred at the kennel.
The training courses are ran depending upon what the owner wants and needs. They usually run between two to five weeks in length for each course.
The kennel also sells registered Labrador Retriever pups. All of the puppies are sold with a written 26 month warranty. "all puppies have had their dew claws removed, had their puppy shots, and are wormed before they are sold". said Steenhoven.
Steenhoven has been training dogs for the hunting competition for the past 15 years.
"Many people have been around dogs all of their life, but yet they have no idea of the capacities and abilities of a well trained, well socialized dog." stated Steenhoven.
Steenhoven is a licensed field trial and hunt test judge. His kennels offers a multitude of programs ranging from one-hour individual owner sessions as well as other programs such as the dog being boarded at the kennel for the entire length of the program.
"At the end of the program we bring the owners in and coach them on obtaining the best results on what the dog has learned". Stated Steenhoven about the training programs.
"Working as a dog trainer and a hunting guide affords me the opportunity to always be working alongside my best friend." Told Steenhoven on why he loves what he does.