Old Oak Retrievers

Martha Martin

2023-05

(2018) We own two dogs from Old Oak Retrievers and our next pup will be from there, as well. Rick McConico is an accomplished trainer who operates a beautiful, clean facility and does a superb job with the dogs he trains. Highly recommended!(2022) UPDATING my original review to say that we own a third pup from Old Oak Retrievers who is now three years old (a half sister to our black lab Sophie). She's just as amazing as her big sis! Rick is very selective about his breeding program - great dogs! Each one of our dogs is the quintessential "gentleman's gun dog" - everything you want in a retriever, wonderful, biddable disposition and a joy to have in the home as a beloved family member.

Brian Groff

2023-09

It takes a lot for me to write a review; good or bad. I've spend the better part of 2 years as a customer. Rick took the time to understand that I wanted a dog with a lot of hunting drive as I hunt birds (ducks and pheasants) 25 to 30 days a year. I also wanted a dog with hunt test potential should I decide to pursue that. Lastly, I wanted the dog to have an off switch (don't we all) I got exactly what I wanted for a dog. Equally as good in the field and in the house. Even more importantly, I went to both puppy lessons that Rick offered and followed his instructions religiously when I got back home. The pup was off to a great start before I sent him back for obedience, collar conditioning and intro to birds after which he had a hunting season that did not disappoint (at 10 months). I send him back to Rick this summer to do all his advanced work (multiple marks, handling, blind retrieves, etc...). I ended up with the bonus of a dog that have very good hunt test potential should I choose to pursue that. Not only did he train him but he was always willing to let me come down, use his grounds and learn from him which is something he certainly didn't have to do.

Angela O'Connell

2023-08

I was not happy when picking my boy up. He smelt so bad like pee and his fur was so yucky feeling. I don't know if he even ate or was let out but I had never seen him act the way he did when I picked him up after 3 days. I was very upset when I stated he stunk and nothing was said like I'm sorry or anything she just stood there not saying a word. I had heard another customer boarded my boys sibling and she never came out smelling like pee or looked scared and she was able to go back and see where her girl was staying . I also heard a really bad yelp when I was waiting for my boy to come put to me. I had to deal with him lunging at my other dog 2 times when I tried to pet her that is something I've never seen done from him before. Needless to say I will not bring him back and will not recommend this place. I didn't feel it was professional enough for my boy and it confirmed my fears of dog boarding. This was my first time ever boarding a dog and will definitely be my last. Very very disappointed had me crying when I saw the condition he was in. Never is that acceptable. An explanation would have been great but nothing I felt like he was not important at all.

Ryan Parker

2023-05

In researching our next family hunting dog one place kept coming up, "Old Oak Retrievers". After contacting Rick it is easy to see why, their facilities are truly amazing and only pale to the quality of dog the produce. Our puppy (9 years old now) is and always has been an amazing house and office dog who is extremely calm and well mannered. But when it is time to hit the woods has that drive you hope for.

Dan McCullough

2023-08

Great place. Got a British lab pup that was really good. Great family dog and even better hunter. Had so much drive. Made the longest water retrieve I have ever witnessed, in really windy conditions. Just awesome.

Joseph Busalacchi

2024-02

Very nice people, excellent facility, very professional and quality dogs. I love the puppy I purchased from them.

Matthew Aish

2023-05

Old oaks did a great job setting me up with a private party that was having a litter so that part was great. Unfortunately the private party did not disclose it was a limited registration litter until the day I was picking up the puppy. Paying that much for a puppy with limited registration and not disclosing it I felt was a poor way to conduct business especially since the drive was over two hours one way and we visited the puppies almost every weekend so we could pick the one we wanted.

Jacqui Snyder

2023-05

Rick did a phenomenal job with my Boxer (Rosie) who needed obedience training. It's been almost 2 years since our training with Rick and she is constantly complimented for her recall and ability to walk/stay in heel without a leash, and sit patiently when we stop on our walks to chat with neighbors.I will absolutely be sending my next dog to Rick.

Brina Bergland

2023-05

I would not recommend Old Oak. My dog spent a week at old oak and after has been terrified of young males. I suspect that there were acts of abuse. She is perfectly fine interacting with older males, all females and children. Since our visit at old oak we have been working through her new fear of young males. I can only speak from our experience. This was not our first time with old oak but it’s our last. Old oak has ruined my trust with any boarding kennels. Do not recommend bringing your dog to old oak.

Laura McClellan

2021-05

Our Golden was about 1 1/2 years when we sent her to Old Oak Kennels for obedience training. We are so pleased with the results and she is a changed dog for the better! Going on walks is a favorite family activity, she doesn’t leave our side and she listens to our commands. My husband and I are satisfied with the results. We would recommend Rick and Andrea to anyone who needs dog training. The facilities are so clean and we trusted our dog with them.

David R

2023-05

We purchased a male golden retriever pup (Charles), in the fall of 2017. He was one of Teya’s pups. Words do not do justice of what kind of dog Charles has become. After he turned around 6-8 months old, we brought him back to Rick for obedience and bird training. I was a little nervous about picking up Charles after his training of a few months, that we were going to be getting a robot in return. Thank goodness, this was not the case. As Rick assured me, he said, “ you will be picking up your old dog, he will just have manners.” And he was right! What a great dog. Superb duck hunter, excellent listener, extremely obedient, and tucks in our two kids to bed every night! Couldn’t possibly be happier! Great job Old Oak Retrievers! Keep up the good work!

Mark Gaulke

2023-05

Old Oak Kennels is the best kennel I have found in my 45 years of owning hunting dogs. The owners are the most knowledgeable and have the best stock available. Highly recommended.

Jennifer

2022-05

Old Oak Retrievers was recommended to me by my Labrador's breeder whom is a veterinarian, served as president of the National Labrador Club, and breeds some of the best Labrador Retrievers in the world. I first took my puppy there when she was 6 months old to have training while I was away on vacation. She stayed for 2 months. I was so impressed with the training and affection they show the dogs, that I only ever bring my dog here now for board and train while I go on vacation. It's a 1.5 drive for me from the Twin Cities and well worth it! I know my pup is getting world class training and loving affection!

Michael Tortorici

2023-05

Old Oak has the best dogs! There’s a reason why 3 of our family members have Old Oak labs! Our yellow lab has been nothing but amazing! If you’re in the market for well-trained, athletic, and sweet dog this is the place for you! We’re from Alabama and will always go out of our way for an Old Oak lab!

Catherine Ewing

2023-05

Initially when Rick trained our dog in Obedience we choose him because he was well recommended by our buyer. He did a good job with the obedience training, he seemed to understand the softness of the Brit-Lab. Then his business moved to the country and increased in size. We took our same dog to him to be titled in hunting. We found he was burning dogs with the electric shock collar merciless. In fact our dog’s voice was never the same. We were also witness of him doing it to another dog while he showed us the horrible procedure. I wish I had never sent my dog to him. I feel horrible that he had to endure such mistreatment. Had I known he had turned into a merciless through-put operation I would have NEVER send our dog to him!

Albert Esther

2022-05

We were looking for a started dog that had a mellow temperament and was well trained - Rick introduced us to Ted - a 1 year + British Yellow Lab - that has been better than we could have hoped for. He is now an integral part of our family and great fun. Wonderful temperament and beloved by our friends, strangers, and children.

Tim Nord

2020-05

Helped me with several dogs. Knows his craft, kind, BUT effective.If you are committed to having a good family member, that is a pleasure to have in society, get with Rick and his team

Noah Smith

2023-05

Always professional, kind, and courteous; we have been taking our dogs here for boarding for 10+ years now. Rick and his staff are great with the dogs.

Cody Fox

2017-05

My dog was obedience trained and beginning hunting training. He is excellent offor leash now and very obedient. His first year duck hunting was excellent. He also went from a retriever who did not want to bring the retrieve back to loving running after the retrieve a dnr bringing it right back.The facility is excellent and grounds are just as good. Staff make sure your animal is well taken care of. After several months of training we picked him up and he was happy, obedient and importantly looking good with no injuries (which I cannot say for other trainers!).My biggest complaint is Rick is not real supportive of other breeds outside of British labs. He believes they are lesser. I'm a no non-sense person who likes conversations but I don't want excuses, I want results. They were provided, but no need to state a particular dog is lesser than another breed.All in all, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

Jason Moritz

2023-05

Our Ripley is now 7 years old. He was trained by Rick as a puppy for obedience and upland bird hunting. Ripley is a true gentleman in the house and very skilled in the field. Several of our friends have purchased dogs from Rick after spending time with our Ripley. If you are looking for a British Lab, Old Oak Retrievers is your breeder.

Lisa Wolff

2017-05

We were extremely disappointed with every aspect of our experience with Old Oak Retrievers.1. After 8 weeks of obedience/hunting training we went to pick up our lab/ golden retriever mix. We were shocked and saddened to find that he was terrified of the Old Oak owner, Rick. The dog was continuously shocked and yelped every time, despite doing exactly as told. Rick said this was to teach him "respect" and to "show him who was in charge".2. Our dog went to Old Oak trained already to sit, stay, down, heel. After 8 weeks he was skittish, NOT obedience collar-trained, and Rick had to put him on a leash to even demonstrate the obedience commands he had previously learned with us.3. Hunting training was our priority. However, at pick-up Rick gave no demonstration of any hunting skills or commands. He said our dog had retrieved pheasants but not ducks.. When we called one week later for more information, we were then told our dog had retrieved ducks as well??4. To "teach us" how to discipline our dog (although he had done nothing wrong), Rick literally dragged him across the floor by his ears. We were completely flabbergasted, to say the least!Needless to say, we would definitely NOT recommend Old Oak Retrievers and Kennels for training of ANY kind. 8 weeks and $1500 later, everything about the place and training was a huge disappointment!!

Sean Casey

2023-05

Top notch professional service! Highly recommended! My Golden went in a Dumb Dumb and came back a soldier. Brayden and Jake did an amazing job. Can not say enough good.

Darnell Ghidotti

2024-02

Amazing Breeder and Trainer. The only Kennel we use.

Camila Guimarães

2020-05

They don’t care about dogs or treating them well, all they care about is their animal trophies and money. If you are planning on training your dog there or taking the test, be aware they will only treat you well if your dog does everything perfect, besides that, they will humilhate you and your dog.

john petersen

2023-05

Great facilities and staff. We know our dog has good care while boarding at Old Oak.

David carrington

2023-05

Great Grounds! Hunt Test or Field Trial your choice.Boarding kennel is the cleanest I have ever witnessed.

C. C.

2023-05

Excellent dog training at a first class facility. The grounds are immaculate!Highly recommend.

Don Soto

2019-05

Great dogs. Great people. Always there to help. Great knowledge on how to train your dog and get it to the level you are looking for. RICK is a stud.

Les Johnson

2023-05

Great training facility and everyone is very helpful to help not only your dog but helping you train your dog.

J Zentz

2023-05

Great experience. Amazing well-bred dog that our family dearly loves. Would highly recommend.