Otter Tail Kennels

MP Hackl

2023-06

I sent my lab Brooks to Otters Tail Kennels as a rowdy, mischievous, and showing very little interest in birds. Brooks’ pedigree maybe wasn’t as proven as most labs that you’d invest in. It didn’t matter….they took him step by step progressing him. They were incredibly professional, with great communication, thoroughness, unmatched dedication and hardworking. They would send videos showing the weekly progress and call with honesty explaining your dog’s ups and downs. If you send your dog here you will be so impressed with the instructions from the moment you sign up. Within a few weeks you will know this was a good decision when you can’t wipe the smile of your face after watching the videos. They use real life situations, whether that’s in the boat or blind. Your dog will return obedient and ready and I couldn’t recommend them more for your dog’s training.

Cody Larson

2023-10

My wife and I sent our 7 month old female black lab, Ruby off to Otter Tail Kennels for the Sportsman Training Program with a main focus on upland training as we primarily only upland hunt. We spoke with three other trainers closer to where we live in northern Illinois before deciding on OTK and we are more than happy that we chose them. From start to finish the entire process was smooth. The most important thing we recognized from Steve and Jody is that they CARE. They are professional, organized, and are outstanding with communication which is another other huge plus for us. When we dropped her off they were very thorough on explaining what to expect and also gave us a tour of the training grounds. We spoke to them on a weekly basis to receive a report on Ruby’s progress. We also received pictures and/or videos on a weekly basis of her in action which was awesome to see. Upon Ruby's completion of the program when we picked her up we spent 2-3 hours going over everything she learned and how to maintain her training which was great and much needed as this is our first hunting dog. We have had her home for almost a month now and she is doing wonderful. It is amazing what they have trained her to do so well and consistent and how obedient she is now as compared to when we dropped her off. Additionally after we got home, they did not leave us high and dry like some trainers I have read reviews on in the past do. There is still continuous support after your pups pick up. I have reached out to them with some questions on things I forgot and they answered with zero hesitation and got ahold of them the same day. If you want a trainer that cares, that puts in the effort for you and your dog, does their job well, and communicates like you would expect than OTK is the way to go. If/when we ever get another lab he or she will be going back to OTK no doubt. Thanks again Steve and Jody for everything!

Kelly Ackman

2023-05

Otter Tail Kennels brought out Mya’s natural ability for retrieving waterfowl & upland game. Steve & Jody are very professional, caring, & extremely knowledgeable in training your hunting partner. The communication is clear & honest with weekly training updates. We would highly recommend Otter Tail Kennels services for your dog’s training, hunting refresher, or hunt test, needs.

Kial Rushlow

2022-05

We would highly recommend Otter Tail Kennels to anyone who loves their dog and is serious about having their dog trained well. We were able to tour the kennels and surrounds before our dog, Maggie's arrival. We were so impressed by Jody's warm welcome, the time that she took to answer our questions, how clean the kennels were, and the large grounds that they had for training the dogs.Steve communicated with us weekly by phone and sent photos and videos throughout her 10 weeks of training. He always took time to answer all of our questions and made himself available during the week if something would come up.Their website also offers valuable articles for us to read that helped us to prepare for her transition back home and to continue her training. After Maggie returned home, Steve and Jody emailed and texted to check in to see how things were going and they have made sure that they are available for any questions or concerns even though Maggie's training is finished. It is evident that they truly care about our dog and that she is successful in the field and in our home. That was very important to us. Steve and Jody are really good at what they do and they love our dogs!!If you are looking for a good trainer for your dog and someone who will take really good care of her/him while they're there, trust Steve and Jody at Otter Tail Kennels! We're very happy we did!

Sam K

2023-11

Excellent training and very professional. Im very happy with the basic waterfowl and will be going back for the advanced course. This is a nice small kennel so you know your dog will be taken care of and trained well!

Steve McKay

2023-10

We sent Riley for the basic waterfowl program and it was a great experience all the way around. Steve and Jody were amazing to work with. They were in constant communication throughout the program giving regular updates. Riley came back a completely well trained dog. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend them for training.

Joseph Gelhaye

2023-05

I had my yellow lab trained by Otter Tail Kennels in 2022. Steve had my dog for 12 weeks, sportsmen package. I was impressed with everything about the training process. Steve and Jodi were always available for updates on the training. They called every Sunday to update me with the previous weeks training. They were always thorough and gave me all the good and bad my dog was doing. When I picked up my dog after the 12 weeks of training Steve and Jodi both spent time with me going through everything they have taught my dog. They took all the time I needed and explained everything to me and had my dog do several activities that she had been trained in. About a week after picking my dog up she started not staying and sitting. I sent a message to Steve and within an hour he called me back and gave me several tips on what to do. I've also received emails from them checking on how my dog is doing. I've been impressed with every aspect of Otter Tail Kennels.

Daniel Winkler

2022-05

Otter Tail Kennels was a fantastic choice for training our young lab. Jody and Steve are a superb team. We liked the fact that Otter Tail Kennels works with a limited number of dogs, and that Jody and Steve are the only trainers. Our dog went through the Sportsman program and Steve provided detailed weekly updates. Bonus they send pictures upon request when we were missing our pup! It was evident they really got to know our dog through the detailed feedback provided. We had a great pick up and transition session where Jody and Steve covered everything taught and what we needed to know. They encouraged us to keep in contact to make sure we are 100% satisfied. We have kept in contact they are always quick to answer questions and help as needed. We are very pleased with Otter Tail Kennels!

Sarah Fleischmann

2021-05

We rescued a 1.5ish year old lab from the Humane Society and we weren’t sure how he would do at training but we didn’t want him to have to stay home while we went hunting with our other lab! We sent him to Steve’s introductory program and the result was nothing short of amazing. Steve and Jody are wonderful to work with and are incredibly responsive.Their willingness to send pictures and answer questions was great for when you just miss your dog, and the weekly progress updates truly set their business apart from other trainers. We have had trainers tell us “don’t call us, we’ll call you” and instead, Steve called every Sunday with a progress report and it was clear that he put a lot of effort into getting to know the dogs and providing detailed feedback every week. Boomer’s doing great and we’re so happy we sent him to Otter Tail Kennels!

Andy Pankratz

2022-05

We were referred to Otter Tail Kennels from a friend who was very happy with his dog's training. I placed my deposit for training easily via their website. Upon arrival at Otter Tail with our 6 month old lab, we were pleased to see the cleanliness of the facilities and the ample acreage for training. We were given a tour and were comfortable with our choice after meeting Steve and Jody. We received weekly updates via phone and had all of our questions answered promptly. Steve encouraged participation with training on Monday afternoons, which allowed for us to witness the progression of our lab. An added bonus was that Steve handled our lab for a UKC trial, which was successful. After 3 months of training, we scheduled our pick up time and my wife and I were taken through the training received, training tips in obedience and hunting, e-collar use, and general dog health. We were impressed with the knowledge shared. Home transitioning was without issue. I took my now 9 month old lab to Montana for an upland game hunt after 3 months at Otter Tail. All birds were retrieved to hand and his quartering was excellent! I was very happy with his performance at a young age, thanks to Otter Tail. It is without hesitation that I recommend Steve and Jody at Otter Tail Kennels for training. We have already signed up for advanced training this spring!

Easton Soular

2021-05

I dropped my dog Bailey off when she was 7 months, still in her puppy stage. The amount of progress I saw when we picked her up was unbelievable. Steve contacted me multiple times a week just sending updates, pictures, or videos, which I really appreciated. You can easily tell Steve and Jody put a lot of time and care with the dogs they have there. Obedience is huge for hunting dogs, and Steve will work with them until they get it down. Overall I am very happy with Otter Tail Kennels and would without a doubt recommend them to anyone looking to get their dog trained.

Ryan Sura

2022-05

First of all, Steve and Jody are great people. They will treat your dog as one of their own. They did a fantastic job helping train our 1 year old Yellow Lab obedience and the basics for upland and waterfowl hunting. Steve calls with an update on your dog weekly, and also will text photos and videos throughout the week of the training sessions.

Linda Buss

2021-05

If you send your dog to Otter Tail Kennels, it will be the best decision you will make for the training and well being your dog. Steve and Jody are so professional - they have been training hunting dogs for over 25+ years. The facility is top notch. We had two dogs trained by Steve & Jody. Both dogs went on to obtain the junior hunter titles and Lexi will be attempting to earn her senior title in 2021.

Kenzie Novak

2022-05

Jody and Steve did an amazing job with my dog, Sawyer. They both exceeded my expectations and turned my very stubborn dog into a respectful, hard working, hunting lab. I was updated every week with a phone call, pictures, and videos. Thank you so much Jody and Steve! Highly recommend them to train your lab!

Elizabeth Quinn

2020-05

Could not be more pleased with the results from our experience with Steve and Jody. We brought our 15-month old black lab (Stout) up from the Chicago area for the waterfowl retriever program that Otter Tail Kennels offers. We were provided weekly email updates on Stout's progress with both obedience and hunting-specific training that also included some pictures so our kid's stayed engaged with her. On drop-off day, I received a full tour of the facility and grounds which were expansive and clean. On pick-up day, we arrived with our kids and were educated on all the obedience and hunting commands that were used in her training. Both Steve and Jody worked with the whole family to ensure we were comfortable on how to best continue our work with her at home and in the field after we left. They also continue to check-in periodically with us to see if there are any questions we have and are consistently available for advice whenever we call. We've been home for 6 weeks now and Stout continues to exceed my expectations and it would not have been possible without the foundation that was built during her training with Steve and Jody. Extremely happy with the results. Looking forward to getting Stout in the blind very soon.

Jimmy R

2023-11

Great people, great trainers. There are many kennels that train retrievers. I interviewed several different ones. Im glad I was referred to you. Thank you for training my pup.

Tyler Walsh

2023-05

Steve and Jody are amazing people to work with. They had Sadie our red fox lab for the sportsmans program, she came back a great listener and ready to hunt. I will be spreading the word around about Otter Tail Kennels!

Michael Hughes

2022-05

I was researching retriever training in my area and came across Ottertail Kennels on the web, read Steve and Jody's profile and decided to look closer into their training programs, Steve and I had several phone conversations and requested a photo of Annie our 8 month old Lab, he received the photo and agreed to train her in the upland program starting in March, So we had 10 weeks to prepare ourselves to send Annie off to school.When my wife and I dropped Annie off for her training it was our first opportunity to meet Steve and Jody,Within seconds after our introductions we new we had made the right choice for Annie's training.Sundays were our fun days waiting for Annie's progress reports from Steve and the midweek videos of Annie's retrieving and first pheasant encounter, that was priceless.Annie left our care a typical 8 month old mischievous Lab pup and on transition day we was reunited with a well disciplined dog, Annie's primary role is a family dog with a very good fondationIn upland game hunting, she has matured remarkably, Sharon and I are very proud of her and her progress.We still are in contact with Steve and Jody and receive tips and updates,I am a very happy costumer of Ottertail Kennels and would recommend their program, They were all about my dog!Thanks Steve and Jody

Christine Feutz

2020-05

Steve and Jody do an amazing job training these dogs. We are very happy with the results from the training they have done with our dog! He is an excellent dog for hunting and family companionship. 5 stars all around!

tim kray

2021-05

I couldn’t have picked anyone better than Steve to train my dog Oakley. I inquired to half a dozen trainers to discuss oakley and most were quick with the response of “I can have your dog do anything in a month”. I got ahold of Steve and immediately knew this is who I wanted to train my family’s first dog. Very professional and passionate about what he does. We chose the sportsman package and was a little worried about not having him for 3 months.After drop off I got weekly updates on day to day breakdown of what and how Oakley did, and pictures and videos to see his progress. Always helpful whenever I had questions, and there were a lot of them.Pick up was easy and enjoyable. Steve went over commands and things to expect. Demonstrated and worked one on one with my wife two daughters and I with Oakley. We’ve had him back for a week now and couldn’t be happier with how well he listens. He knows when it’s time to train and time to play. We were worried about him losing his personality, but no such thing happened. He’s exceeded my expectations in every way and would do it all over in a heartbeat. Can’t wait for fall to come to get in the field with him. Thanks again Steve and Jody!

Kevin Kilgore

2021-05

Steve picked a female lab for us from a local litter. He stayed in constant contact and sent us weekly updates. She is a family and a hunting dog. She is BEAUTIFUL and so sweet with my young daughters and being started, taking to training very well. I can't wait for fall to get out to hunt with her. I can't say enough about my experience. Definitively a professional experience.

Andrea Yancey

2021-05

We cannot say enough great things about Steve and Jody. They were wonderful, and they really worked great for the needs for our dog and our family. Would highly recommend for your retriever needs!

Kim Pfister

2021-05

Steve and Jody provide excellent and clean care of the dogs staying with them for retriever training and do a wonderful job training them as well.

Nate Anderson

2022-05

Steve and Jodi are top notch and know their stuff!