I was introduced to Jim through a mutual friend, who purchased a pup from Jim.  My friend explained that Jim was also an experienced trainer, as well as a breeder.  At this time I was already in possession of a female named “TINA” and she came out of “Woody’s Kennels” in Freemont OH. My primary goal was to have a dog that was hunt obedient and could retrieve waterfowl.  Unfortunately, my better half couldn’t stand the fact that Tina was just enrolled into doggy boot camp.  So being that, I’m a city slicker and Tina has such a great house demeanor, I went back to Woody’s for a male, next time around. 

Thus “King of Lincolnshire” was entered into Blue Sky Retriever’s training regimen.  With King, I do believe that his first year of training was Jim’s most challenging dog(British Blood Line).The little bugger wouldn’t retrieve anything and was extremely skittish around all men. except Jim and I.  The fact that King was right at home with Jim was re-assuring to me; It’s as if Jim possesses a calm over all of the dogs he works with.  Within a few days I received a phone call from Jim stating that King was retrieving bumpers and live birds.  This was exciting news to hear, being that I feared that we weren’t going to get anywhere with King.  Jim, knowing that I purchased the dog from another kennel,  took it upon himself to call the other kennel to get through some of the trouble that King was giving him.  This was impressive to hear, because of the fact that a lot of trainers would just say that “oh the dog has this issue or that issue” or would just take my money and tell me that they tried everything that they could.  This wasn’t the case with Jim; it was a challenge and he wasn’t going to fail.  Training was still brutal and Jim wanted me to run King at the St. Clair Flats HRC hunt test in 09’.  To Jim’s and my surprise, everything came together,  King passed and obtained his starter title.  King was also an excellent hunting buddy over the fall and winter of 09’, taking roughly 90% of casts and being extremely obedient over the season.

Entering into Kings second year, I believe all three of us had a lot more confidence and it truly showed.  King was doing very well in training and I was getting numerous calls from Jim, who would update me with his progress and success.  King was doing well in his seasoned tests and sometime in May, King passed all of his seasoned tests and was now a HR Titled dog.  I can’t say enough, about the individual time and effort that Jim put into King to see that he always excelled.  King is home with us now and we are looking forward to the 2010 hunt season!  If anyone would like to contact me for any frame of reference my number is on the site and I’m happy to speak with anyone!

 

Thanks Again Jim!!

Bryan Smith

"comes out of GRHRCH UH Blue Sky's Code Three MH who I consider to now be the top hunt test dog in the state!"

 Mike Boufford Firestorm Retrievers

GRHRCH UH Blue-Sky’s Code Three MH

Cody is a great looking, yellow lab who is an awesome hunter and hunt test competitor. In addition to his early HRCH and MH titles, he passed 2 consecutive Grand tests to earn his GRHRCH title this fall in Iowa. He has totaled around 420 HRC points! Cody is an excellent marker, incredible drive to retrieve, and is very trainable. Super hunting dog, hunted extensively every fall on ducks, geese, and upland birds. Along with 65 lb of muscle, he has beautiful conformation with a great temperament and personality

Abbey Eash

First off I would like to Congratulate Jim and Cody On there GRHRCH Title.Jim , Thank you for all your help with my dog Molly.When Jim ran the Texas Grand with Cody He took Molly along with Him and ran her for me.Jim and Molly made it to the 3rd series(not a bad job for only having her for 3 weeks before the Grand).Jim gets along with the dogs and treats them well.Believe me , my dog only would run for 2 people until Jim ran her.If anyone would want Jim to train there dog I would vouch for him.I now have a new puppy out of Molly and Cody and expect to be at the Grand again soon.Again Thanks Jim, see you at the hunt tests!

Bob Cox