Testimonials
Everybody loves to boast about their dogs, facilities, team and training methods. We’ve taken the liberty of getting the opinions that really matter. OUR CLIENTS!
Stan Grove and Millie
Virginia
We got our puppy in the early spring of 2024 with the intention of getting her professionally trained. This was the first dog we were having trained for hunting. My main requirements were to find someone that I could trust , feel comfortable with, and that did not solely train by force methods. I spoke with many trainers in my search. After my first phone call with Blaine at WRK I knew he was on the short list of trainers even though he was the furthest one away. On my visit Blaine did what all of the other trainers did and brought out his best dog. They did some very impressive and amazing retrieves. But he also did something that no one else did. He brought out one of his youngest dogs to show me the progress they had made. It was impressive. I got a complete tour of his facilities and training area. The place was spotless. He made me feel comfortable and confident that he was the right trainer for us. All of my questions were answered. My phone calls were always answered or returned. We received weekly videos of Millie’s progress. He helped us set up an account with his vet. All of Millie’s needs were taken care of during her stay. I highly recommend Blaine and his wonderful staff for any of your training needs!
Mike Woods and Britt
Iowa
“I had the good fortune to find my way to Dodge City and Winans Retriever Kennels in December. Great facilities, great dogs and most importantly great people. Didn’t take long for me to witness the fact that Blaine’s training methods hunting dogs that handle as well as I've ever seen. Blaine had a girl named Britt that was exactly what I was looking for. And I can’t wait to hit the duck marsh in September with my new best friend.”
Jessica Wiehe and Ace
Kansas
“No shortage of love for this new guy. I’m certain that I’m his favorite but so is everyone else!
The kids are absolutely obsessed. He is super sweet, likes to nap and fits right in here! Not sure how they convinced me to allow him in the house.
Let the adventures of Ace begin!
Thank you Blaine Winans- he’s perfect!!”
Casey Malek- Maddie
Kansas
“I have been able to observe up close the work being done by Blaine Winans, Owner of Winans Retriever Kennels, since the kennel was started.Having trained my own labradors since 1976, I feel I can honestly speak to the training and breeding ability of Blaine Winans and the work being done at WRK. Blain’s detail to finding the best breed dogs to import and the outstanding care provided allows for a safe and healthy environment for the dogs and puppies at WRK. Blaine is an outstanding trainer who is able to communicate with the dogs he works with that the results are well-trained all-round dogs. A WRK puppy will come from the best of championship British Field Labradors and the dogs trained at WRK will become the type of dog that an owner will be proud to have.”
Casey Malek.Retried Athletic Administrator/Coach Dodge City Community College
Chris & Lori Coppa
Aspen and Breck
Colorado
“Character is who you are when no one is watching.”
I have two Labs that my wife and I love dearly. Breck at the time I sent him to Blaine was 1. Aspen at the time was 6 months. I felt comfortable with basic obedience but needed some help in taking both to the next level. I researched, spoke to many professional trainers on the phone and in person trying to find the best fit for my pups. In raising my children I always emphasized the importance of integrity and character to them. I wanted their teachers and coaches to also display these traits. Just like with my children, I also was looking for those traits in a professional trainer. I was fortunate to meet Blaine and his father at our Southern Colorado Hunt test. I first observed Blaine in how he handled his own dogs. Blaine is very patient, quiet in that he does not yell and calmly corrects his dogs when needed. I was very impressed with him as a handler. I then spoke with Blaine and his father and through those conversations knew that he was the right fit for our family. I felt I could trust him with my pups, because he is a man of character. I had taken videos of my pups and he assured me he could correct the behaviors that were needed. Sending your pups away is a very hard thing, but Blaine made it feel OK. His facilities are amazing and he cared for Aspen’s and Breck’s medical and emotional needs. His helpers are great young men that are dedicated to helping in any way. They were great with the dogs and made sure that all the facilities were clean. I sent Aspen to puppy school which was a month-long program. Our plan with Breck was to keep him for two months and evaluate his progress from there. Aspen was responding so well Blaine and I decided that another month could take her to the next level. The work he did with her has been amazing and I now have a pup that is obedient, and loves to train and hunt. Breck, my one year old, needed to have his energy centered. Through Blaine he has transformed Breck into a well mannered retriever that has a tremendous drive to train and hunt. The sky's the limit for them now. I am confident in both that they can pass their HRC Started test, and with Breck he is close with what he needs for his Seasoned test.
What also separated Blaine from others was the fact he was willing to work with me as a handler. He went through the training and explained what he had done so that I could carry that training through when I brought them home. Blaine communicated with me weekly and sent videos of Aspen and Breck’s progress. He worked with me on what I wanted to accomplish with my dogs and tailored their training towards my goals. Two months with Blaine was transforming for all of us. We still communicate and he has become more than a trainer, he has become a good friend. I would not send my dogs to anyone else. In that time Lori and I were very fortunate to meet Blaine’s family. It is no wonder that Blaine has great character and work ethic. The acorn doesn't fall far from the tree. When you are not there, you can trust that Blaine is doing what is best for you and your dogs.
Sincerely,
Chris & Lori Coppa
Mike Milner and Lorrie
Indiana
At my age I don’t know how many more dogs I’m gonna be able to own but they will all come from Blaine Winans at Winans Retriever Kennels. I drove 12 hours to get my “Lorrie” from Blaine after talking to him several times. He really impressed me from the beginning because he understands what’s important. He took all
My calls and answered all my questions without any hesitation. In March I got a puppy from his Olive x Bracken litter and I couldn’t be happier. She’s a beautiful pup, everybody who sees her says this and our Vet went crazy over her when I got home. We are early in the training process but she’s showing to be very intelligent and incredibly willing to work with me and please me. . Just as Blaine said she would. I found the kennels to be spotless. I asked to see my pups parents and he got them out without hesitation and they both were beautiful and did exactly what he told them to. I was impressed. I’m certain Blaine is as fine of trainer as a person could want.
Cody Palen and Gatsby
Kansas
“Blaine and his team at Winans Retriever Kennels are second to none. Not only are you investing in genetics and training that will produce those memories in the field and at home, but your gaining a relationship with a training that truly cares about your sporting dog success. The day we took our pup home was just the beginning of a long relationship with Blaine and his team. Working with them not only provided me a retriever that can do it all, but it helped me become a handler who set my lab up for success on every retrieve.”
Tyler Barber and Maggie
Illinois
Maggie has been nothing short of a blessing to me and my family. This is yesterday’s hunt, she found and flushed all our birds. Retrieved them all, including one she didn’t see fall but had an idea and hunted for it on her own to find it. I have absolutely loved seeing our work come together and she just keeps getting better every trip. I’m hoping to do my research and find some decent public land in Kansas for this fall to get some wild birds in one weekend.
I wanted to thank you for Maggie, and for taking the time to answer my phone calls after she’s gone from your place.
Jennie Watkins-Carter and Henry
Oklahoma
“School for 30 days for both of these fur babies! Henry was a good big brother and went along for his second time to support Carter! Thanks Blaine Winans for taking care of these two guys!”
Pat and Therese Malia-Fynn
Illinois
Our family recently brought home our Winans Retriever Kennels puppy, and we are pleased beyond measure. We were introduced to Blaine through a mutual colleague, who had nothing but wonderful things to say about him and his dogs. Blaine has a deep passion for British Labradors. From the extensive medical clearances, to the early neurologic stimulation; he seeks to give each dog the best foundation that he can. Blaine was very accessible and knowledgable during the communication phase, he has so much pride for his dogs and his kennels.
When it came time to bring our puppy home, the time and effort that Blaine puts into the dogs became immediately evident. We had a hotel stay and a plane ride; both of which our pup handled with an unimaginably relaxed demeanor. Now that he is home we continue to be impressed by his innate eagerness to please. He is the perfect mixture of bold energy and thoughtful nature. My husband and I both work with dogs professionally, and he is one of the most biddable and willing pups we have been around. So far, our pup fits exactly what we were hoping for, we can’t wait to see him develop into our next hunting and family companion. We can’t say enough about Blaine and Winans Retriever Kennels.
Ashley Bradfield
Baxter & Willow
Kansas
Hi!
I just wanted to send a heartfelt thank you for everything you did and achieved with Baxter and Widow. Never in a million years would we have even been able to get this picture without them being at WRK. Before coming to you, the kids would not have even been able to hold the leash. You have a gift, and our family is so thankful for you!
Clara Bartlett and Parker
Kansas
First off I’d like to brag on where my sweet pup came from, the kennel is truly one of a kind. Clean, organized, warm, and nothing short of a home away from home. I’ve known Blaine from both the perspective of a friend and a client. I can say he cares about each dog like his own and cares just as much to form a relationship with the ones who take them home, even if they are thousands of miles away. He truly lives for these dogs and the brand he’s created for himself. It amazes me in the control he has over a dog with no physical form of punishment or shock collar, but not much more than a whistle to grab their attention. From the moment I left the kennel with Parker, he’s always been a text away to check up on us and provide any and all training tips regarding obedience or hunting. You won’t find a more caring, hardworking, and dedicated trainer to trust your dog with.
Now to brag on Parker, my absolute favorite thing to do. I was fortunate enough to get the puppy that was calm from the get go, I wouldn’t even say we had the puppy stage of chewing up things around the house or getting into stuff she wasn’t supposed to. Obedience and the will to please her owner is there and has been from the moment I brought her home. Not to mention, she’s an absolutely beautiful dog and stole the heart of all 8 of us. At 11 months old, she’s a retrieving fool from hunting grassland birds, waterfowl, or even a stick she’s happy to do whatever is asked of her. She can just about do anything from a pampered and spoiled life in the house to getting wet and dirty in the field. She will never hesitate to jump right into the water. A Winans Retriever is nothing short of the BEST dog you’ll ever have for whatever job you’d wish upon them: house dog, strictly hunting dog, family dog, service dog, etc. I know first hand, you won’t be disappointed.
Brandon Roy and Goose
Kansas
I took my male dog Goose down to WRK because I saw the potential Goose had to be a great hunting companion but I knew I didn't have the skill set or the time to train him. Blaine and I played baseball together in high school and we talked a lot once he opened up WRK. I saw his passion for training and decided to send Goose. I knew I could trust Blaine to take care of my boy. I got biweekly updates via photos or videos of Gooses progress. After 2 months Goose graduated and I picked him up just in time for opening weekend. A month later we took my wife's dog Willow to WRK because we were so happy with Gooses training. We are evening thinking about sending Goose back to do more training with Blaine!
Veronica Clements and Moose
Kansas
Our boy Moose completed puppy training as well as hunting training with Blaine.
Blaine is amazing to work with and truly cares for Moose. I couldn’t believe the manners my boy had when he came home from puppy training. My husband could not be more happy with the hunting companion Blaine helped Moose to be.
I honestly cannot say enough about the good things he has done, not only to help our dog but to help us have the best relationship with our dog as well.
Gavin Davis and Nash
Texas
“As a hunting guide and outdoor/hunting photographer I’ve been around almost every type of dog you can imagine. From high drive to one that “stops to smell the roses” on every retrieve. I previously had an American black lab, so I knew I wanted a quick dog that didn’t quit. But from having my previous dog, I wanted one that wasn’t wound up 24/7 when we are at the house or on slow hunts. When I reached out to Blaine at Winans Retriever he undersold Nash because he has such high standards. He said “he doesn’t have the drive that I desire”. I instantly thought this dog wouldn’t have that great of drive but I still wanted to see for myself. Watching Nash run I didn’t see any lack of drive, he was quick to the retrieve and back to heel. I was impressed, so impressed I wanted him after the first retrieve. That first year guiding Nash acted like working every day of season was a cakewalk. Clients constantly mentioned how quiet, quick, and well mannered he was. And honestly on the slower hunts I forget he’s there because he has an amazing off switch. I enjoyed being around WRK because he helped train me in the way of running a dog that doesn’t use an e-collar. He still after 2+ years reaches out a few times a month to see how he’s doing, if he’s staying tuned up well, and giving advice on something he may need touch ups in.”
Colby White and Governor
Texas
I bought a finished dog from Winans Retriever drove 9 hours from Texas to Dodge City, and would do it 10 times over! With the hospitality that Winans Retriever showed. They run a top notch business from top to bottom I would recommend them to anybody I know!
Travis McGuire
Moose & Bear
Kansas
I can not explain the difference of having a well trained dog vs trying to do it myself! I’ve had dogs all my life and all but one were runners/non listeners great loving dogs but just not as obedient as I’ve wanted . Bear the black lab is 9 months old and has completed the puppy program and first leg of the gun dog program! Moose is 2&1/2 and he’s been through the lot of it. Too very different personality of dogs even though they share the same sire! Moose is extremely obedient and loving and Bear is more of the typical bull in the china cabinet. These are amazing dogs that have been well trained and I’m forever grateful for what Blaine’s accomplished with both of them. Blaine told me something I’ve never forgotten. “Do you want a good pet or a great dog?” And I’ll let him explain that if you get the chance to have him train yours!
Jack and Claire Frisque-Charlie
Texas
My old lab was at the age of retirement and I needed to start looking for his replacement. I’m at the age where you use to look in the classified ads for an AKC registered dog and that was the only “pedigree” needed to find a new hunting companion. Blaine at WRK has a long line of champion pedigree dogs that produces some of the smartest dogs I have ever seen. I’ve trained most of my dogs, WRK was able to build on top of what I taught Charlie and take her to the next level. She is honestly one the greatest house dogs we have ever had and an absolute machine in the field, the switch is amazing. If you are looking for a new dog that can do everything in the field and also be family pet you’ve desired, then WRK is your kennel of choice.
Brandon Del Campo and Reed
Colorado
I had a serendipitous encounter with Blaine and his incredible dogs just when I was searching for a new companion. My Golden Retriever was nearing the end of his journey, and right on cue, Reed stepped into my life.
Reed was unique; he was Blaine’s dog because he wasn’t suited for the hunting lifestyle. This was perfect for me as I was looking for a buddy to run with and go on adventures.
I met Blaine in Pueblo, CO, along with Reed, to see if we were a good match. Reed was a bit skittish, as I expected, but I knew with a little extra care, he would feel at ease.
Blaine has been incredibly supportive, always available for a quick chat when needed. He provided all the necessary paperwork and vet history and assured me that I could return Reed if things didn’t work out.
Thanks to Blaine, I now have an amazing dog who is well-trained, loyal, and super active. I highly recommend speaking with Blaine if you are looking to be matched with a wonderful Labrador.
Ryan Busch and Rain
South Dakota
You guys are the easiest to get along with and you’re one of the most knowledgeable trainers I’ve ever met. Couldn’t be happier with Rain and we’ve had a heck of a season so far.
I can’t recommend WRK enough. Extremely knowledgeable and easy to work with. The results speak for themselves and I plan to continue working with them long into the future!