The High Desert Retrievers program emphasizes patience, guidance, and reinforcement – resulting in consistent and predictable performance from each canine athlete. Our program puts the dog first and allows each animal to learn at its own pace. Furthermore, each phase of the HDR training program builds off the previous, giving each dog the necessary foundation of knowledge before advancing to the next step. This model gives every dog the ability to progress as far through the training program as they are physically and mentally capable of.
Our Training Philosophy
Our Facility
High Desert Retrievers is located on forty scenic acres near Fruita, Colorado designed with one purpose: The development of elite-caliber retrievers. Our world class grounds include four custom built technical ponds filled by fresh mountain water, a spring-fed creek, and expansive grass fields featuring diverse terrain designed for teaching the most advanced training concepts.
Dog health and safety is our top priority which is why we spared no expense in the research and development of our state of the art, climate-controlled kennel facility. Strict daily cleaning routines, combined with large kennel spaces, comfortable beds, and shaded airing yards keep our team of dogs happy, healthy, and eager to work! With staff living on-site, your dog’s well being is always at the forefront of our minds. Simply said, HD Retrievers is a professional, purpose-built environment, designed for precise training success and utmost canine care.
About High Desert Retrievers
It all started with a dog named Bomber…
High Desert Retrievers was built on passion, not pedigree. Founder Bill Schaefer didn’t grow up in the world of hunt tests or pro training programs—he grew up hunting geese and loving every second of it. In 2009, during college, he got his first hunting dog, Bomber, a large black Labrador/Chesapeake Bay Retriever cross from a neighbor. At 95 pounds, Bomber was built to handle the biggest Canada Goose but, what started as a hunting partnership, quickly turned into something much more significant.
After college in 2011, while working at Cabela’s and searching for career direction, Bill was introduced to the Western Colorado Hunting Retriever Club. That connection opened his eyes to the incredible world of hunt tests and the level of skill to which a retriever could be trained. At the time, Bomber had no formal training, but the two began their journey together, learning through hands-on experience and trial by fire.
Bill immersed himself in the sport, traveling to train and run tests alongside amateurs and seasoned professionals alike. In 2014, just a few years after picking up his first whistle, he ran Bomber in their first HRC Grand. Against all odds, they passed one of the toughest Grands Bill’s experienced to this day. Bomber went on to become a Grand Champion, the only mixed-breed retriever in history to earn this prestigious title.
Fueled by a background in college athletics, Bill immediately fell in love with the competitive nature of the sport and even more so, with the joy of the process. Building a partnership with each dog, watching them rise to their potential, and working as a true team became the foundation of what High Desert Retrievers is made of.
Today, HD Retrievers is a respected name in the field and on the hunt test circuit, rooted in hard work, authentic experience, and a deep respect for the dogs we train.
Listen up.
To hear a little more of Bill’s story and what it’s like to be a pro trainer, he and colleague, Jake Stinson were featured in an interview on the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, hosted by Chris Rudd. Be sure to give it a listen!
