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 40 scenic acres near Fruita, Colorado—designed with purpose and passion for developing well-rounded retrievers. Our property features custom-built technical ponds, regularly refilled with fresh, mountain water to keep dogs cool and eager to work. Expansive training fields provide plenty of space for drills, marks, and real-world hunting scenarios.
Our clean, climate-conscious kennel facility is maintained with a strict daily cleaning routine, and shaded airing yards offer comfort during downtime. With staff living on-site, your dog’s safety and well-being are always our top priority. It’s a professional, purpose-built environment designed for both training success and canine care.
About High Desert Retrievers
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 chasing geese and loving every second of it. In 2011, during college, he got his first hunting dog, Bomber, a big black Lab/Chesapeake Bay Retriever cross from a neighbor. At 95 pounds, Bomber was built for waterfowl, but what started as a hunting companion quickly turned into something much more.
After college, while working at Cabela’s and searching for direction, Bill was introduced to a local HRC club. That connection opened his eyes to the incredible world of hunt tests and the level of skill these dogs could achieve. 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 ever seen. Bomber went on to become a Grand Champion, the only mixed-breed retriever to ever earn the title.
Fueled by a background in college athletics, Bill fell in love with the competitive nature of the sport—but more importantly, with 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 all about.
Today, HDR is a respected name in the field, rooted in hard work, authentic experience, and a deep respect for the dogs we train.
It all started with a dog named Bomber…
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!
