Texas Retriever Training

Stellar Retrievers provides a comprehensive retriever training program for sporting dogs of many breeds. Whether your goal is an obedient companion, finished hunting retriever, a good bird dog, or an AKC Hunt Test Competitor, Stellar Retrievers can tailor a curriculum to your needs. Jack Morris has experience training Labrador Retrievers, and many other sporting breeds.

Professional retriever training. . . for your best friend.

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Stellar Retrievers makes its home just south of Giddings in the heart of Texas retriever training. On 50 acres of groomed dog training property, Jack maintains clean, professional, top notch kennels. He has 18 years of retriever training experience and a proven record of success.

Last Chance Duck Hunt!

I got invited on a really special hunt in La Grange this Saturday morning for the last weekend of the 2011 duck season. We had a fantastic and furious hunt that was over by 8:30am! Jim Cowan produced this little slideshow with a video clip at the end of a Stellar graduate, Sway MH, making a real hunting retrieve. Check it out:
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Motley Crew Goes Duck Hunting

Although dog training is the usual routine at Stellar Retrievers, once in a while, the crew gets out with the dogs and works over a spread on the real thing. Doug Bishop hostd a hunt on the Colorado river a few weeks ago for Jack, Chase (8 years old), Cowan, John Blackburn, Dave Davis and a few of the LaGrange boys. The retriever in the pictures is Sway MH, owned by Doug Bishop and trained by Jack. Cowan took these photos and I just had to share!

duck hunting retrieverhunting retrievertexas retriever trainer

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Competitive Retrievers for SALE!

Both Dogs are SOLD!!!!!!!!!

I am helping a friend sell two well trained Field Trial dogs. They are not washouts. The owner is just reducing the number of players on its team so to speak. Here’s the scoop on these two great dogs:



CK'S SILVER BELLS-POSSUM - " POSSUM "  
BLK MALE
DOB 01/05/06

FC HAWKEYES RED, WHITE AND BLUE- "BANNER" -  CAREER POINTS 76
                                      X
FC/AFC RUBIE BEGONIA -  CAREER POINTS 132

" POSSUM "  HAS TWO OPEN 2ND'S AND NUMEROUS JAMS

EYES CLEAR
HIPS EXCELLENT
EIC CLEAR
possum and rose 001

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


CK'S MISS ROSE - " ROSE "

BLK FEMALE
DOB 10/05/06

FC HAWKEYES RED, WHITE AND BLUE- " BANNER "- 76 PTS.
                                        X
FC/AFC RUBIE BEGONIA - 132 PTS

" ROSE " HAS OPEN 1ST AND TWO 4THS AND NUMEROUS JAMS

EYES CLEAR
HIPS EXCELLENT
EIC CLEAR
possum and rose 002possum and rose 003

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Brazosport Retriever Club  12/3-4/11 Brazosport Retriever Club  12/3-4/11

Brazosport Retriever Club  12/3-4/11

Congrats in the Master to:  Idgie, Blackie, Jazz and Stellar's Angelena Jolie for all passing. With the completion of the test Sway is Qualified for the 2012 Master National in Alabama. Jazz is owned by Lee and Debbie Telling and was handled by Lee.

We want to also give a Big CONGRATULATIONS to Stellar's Southern Exposure,MH who completed her Master Title. Owned by Wayne and Dede Paterson. Louise is trained and handled by Dede.
.
Congrats also to Stellar's Proud Mary for her 1st attempt and success in the Master level at 20 months old. She is owned and trained by Bob and Nancy Niepart, handled by Bob
.
Congrats to Mary Tatum for both her dogs titles.
Senior:
Watermark's Working Girl, SH  "Trix" owned by Mary passed and received her Senior Hunter Title.

Junior - Watermark's Torch of Torry Pines, JH also owned by Mary completed both JR"S for her Junior Hunter Title

.

Palmetto Retriever Club in South Carolina 12/2,3,4/11

Congrats to our North Carolina Friends and there dogs. Stellar's Sunny Ray owned by Bill and Lee Hanes, handled by Lee, and Candlewood's Spur of the Moment owned by Robert and Molly Rascoe, handled by Robert. This Qualified both Ray and Spur for the big dance in 2012 in Alabama as well. Way to go!!!
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Partners...

Blackie

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Photos from MN Training

A talented photographer named Karen has posted some photos from MN training. Check them out!:

Karen's Photo Site

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Tweets from the Master National

2011 Master National is going high tech at Stellar Retrieves. We are going to try to send out instant updates from the Master National. To keep up with it all, you can download a smart phone app here:

Twitter Smartphone Apps

Find Stellar Retreivers at Twitter using this account:
@StellarRetrieve

You can follow Stellar Retrievers on the internet at this address:
Stellar Retreivers on Twitter
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Big News from Texas

It has been a top secret project this summer, but it is time for the news to get out! The Texas home of Stellar Retrievers has been pumping its tanks over the last three months. The well went in just before the crew went North in June and slowly, ever so slowly, the tanks have been filling up! We have water where most in Texas don't to train retrieves. So as the weather is turning unfriendly up in Michigan, we are set to do big water work in Texas when we get home in the next week or two. Here are shots of the before and after pumping!

TanksBeforetank after

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Northern Flight Title Photos

Dakota Spet 2011

Congratulations to "Dakota" for her Master Hunter Title!



StarrSept2011

Congratulations to "Star" for her Senior Hunter Title!

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2011 Northern Flight Hunting Retriever Hunt Test

Well here's the report from the weekendddddddddd!

We tested at the Northern Flight Hunting Retriever Association
at Marine on St. Croix, MN
It was quite the weekend and I'll leave it at that.
.
Master passes are Ray, Sway and Dakota,MH.
Special Congratulations go to Lance Hafner and Dakota, MH for earning her Master Hunter title.
In senior Johnny,SH owned by Bill and Carolyn Cox earned his Senior title on the first test Saturday. Bill was there to watch Johnny's final senior test and they had a safe trip back to  Arkansas.
Johnny's sister Starr owned by Bill and Lee Hanes also got her senior title Sunday night.
Their sister Asta received a pass on Saturday also.
Bonnie owned by James and Janene Campise passed both senior tests for a terrific start on her senior tile.
In Junior
Duke (The Duke) owned by Mike Davis passed both of his tests for a good start also. Hope all is well and if temps cooperate I'll be back next week, Jack
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Duluth Retriever Club Hunt Test

The Stellar Crew had a wildly successful weekend with eleven dogs passing two tests each for a total of 22 ribbons plus ONE BIG TITLE ribbon for a Master Hunter named Whiskey! That is Whiskey MH to you buddy! So here the congrats go:

Dulutgh Results  115Whiskey MH

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BEMIDJI UPDATE

Saturday's cooler weather was a welcome relief for the start of the second Master test of the weekend. The first series of this test was a land triple including a "wipeout" bird. The second series water test was a double with a flyer "go" bird shot out over the water with two carefully placed "hot" blinds. Sunday's third series consisted of a water double and a single land blind. Three challenging series gave every dog handler team all they wanted.  
 
Five more ribbons were earned by Stellar retrievers in this second Master test. Congratulations goes to Whiskey,owned by Gregg Lohse, Icey owned by Bill & Judy Davis, Idgie handled by Marthy Thompson, and Blackie owned and handled by Robert Rascoe, for passing both of their Master tests. (Again, Spur owned and handled by Robert Rascoe and Dakota owned by Lance Hafner passed one each.)
 
Star oned by Lee & Bill Hanes, Asta, and Johnny owned by Bill & Carolyn Cox, three of Idgie's puppies, passed their first ever Senior test on Sunday. Their older sister Ethyl, owned and handled by Marty Thompson, passed as well, giving her a total of four Senior passes.
 
We're now back in Ironwood for two weeks, training for another double Master in Duluth,Mn which begins Friday 8-5-11. Don't forget the closing this Wednesday!
 
 JACK   


Here's Whiskey!


whiskey


Here's Icey!


icey.jpy
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Stellar Retrievers goes Multi Media!

Lee Hanes has been very busy training dogs and acting as an on scene blogger for the crew. She asked that I caution you that she has only recently tried using her iPhone as a video camera. Below are a number of video clips from this weekend's hunt test. Here they are:

"Whiskey" 1st series of Mississippi Headwater Ret. Club




"Spur" and Robert Rascoe, 1st series Mississippi Headwater Ret. Club



Robert Rascoe and "Blackie" the creeper at Mississippi Headwater Ret. Club



"Dakota" and Jack at Miss. Headwater Ret. Club



"Idgie" and Marty Thompson at Mississippi Headwaters Ret. Club



"Sway" and Jack first series Mississippi Headwater Ret. Club Friday's Master




"Icey" and Jack at Mississippi Headwaters Ret. Club, 1st series Friday




Jack training at Davis property in Michigan"


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UP Hunt Test Update!

From Lee Hanes:
All Stellar Retriever dogs passed the Master test today! Spur was the only dog to line a blind. We had lots of round hay bales, high thick cover, and good dog work.
Keep those fingers and paws crossed for the rest of the week-end!
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Update from the UP!

A cold front came in last night so there is a break in the heat wave. Today's high has been 84 thus far and we expect highs in the 70's this week-end.
We are on the way to Bemidji, MN for the hunt test - it's about a 5 hour drive. To prepare for the test, we did one last set-up this morning that included live fliers, diversion birds and cold blinds.
I have included a few more pictures to give you an idea of the terrain, still having trouble downloading videos from my IPhone, but haven't given up yet.
Keep all fingers and paws crossed for the dogs this week-end!

cover cheatbug sprayup fieldPasted Graphic
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It's Chlly Up Here...Wait a minute, No It's NOT!


We are staying on the Davis Reservation in Ironwood, MI - we trained on the Chief's grounds yesterday.
We came here to escape the heat only to find it's in the high 80's/low 90's and HUMID!! Jack is the only one with an air conditioner in his bedroom!
More to come over the next few days,
 
Marty Thompson, Tomball, TX
Robert Rascoe, Winston-Salem, NC
Bill & Lee Hanes, Winston-Salem, NC
 
Here is the crew resting between sets in the heat wave! Looks like Texas to me!

Texas-Retriever-Trainer-Michigan

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It's Chilly Up Here

Just wanted to share with all of you sweating it out in the the lower 48 that it is chilly in Michigan!

More news soon,
-Jack-
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Lake Country Retriever Club

Well, over all it was a tough weekend. Dog 1, Idgie, went out in the first series, Sway and Dakota, went out in the second. I ate some marinated duck breast and bit into a piece of steel shot, I think a cracked a tooth. I'll have to see whats gonna happen there?

Anyway,On the other hand it was a good weekend for Romeo's Sassy Cassie owned by Doug Lewis of Duluth, MN. She now has another feather in her cap as she  passed the test and Qualified for the Master National. She's a newbie to the master level tests and went 6 out 7.

We had very good bird placement. The test is held on a hunting preserve so it has plowed strips were they planted corn, Millet, ect. The water has wild rice and duck weed all over, and the dogs were thoroughly tested and judged accordingly. Great weather for the weekend with temps 50-70s. it is 56 now with the high today in the low 70s. Gonna put the dogs on the truck! Gotta go. Hope all is well!

Jack
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Central Minnesota Double Master

We just finished the double master test at Central Minnesota. Sway, owned by Doug Bishop, passed both masters and is now qualified for the Master National. Cassie passed one for her MH title. Congrats! Blackie and Idgie passed both tests. Weather is a cool 48 degrees. Jealous? More later,
Jack.
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Minnesota's Iron Range Retriever Club Hunt Test

 
After an uneventful trip to our summer home and settling us and our team in, we jumped right back into our weekend games. On June 11th and 12th we ran Minnesota's Iron Range Retriever Club test. It was a challenging and fair test with good judges, fantastic weather and a nice visit with our northern friends.
 
Master passes go to:
 
Whiskey River XXIV owned by Greg Lohse. This was Whiskey's first master pass,look out title here we come!
 
Romeo's Sassy Cassie owned by Doug and Jennifer Lewis. Two more to qualify for master national.
 
The Bee Charmer "Idgie" ran a near perfect test, not cheating on a mark  in the second series that drew many dogs to the easy route.
 
We head to Central Minnesota this weekend for a double master and more good times.

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Summer Hunt Test Iternary


Stellar Retriever 2011 Summer Hunt Test Itinerary
 
 
June 11th & 12th  - One Master, One Senior, One Junior
Minnesota Iron Range Retriever Club
Virginia, MN – Closes 06/01/11
 
June 17th, 18th & 19th  – Two Master, One Senior, Two Junior
Central Minnesota Retriever Club
Sauk Rapids – MN – Closes 06/07/11
 
June 24th, 25th & 26th – One Master, One Senior, Two Junior
Lake Country Retriever Club
Prior Lake, MN – Closes 06/15/11
 
July 8th, 9th & 10th – One Master, One Senior, Two Junior
Hennepin Retriever Club
Foley, MN – Closes 06/28/11
           
July 15th, 16th & 17th – One Master, One Senior, Two Junior
Blackhawk Retriever Club
Mondovi, WI – Closes 07/05/11
 
July 22nd, 23rd & 24th – Two Masters, One Senior, Three Junior
Mississippi Headwaters Retrievers Club
Bemidji, MN – Closes 07/11/11
 
August 5th, 6th & 7th – Two Masters, Two Senior, One Junior   
Duluth Retriever Club
Duluth, MN – Closes 07/27/11
 
August 26th, 27th & 28th – One Masters, Two Senior Two Junior
Northern Flight Retriever Association
Mariine on St. Croix, MN – 08/17/11
 
 
 
Names & Dates are Subject to Change: Please note at this time we do not know which Hunt Tests we will be entering. That will be determined at a later date.
 
Thanks,
Jack

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Heart of Texas HT

Another warm but rewarding weekend, this time at The Heart of Texas, in Buckholts, Tx.

Master

Romeo's Sassy Cassie, owned by Doug & Jennifer Lewis of Duluth,Mn. passed with her lightning speed and keen marking/handling skills. Third pass for Cassie.
Idgie and Blackie also both passed what were overall three challenging series.

Congratulations to Tim Buck on passing Laurie.

Senior

Congratulations to Fernando Somoza and Joannie"s Copper Jade for earning her Senior Title. She ran an absolutely perfect second series of a water memory bird thrown down a channel by a point where she stepped on the bird to finish her 4 for 4th passes as a SH.

Junior

Stellar's Johnny Walker Black, owned by William & Carolyn Cox ran with enthusiasm and style in both series to earn his Junior Title at 13 months. Start figuring out a place to hang all these ribbons Bill.

Boss's Baby Bonnie Blue, owned by James and Jeanine Campise also earned a beautiful ribbon and Junior title. Jeanine was there to watch as Bonnie smacked it on both series.
Don't know who was happier to pose for a title picture, her or Bonnie. Good Job!

We are through with the spring tests here in Texas and heading to our summer training home June 1st. Watch for our summer schedule shortly!

-Jack-

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Tejas Hunt Test Results!


Master

Congrats to Jazz, owned by Lee and Debbie Telling, handled by Lee. This was Jazz's 6th pass to qualify her for Maryland's 2011 Master National.

Congrats to Laurie, owned by Tim Buck, handled by Jack Morris. This was her 6th pass as well and she will be keeping Jazz company at the Master National 2011 event.

A round of applause went to Cassie,owned by Doug Lewis of Duluth, Mn for passing her 2nd master test. She's really running well!

And finally our sweet Idgie continues to show her skills by getting a master ribbon. She is already qualified for MN but loves running anyway. 



Senior

Big day for Bailey, earning her senior title. Her owner Bob Worms of Minneapolis Mn joined us to watch and receive a beautiful title ribbon. She has worked hard and shined this weekend.

Jade, owned by Fernando Sermoza was also a senior ribbon earner receiving her 3rd pass....one more to go....come watch her next week at Heart of Texas for that title!!!!!



Junior

Look out....we have some awesome young ones coming up. Bonny,owned by James and Jeanine Campise nailed down 2 junior passes this weekend, looking like one of the best dogs there.

Not to be out shined by his teammate, Johnny, owned by Bill and Carolyn Cox of Arkansas, ran his best to receive 2 junior ribbons.

It was a warn but wonderful weekend at the Tejas test, this local test brings lots of friends,  owners and good times. We recommend all interested bring their family and friends to Tejas in the future!!!!!   

The picture attached is of Bob Worms and Bailey's title
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Update from Stellar Retrievers East!

We've trained and "maintained" hard the Spring and all North Carolina Stellar dogs have qualified for Master National - Maryland, here we come!

Our Spring Hunt Test season is winding down. Weather has been cold and rainy at many tests, and now, hot! What happened to the warm Spring weather with cool breezes? Our tests have either been straight forward or very hard. Be sure to ask Judge
Robert Rascoe about his breaking test that started in a coffin blind with bubba gunners - the participants couldn't believe it! 

Robert & Mollie and Bill & I hope to join you in Michigan this summer for training. Please give all of our Texas friends a big hello - especially Darin, Mike, Eric, Marty, Debbie &. Lee, Nancy & Bob, Wendy and Hattie!

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Congrats to Rascoe's "Spur" and Hane's "Ray"

Here is a picture of Robert "Pee Coal Train" Rascoe with his dog Spur who passed his 6th at Palmetto Retriever club for 6 Master tests to qualifiy for the 2011 Master National on Marylands Eastern Shore this year. Lee hanes also passed her dog " Ray " for the Master National also. Congrats go out to both!!!! Keep up the good work well see them at The National!
Jack


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SHR Hyegold John Wayne Lucky Txn, SH,RN,WC,CCA. "Scout"

Condolences go out to our friend Ann Burke,
 
It saddens me to inform y'all that yesterday we lost Ann's 6 yr old male golden retriever,
SHR Hyegold John Wayne Lucky Txn, SH,RN,WC,CCA. "Scout".
 
The doctors at A&M University discovered masses on his liver and spleen. Biopsy rendered a diagnosis as liposarcoma and/or lymphosarcoma. With the described prognosis, the decision was made to spare him any suffering. 
 
Scout was a talented dog and a loving companion. His many titles proved this including his most recent SH title received just one week ago at Waterloo Amatuer Retriever Club.
 
Scout spent 8 months with me in training and was one of my star pupils-always eager to train and retrieve, but playful and loving when training was through. There were endless compliments on his handsome appearance from all who watched him run.
 
Finally I want to say that Ann is an appreciative, kind and very knowledgeable client and it was truely a joy to work with her and Scout and become friends. Her love for Scout was obvious in all our visits and Wendy and I are so sorry for her loss.
 
WE WILL MISS OUR SCOUTTIE!

_Jack and Wendy=
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Spring 2011 Hunt Test Schedule


Stellar Retriever 2011
Spring Hunt Test Itinerary


February 19
th - One Master, Two Senior, One Junior
Rose Country Retriever Club – Closes February 9th
Tennessee Colony, TX - Ducks

February 26
th – One Master, Two Senior, Two Junior – Good Judges
Port Arthur Retriever Club – Closes February 17
th
Hamshire, TX – Ducks

March 5th – One Master, One Senior, Two Junior
Bryan College Station Retriever Club – Closes February 16
th
Iola, TX – Duck

March 11
th – One Master, One Senior, Two Junior – Closes March 2nd
Brazoport Retriever Club – Closes March 2
nd
Fayetteville, TX – Ducks & Pheasants

March 19
th – One Master, One Senior, Two Junior – Closes March 9th
Waterloo Amateur Retriever Club
Manheim, TX – Ducks & Pheasants

March 26
th
Great Houston Retriever Club
Anderson, TX

April 16
th – One Senior, One Junior Only – Closes April 6th
Dallas Fort Worth Metro Golden Retriever Club
Terrell, TX – Pat McCale

April 23
th - Closes April 13th – One Masters, One Senior Two Junior
Dallas Fort Worth Labrador Retriever Club
Ravenna, TX – Lou Davis

April 30
th – Closes April 20th
Tejas Retriever Club
Northrup, TX – Ducks

May 7
th – Closes April 27th
Heart of Texas Retrievers Club
Buckholt’s, TX


Names & Dates are Subject to Change



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Flyer Friday's Tarheel Event!

With some fantastic weather, a huge group gathered at the farm this past Friday for two great land setups and LOTS of retrievers running hard for those flyers and dead birds! Lee and Bill Hanes, Bob Rascoe, Lauren Hanes, Lee and Debbie Telling, Bob and Nancy Niepert, Fernando Somoza, and of course, Jack's honey, Wendy who was chef du jour, made it feel like a big retriever party. The sun was out and temps were comfortable for a big day of dogs, dogs, and more dogs. Ty Davis and his dad visited a short while, but due to a cold, they had to leave early. Lunch was a hot picnic off the tailgate of brisket, chicken, and all the fixings. Below is a slideshow show casing lots of the usual suspects and some new faces. Tim Springer's gal, Lauren Hanes, was out and she ran a few of her big dogs on the afternoon setup. Jack ran all of his students and coached Lee and Bob on handling and training. All these can be seen at the Mighty Dog Photo site.

It was good to get out and let the old Nikon turns some tricks with great light and beautiful dogs. Photos of Star, Asta, Spur, Idgie, Lee, Bob, Jade, and many more are all available for viewing at www.mightydogphoto.com. Look in the gallery section for Flyer Friday January 2011.

Best regards,
Mike
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January 2011 Flyer Friday Slideshow

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Waterloo's Halloween Hunt Test

Good news! All dogs entered this weekend passed their tests!

Special congratulations to Chris and Lacey Hughes for their dog Bella. Bella's master pass today completed the last leg of her Master Hunter Title!

-Jack-
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