Board-and-train · Rio Vista · Est. 2019
Bird dogs built in the Delta, for Hunts all over California.
Royal Gun Dogs is Richard Gebhart's gun dog training: Puppy Camp, waterfowl and pointing-dog board-and-train programs and private and group lessons at Hastings Island Hunting Preserve near Rio Vista, for dogs from all over California. Training dogs professionally since 2002.
- 4.9 12 Google reviews
- Training since 2002
- Qualified at an AKC Master National
Quick consult
Leave a name and number. Richard books by phone and calls you back.
The season clock
Programs
From Puppy Camp to cold blinds
Richard’s own programs, lengths and weekly rates (as of October 2026). All four are board-and-train at Hastings Island.
Basic & Advanced Waterfowl
Basic: obedience, force fetch, e-collar conditioning and hunting scenarios. Advanced: steadiness in the blind, the T drills, wagon-wheel casting, lining, diversions and cold blinds.
Basic: 10 to 16 weeks · $325 a weekAdvanced: 4 to 12 weeks · $325 a weekWaterfowl programs
Formal Gun Dog Training
Formal whoa work founded on obedience, once a pointer is over a year old and has hunted.
8 to 12 weeks · $325 a week plus birdsPointing dogsPuppy Camp
Birds and the shotgun for pointer and retriever pups, upland oriented. Includes birds, boarding, food and training six days a week.
2 to 3 weeks · $450 a weekPuppy CampPrivate & group lessons
Handler lessons at Hastings Island and Denverton, for owners of dogs in training and owners working with their own.
LessonsBoard-and-train
Drop-off Wednesday to Saturday. Book a month out, six weeks is better. Dogs come from all over California.
Booking and ratesThe program finder
Which program fits my dog?
Three questions, no sign-up. It points you to a starting place; Richard sets the real plan with you by phone.
Puppy Camp
Richard likes to start pointer and retriever pups at 5 to 7 months: 2 to 3 weeks of birds and the shotgun, $450 a week with birds, boarding, food and training six days a week.
- Send the rabies certificate at 16 weeks to get on the books
- 90% of pups finish in 2 weeks
- Next: Basic Waterfowl for retrievers; for pointers, a season of hunting first
Hunt test readiness
Is your dog ready for the line?
Check what your dog does reliably today. This is a general guide to the AKC retriever hunt test levels, not a judge’s scoresheet. Richard assesses every dog in person.
Junior Hunter Junior
Senior Hunter Senior
Master Hunter Master
Check what your dog does reliably today. The Basic Waterfowl Program builds the skills a Junior test asks for.
0 of 11 skills checked
Richard has run and qualified at an AKC Master National, and runs dogs and assists clients at local weekend AKC retriever hunt tests.
Your trainer
Richard Gebhart
An avid upland and waterfowl hunter, Richard has trained dogs professionally since 2002, from top-level field trial and hunt test dogs to everyday hunting dogs and family companions. He trains handlers too, one-on-one or in group lessons.
- 2002Starts training dogs professionally
- Rex Carr methodLearned under Billy Sargenti with field trial retrievers
- 2013Pointers and upland breeds under Steve Klassen, Blue Ridge Kennels
- Master NationalHas run and qualified at an AKC Master National
“Balance, encouraging the hunting drive and desire in the dog, coupled with the necessary ‘team player’ attitude to develop an exceptional hunting partner or competitive team.”
Where we train
Hastings Island & Denverton
Delta water, tule edges and open fields in Solano County.
Hastings Island Hunting Preserve
7758 Hastings Island Rd, outside Rio Vista, is Richard’s primary location. He still uses Denverton, near Suisun City, for advanced retriever work and lessons.
Dogs come in from all over California for board-and-train; the Delta is where they train, and home is wherever you hunt. Richard says he is training dogs from as far as San Diego right now.
| Monday | 8 AM - 2 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday - Sunday | 8 AM - 2 PM |
Mon and Wed-Sun 8 AM-2 PM, closed Tue.
Hours as listed on Google. Call before you drive out. Preferred drop-off days: Wednesday to Saturday.
From Google reviews
What dog owners say
4.9 from 12 Google reviews.
★★★★★Every once in a while you meet someone who is an absolute master at their craft. That’s the first thing that comes to mind describing Richard. The level of knowledge and...
★★★★★My wife and I were no so concerned sending our puppy away for 2-4 months for training. The first thing we noticed when we saw him after his first two weeks was how...
How do I get my dog into training?
Call or text Richard at (530) 341-4496. He books directly and will talk through your dog's age, breed and goals before he sets a plan.
Do I have to live near Rio Vista?
No. Owners bring dogs from all over California for board-and-train. The training happens at Hastings Island near Rio Vista; Richard will talk through drop-off and pick-up on the call.
Which breeds does Richard train?
Retrievers such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers, plus pointers and other upland breeds, which he has trained since 2013. Ask him about your dog's breed on the call.
Will I learn to handle my dog?
Yes. Richard trains handlers alongside their dogs, in one-on-one or group lessons, so the training keeps working after your dog comes home.
Does Richard help at AKC hunt tests?
Yes. He runs dogs and assists clients at local weekend AKC retriever hunt tests, and he has run and qualified at an AKC Master National.
When should I call before duck season?
Call early. Richard will tell you what fits your dog's age and training level and how much time there is before the opener.
Book a consult
Get your dog ready for next season.
Richard books by phone. Call, text, or leave your details and he will call you back.
(530) 341-4496- 4.9 12 Google reviews
- Training since 2002