The Retriever Academy - Miami, Oklahoma

Alyce S.

Fantastic place to come and train dogs. Derek and Melinda are the most gracious of hosts. Their property and accommodations are better than a 5 star hotel. I don't' know when they sleep but you and your dog will want for nothing. I am a school teacher by day and my dog training follows specific lesson plans and sequence. However, finding the right 'classroom' to teach each lesson can be a trial. At the Retriever Academy, all the classrooms are set up and ready to go. Swim by, Stick pond, points, Channels, Islands, and every other concept under the sun. It truly is a "Retriever Academy"!

Beth W.

Ken and I are excited that “Mercy” will be the third Lab that Derek Randle has trained for us. Over the past 12 years, we have observed Derek’s structured, daily training program, which prepares the dogs to perform a defined set of abilities through marking, style, and perseverance at hunt tests. When training, Derek develops individualized plans for the dogs helping them to be successful with any given concept. He ensures that all dogs know the requirements lain before them and realizes how each dog may perform in any given situation. Based on the qualities of Mr. Randle’s breeding, training, and handling ability, Derek’s team of dogs, many of which he bred, continue to prove their successes at hunt tests. Randle has verified those previously mentioned abilities as evidenced in two of our dogs: GRHRCH “Toots” MH MNR MNH4 and HRCH “Mony” MH.

Beth R. Walizer, Ph.D.

Trent T.

dropped my 5 month old pup off February of 2018, was able to come visit anytime. the facilities were great. It is a dogs Disney World. Picked my dog back up in November of 2018 just before Duck Season. I could not have been more impressed! In 8 months they had his basics and hand signals down. We have had 3 pups go through this academy and have been impressed with each one.

The H. M.

Derek Randle and his team are the best. They have a rock solid program and the academy's kennel and training grounds are second to none. My "Cole" and "Duke" have been part of their training program for years with great results.

Ryan H.

I have had a wonderful experience with The Retriever Academy. My dog always looks great physically and I see progression in his training every week. They share videos, pictures, and phone calls throughout training when available. The training grounds are world class and only the best equipment used. I highly suggest Derek and his team!

Kathy G.

Derek and Melinda have created a retriever trainer's paradise! Lodging is on the property with world class training grounds right outside the front door.

Cody L.

I have had the opportunity to experience two of the best dogs I could possibly imagine because of The Retriever Academy. Derek and everyone else has been exceptional to work with and have been extremely accommodating. I would recommend them to anybody and will send every dog I have to them because I know they do an excellent job. My two black labs aren’t only the best family dogs and have been a blessing to my family, but are also great hunting dogs and I am so thankful to The Retriever Academy for that. I wouldn’t change a thing about the process I went through with my pups.

Southfork R.

I chose The Retriever Academy because of Derek Randle's reputation for being a stellar retriever handler and trainer. The facility, the grounds, the staff and the overall operation is first rate. The dogs are housed in a state of the art kennel facility and trained on grounds that are quite honestly some of the nicest retriever training grounds you'll see anywhere in the country. Everything is professional, from the appearance of the facility, grounds, staff and overall communication. Furthermore, and honestly most importantly, my dogs that have spent time with Derek and his team have improved tremendously. This is the place to send your retriever and is second to none for those with obedience, gun dog or hunt test aspirations. I will continue to use services from The Retriever Academy.