Jim,

I would like to take a moment to let you know how much I appreciate all the help you have provided me with training Gauge. Everything you have told me to date has been spot on. Furthermore I would also like to tell you that the seminars I have watched have impressed me very much. You interact really well with those that are attending and you definitely have a captive audience during the entire seminar.

I also have firsthand experience with your training clinics as I have attended 2 of them to date. These are extremely well run clinics that allow the attendees to go through guided steps in important aspects of training their companion retriever. Thank you, Jim.

Rich Ferguson
(585) 727-2784

 
Jim,

I can certainly attest to the expertise you bring to training. I was with you for about 2 hours along with my 14 week old Chessie, Shaw, and it was AWESOME! You gave me so much information that I am so thankful for. You probably had Shaw run about 40 marks, including his first water marks. Everything you said would happen did. Shaw was very scared of the shooting and train that were within a couple hundred yards of the training location, and you said he just needed confidence and he would ignore both the shooting and the train by the time we were done. After 45 minutes, he did ignore both. He loved the retrieving that much, he did not notice anything else was going on (we didn't have to retrieve him form under the truck a second time)! You had many sizes and types of bumpers to get him used to, and he was fine. It is obvious you care deeply about your "vocation". I am certainly willing to be a reference for you after a single session!

Thanks Jim.

Tim LaVan

 
Lyle Johnson
589-5040

I have attended several dog training seminars conducted by Jim Beverly over the past 6 years. They are always informative and I have never failed to come away from them without picking up some new tidbit of information.

The very best of these was given to a group of kids and adults at a Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Day. The topic was the various personalities of dogs and was given with several dogs as examples. When it came to my pup, the characterization was spot-on.

 
Hamburg Fairgrounds, Outdoor Expo, March 14, 2009
Retriever Training Demonstration
Training Professional - Jim Beverly

My wife, Julie and I went to the Outdoor Expo at the Hamburg Fairgrounds this past March. We had heard that Jim Beverly was going to be conducting a training demonstration at the event. This was especially exciting for us, as we had just got our first dog together, a yellow lab, the previous July. One of Jim's labs, Sammy, was our dog's sire. Our pup, "Alabama's Handsome Jack" has become a huge part of our family and we were anxious to meet Jim.

I spoke with Jim for a brief moment prior to his demonstration, and you could see the excitement in his eyes when I showed him a picture of Jack, with his first pheasant in his mouth. I have been working with Jack since he was 8 months old, primarily focusing on simple obedience, hand signals, whistle commands and retrieving. His first hunt he brought home a bird (and I only had a pistol that fired shotgun primers). His genetics and natural instincts amazed me.

I have read a number of books and watched a few DVDs on training techniques. I have not completed any formal training, nor have I fully embraced a single technique from what I've read or watch, as my focus is watching my dog do what he loves to do - hunt - without forcing this on him. I realized that I had more to learn than my dog, such that I could convey commands in a way that Jack could understand. I have a long way to go and a lot to learn, as this became clear after my discussion with Jim. I provided Jim with a brief description of Jack on point, as this was new to me for a retrieving dog. Jim gave me a few suggestions to help Jack develop this technique, and explained some training techniques that were different that what I had read about from other pros. As you can imagine, he quickly had my complete attention as he was willing to talk with me and help me... simply because he loves the hunt... and I think he loves to see others who are passionate about the dogs.

I sat and watched Jim's demonstration and listened to him explain a few elements of his training philosophy. I was thrilled to hear that his focus is on developing a dog as a hunting companion, not a hunting accessory. For those of us who have dogs that are part of our family, and love to hunt, Jim certainly is whom you want involved developing and training your dog - and teaching you to communicate with your dog. As I reflect on the demonstration, I realize that Jim truly has a unique talent to understand the way a dog interprets commands. He develops a trust with his animal and focuses on what "drives" a dog to obey. At the end of the day, you have never seen a dog more willing to listen and respond... because the dog always gets to bring home the birds. With Jim's training program, it is evident that his dogs are not forced to hunt - they want to hunt - and Jim provides the techniques and training that allows them to be successful.

--David D'Amico

 
Greetings Jim,

Although I have not had the privilege to experience one of your titled seminars or clinics in the past, I was able to make your general seminar in Erie.

I wanted to let you know that I was very impressed by your vast knowledge and very obvious broad experience. The seminar seemed to flow very well and I have a feeling that is because you have so much to say on each topic. For you it is likely very easy to give these presentations as a script isn't needed... it's obvious it's all second nature to you. Your seminar being conducted in a manner that was very professional was only icing on the cake. Thanks for a pleasant experience.

Keep up the good work and I hope to see more of you at upcoming shows.

Thanks,
Darren Brooks
GreatLakesWaterfowler.com Partner

 
Jim taught me how to work with my Heidi.  His training techniques allow the dog and owner to work as a team while having fun.

Ed Duetsch
 

 
Jim Beverly is a class act.  Not only is he an excellent dog trainer, but he is great with dog owners as well.  It is one thing to be able to train a dog... it is an entirely another thing to train a dog owner.  Jim is great at reading a dog and their owner.  Jim is also one of the finest men I know.  He is honest, kind, and a straight shooter.

Tom Zurowski

 
To whom it may concern:
My search for a trainer for my Lab actually began a couple of years ago.  I spent that time reading many publications, attending training seminars, watching various trainers work their brightest pupils, surf the internet, and discuss retrievers with anyone who would listen.  On one of my surfing sessions I stumbled upon a gentleman named Jim Beverly.  I immediately became intrigued.  Rather putting out retrieving machines on an assembly line he relied on experience, intuition, and his ability to read each individual animal.  A sort of customized training program.  I also liked his attitude that there were no wash outs.  The trainer just needed to bring out the retrievers natural instincts and again make it fun for the animal.

My wife was nervous dropping off our Lab, Sadie.  But after talking a couple of hours with Jim and Yvonne, she knew we made the right decision.  That, however, didn't stop more than few tears in her eyes as we drove away!  When we came back a month later, we found a retrieving "nut!"  Jim has taken her to a whole new level.  Plus, the most important thing to me, she loves what she's doing and can't get enough!  One can tell she just adores Jim and wants to please.  I can see her transforming into the hunting companion that I will be proud of for many years to come.  I would not hesitate recommending Jim.  We know we made the right choice!

Best regards,
Lee Nelson
Lorain, OH

 
I thought he would never be quiet!!  My 2 year old Chocolate Lab, Chip, had one hunting season under his belt.  He was doing well retrieving but I couldn't keep him steady or quiet in the blind.  The sound of ducks in the air during the morning sunrise would be accompanied by a barking from Chip followed by a splash!!  Chip was off to get a duck that had flown by.  I could only hope no other hunters heard me as I tried to control him.  That's when I knew I needed help.  After the first evaluation, Jim had Chip's personality and my lack of experience as a dog handler pegged.  He not only knew what our strengths and weaknesses were, he also had a plan to correct Chip's (and my) behavior.  Jim has the patience, knowledge and experienced teaching ability to get both of us on track for a more enjoyable and productive hunting season.  After some private lessons at his beautiful training facility, I was more confident in the upcoming season.  Now I had a dog that was steady in the blind and hunters in the next county couldn't hear.  I was more confident in handling Chip and correcting mistakes he made.  I will always be grateful for the knowledge and skill Jim passed to me.  He is a generous person with a class act training program.  I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to train their hunting partner.

Cory L.

 
At 10 months old my chocolate lab, Cash, had surpassed my training ability.  He is my first retriever and while I've read volumes of training books and articles it was apparent his skills and knowledge far outweighed mine when it came to retrieving.  At the point I realized my dog was smarter than me I focused on obedience, making retrieving fun and finding a trainer whose philosophy on training matched my understanding of what a companion hunting dog should be.  It seemed the majority of the trainers I contacted insisted that Cash needed to be force fetched immediately.  While I was new to dog training I understood the basics of force fetch and the stress it can put on a dog. Now Cash is first and foremost a family dog.  The time he spends around children and babies is more than tenfold the time he will spend in the duck marsh or grain fields and I did not want to risk his soft and gentle demeanor just for the sake of getting a check in the force fetch box.  After exchanging some ideas with Jim on ohiowaterfowler.com and contacting some of his references I decided to drive Cash the four hours to western New York.  After a two hour meeting with Jim over dinner my wife and I were sure Cash would be in good hands.  Jim made it clear that force fetch was not a necessity but can be useful for some dogs and that Cash would not need it to be my hunting companion.  With the hope that Cash would have a better idea of his job in the blind we returned three weeks later for a demonstration at Jim's training grounds.  What a surprise we were in for.  Our submissive yet enthusiastic retriever was now possessed with the need to retrieve.  The work Jim had done in those few weeks has transformed Cash forever.  While still as kind and gentle as before, now when we go to our training and hunting areas he is all business.  His focus and drive are incredible and his obedience is all the better for it.  I believe Jim's ability to read and understand each individual dog's personality allows him to customize the training for each dog.  Not only was I impressed with Cash's progress, my wife continues to sing Jim's praise for how easy Cash handles even for her.  She is already planning Cash's return to the Beverly's.  The time Cash spent with Jim was invaluable but Jim's training did not end when we took Cash home.  Jim is readily available to answer all of my questions about training and dogs, and he has even given me advice on hunting and calling.  When I run into an issue with Cash because of my limited knowledge Jim coaches me through it and each time I've worked through the issue doing exactly what Jim prescribes.  I highly recommend Jim's services to anyone who wants the very best for their hunting companion.  Cash will return to western New York and Jim's tutelage annually to build on and perfect the skills Jim has so skillfully developed in him.

Mike Romanchek
Bay Village, Ohio

 
Dear fellow sportsmen...

I am writing this letter to attest to the contributes of Mr. Jim Beverly as a gun dog trainer.  In short Jim is by far one of the best in the retriever training profession.  What I find must contributing is that fact that all the dogs at Jim's facility are happy and content.  Jim's kind and gentle approach to training is in my eyes is a far better method then this new "shock and awe" style that is so popular today.  The dogs at Jim's facility never sulk nor slick there ears and are eager to please because they want to, not because they have to or else.  As the owner and breeder of Appalachian Chesapeake's I personally have sent my chessies to Jim without regret.  From my past breedings our clients have allowed Jim to train their chessies as well.  Must importantly is that Jim himself has to be that most pleasant and helpful individuals I have ever come to know.  Thank you Jim.

Stephen P. Boyer
Appalachian Chesapeakes
http://www.appchessie.com

 
I have spent the majority of my life with dogs by my side.  Most of them were good, some not so good.  Abby is far and away the best of the lot.  It is fitting that what will most likely be my last dog should be as good as she is but she couldn't have gotten there without Jim Beverly's training.  Thank you once again, Jim

Lyle Johnson
585-589-5040