Holzinger Kennels - Minnesota Labrador Retriever Breeders

Labrador Retriever

Training, Stud Services

Terry Holzinger
2920 East 220th Street
Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372

Breeding quality gun dogs for over 25 years.

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Terry Holzinger (Holzinger Kennels) has trained two of my dogs, the second one for formal obedience and gun dog training (which went great but more on that later) but the first dog I brought to Terry was a “last chance” effort to rescue a young gun dog I had bought elsewhere, that dog was not properly socialized and sadly fearful of humans, constantly cowering and unmanageable because of the constant retreating, disobeying and hiding due to its fear. The dog was frustrating to own but simultaneously would break our hearts. I tried two full time trainers to help this dog and graciously the last trainer told me “I can do no more for your dog, you should contact Terry Holzinger, I think he may be able to help your dog”.
It took patience and a couple days to even coax “Remy” from their training kennels but I am so happy to share that Remy responds well to basic obedience today and hunts and retrieves with a waging tail. While he will never be a lap dog with strangers he is fully integrated into our family.
I share this story because Terry’s ability with gun dogs deserves the accolades that are common within the gun dog training world but this is the kind of “unsung hero” story only possible with someone with a gentle understanding of all the nuances of dog behavior that come from such experience and care.
Per that second dog – this time we bought a pup from one of Terry’s blood lines – Terry did the training and she was just awarded High Point 2012 “Pro Flushing Puppy of the Year” in N.A.T.H.A. (North American Tournament Hunting Association).
Belle traveled the circuit and made the podium the majority of the time. We love both our dogs; my thanks to Terry and Laura at Holzinger Kennels for helping us realize our hopes.
You are more than welcome to contact me for more details.

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Our family has known Terry Holzinger for more than 20 years. During that time he has trained 6 of our hunting dogs and we have purchased 3 wonderful Labs from him.
Terry has a natural, innate instinct for dog training. He is patient but insistent. Thej dogs know what to expect from Terry. He is consistent with his expectations. It is apparent that Terry likes dogs and they know that too. Reward is also part of his training. Terry just knows dogs.
The 3 Labs we bought from Terry were wonderful hunting dogs as weoll as gret family pets. In the field it is all business but at home they are lovable and eager to please. Our current Lab, the Mighty Quinn, is outgoing, curious and just plain loves people. We could not ask for more in a hunting dog or a companion.
All in all we consider ourselves fortunate to have crossed paths with Terry Holzinger.

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As a rule, I don’t like to post recommendations or reviews of products and services. Here, however, I’m happy to make an exception.

From my first telephone conversation with Laura to my last training session with Terry and Joe (and every telephone call and e-mail in between), I simply cannot say enough good things about the experience I’ve had with Holzinger Kennels.

Being a novice in the world of hunting dogs, I appreciated Terry and Laura’s responsiveness to every question I had along the way. Particularly important to me was Terry’s willingness to teach not only the “how” but also the “why” when it comes to his training program.

And, of course, the level of training my Pointer pup has received is absolutely fantastic and her development (both in the field and around the house) reflects that.

I don’t doubt that there are other very fine dog trainers and dog training facilities out there. But I can honestly say that based upon my experience, I would not consider sending my dog anywhere else.

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In 1995 my husband George and I contacted you regarding purchasing a puppy. It turned out to be one of the greatest decisions of our lives.  We got a male from a breeding of Brock and Redfield's Flying Nun. Our new puppy flew to Montana by himself and walked out of his kennel like he owned the world. Because we took a chance on buying a puppy sight unseen, we named him "Chance". One of our saddest days was when he passed away. We do have reminders of him though in dogs we bred for ourselves and our son. I just wanted you to know how great we think he was and the dogs we have now carry on his hardworking, kind personality. Chance did receive his Senior Hunter Title. We no longer do Hunt tests because of time. The reason I am writing is because we have a friend looking for a puppy so I looked your kennel up on line.  I am glad to see that you are still producing amazing dogs. I am going to recommend that our friend contact one of the breeders who have litters coming.

Thanks again.
Sue

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I brought my 7 month old male Lab “Rufeo” (a Holzinger-Baker pup) in to Terry for his “Kindergarten” and “Grade School” training. I was really impressed with both programs and pleased with how quickly he had improved and how thoroughly the lessons had been taught. Terry is a skilled professional, demonstrating patience, knowledge and has always taken the time to help me better understand how to maintain the skills Rufeo had learned and how to continue setting him up for success.

Now Rufeo is a great hunting companion, he is ‘birdy, marks well and has a fire for retrieving, He also handles well and is well mannered. He has won the Pointing Division Championship at a local hunt club at the age of 9 months, is now an AKC Junior Hunter and I am confident he will complete his last two passes for his Senior Hunter title this coming spring. These successes came from the solid foundations that were taught by Terry at Holzinger kennels.

Terry and Laura maintain kennels that are clean, modern, safe and secure and the training grounds at Holzinger’s are a bird dog’s paradise offering every learning environment necessary (e.g. technical ponds, fields, birds etc.) for a winning training experience.

Rufeo will be back!
Chris Hussman, Champlin, MN

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Terry
Good morning, just returned from 4 days of upland hunting in western ND and thought I would give you some thoughts!! First, I have known you now for more than 20 years and thru the kelsey years ,the 3 years of trying to reach closure on losing her which still has not happened and likely never will and now with 3 years of Rosie both products of your skills I have to tell you that no matter how big the bucket of financial gain, collection of toys, and quality of life you have earned and enjoyed I am not sure you take time to reflect on the impact you have on likely thousands of pet owners who you have directly impacted there lives with your high level of talent in training. I hope no matter how busy your days are you and Laura take an occasional; timeout to really appreciate all the great days you are responsible for in the world of the outdoors. As for Rosie I am simply amazed . Her solid points, her 100% retrieve to hand on 16 birds, her refusal to move an inch when first rooster flushed and died and yet she knew another one was coming, then when it also hit the ground her ability to mark both and retrieve both was very impressive. Great, great days and Rox and I THANK YOU !!
The best to both of you
Cheers
Dick and Rox

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I purchased a yellow lab via Holzinger's website and Taylor is the stud dog. My dog Jaws is 2 years old and has exceeded my expectations. I've put my dog through 12+ weeks of training and he continues to learn, expand his capabilities and wants more.

Jaws is more white than yellow has a blocky head and taller than most labs. Which I love as he stands up taller in pheasant grass and swims faster than other labs. Jaws is a thinker....I've witnessed him making amazing retrieves and is outsmarting the wiliest roosters and he's only 2. He has a calm demeanor around the family, loves attention and being petted but when it's hunting time he has energy and excitement that I've not witnessed with my previous dogs. Several of my friends who I hunt with own pointers or labs would like to purchase a puppy from me if/when I breed Jaws.

I've had an excellent experience with Jaws and will continue to recommend and purchase dogs from Holzingers.

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I can't say enough about Holzinger Kennels! Terry trained Chili my female lab a few years ago. Thanks to Terry Chili went from a basic hunting dog to a AKC. SH. and a APLA Cert. pointing retriever.And is now used as a Professional guide dog in S.D. and MN. for upland and ducks. Besides Terry's great training skills, his knowledge of dogs and breeding is second to none. Terry has produced some of the best dogs out there. Terry and his wife Laura are the best out there when it comes to training and breeding dogs. I have been lucky enough to breed Chili to two of Terry's great stud dogs.That produced some great all around dogs. Thanks Holzinger's for everything

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I've known Terry for a very long time and have followed the success he has achieved over the years with his bloodlines and training methods. Back in 1998 I purchased a yellow lab pup from Holzinger Kennels out of one of his bloodlines that was extremely successful. A select yellow male lab that was producing some of the best dogs out there in both competition and for the average hunter. I had Terry train my yellow female beginning with the Kindergarten session up to the High School level Terry offers in his training course. (he offers higher levels of training) I was blown away with my dog's ability and drive along with how well she was trained to commands and in both water and afield. I recently committed to another yellow lab pup out of one of Terry's bloodlines that will no doubt exceed my expectations. This time an English bloodline with the ability to point.

Holzinger Kennels is an household name in gun dog breeding and training with so many successful dogs over the years connected to his pedigree's and training at competitive events. But the most important value for me is Terry's honest and ethical approach in knowing a dogs potential along with his training and experience. He uses training methods that make it fun and encouraging for dogs which in turn produces enthusiasm and the willingness to constantly please their owner. His reputation speaks for itself!

Greg Williams~ Maple Grove, MN

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