Business Details
31 Years
experience
Professional Gun Dog Training & Labrador Breeding in Texas
At Cross Creek Kennel, we have dedicated ourselves to professional dog training and breeding since 1995. Our focus on gun dog retriever training and obedience programs stems from decades of hands-on experience in developing reliable hunting companions and well-behaved family pets. With over 29 years of expertise, our lead trainer Matt Larkin has honed specialized methodologies for training medium to large breed dogs in obedience, marking, steadiness, and advanced hunt test preparation. Our family-owned facility in East Texas provides personalized attention through smaller-scale operations, allowing us to maintain quality time with each dog daily. Our breeding program produces versatile Labrador Retrievers suited for hunting, competition, or family life, with puppies placed in diverse homes across Texas and neighboring states.Our team combines formal education in animal science with practical field experience, operating a temperature-controlled facility equipped with individual kennels, exercise areas, and technical ponds for comprehensive training. We serve clients from urban centers like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, while maintaining active involvement in hunting dog organizations such as the Hunting Retriever Club and Ducks Unlimited. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through titled retrievers in AKC and UKC Hunt Tests, alongside our dedication to continuous improvement in canine training techniques.
Services
Obedience Training
Gun Dog Training
Dog Boarding
Labrador Puppies
Hunt Test Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 29+ years of specialized dog training experience
- Our family-owned facility provides personalized daily attention
- We breed versatile Labrador Retrievers for multiple purposes
- Our team holds formal education in animal science
- We maintain active involvement in hunting dog organizations
Services
Obedience Training
Our obedience training programs develop well-mannered dogs through structured lessons in basic commands, leash work, and behavioral correction. We train medium to large breeds for family companionship and hunting readiness. Our proven methods create reliable, responsive dogs suited for home environments and fieldwork.
Gun Dog Training
Specialized gun dog programs prepare retrievers for hunting and competition through marking drills, steadiness training, and advanced handling techniques. We develop pointing breeds and retrievers for migratory game hunting with progressive skill development from basic to competition levels.
Dog Boarding
Temperature-controlled boarding accommodates medium and large breeds with individual kennels, daily exercise, and premium care. Our facility maintains strict vaccination requirements while providing comfortable bedding, fresh water, and optional owner-provided meals for dogs during owners' travel periods.
Labrador Puppies
We breed versatile Labrador Retrievers for hunting, competition, and family companionship. Our puppies receive early socialization and foundational training before placement in diverse homes. Each litter benefits from health-tested parents and field-proven lineage for multiple purposes.
Hunt Test Preparation
Advanced programs prepare dogs for AKC and UKC Hunt Test competitions with specialized drills in advanced marking, handling, and field scenarios. Our trainers develop precision skills for competitive retrievers through structured progression toward championship titles.
People
Matt Larkin
Owner/Trainer
Professional dog trainer with 29+ years experience, specializing in gun dog training and retriever development. Purchased Cross Creek Kennel in 1995 after managing it during university studies in geology. Holds extensive field experience with titled retrievers in major hunt tests.
Helena Larkin
Office Manager
Animal science graduate with veterinary clinic experience, managing kennel operations and care. Created online pedigree databases for hunting dog communities while supporting training programs and puppy development at the facility.
Questions
What dog training programs do you offer?
We provide obedience training, basic to advanced gun dog programs, hunt test preparation, and puppy head start training for retrievers.
Do you board dogs at your facility?
Yes, we offer temperature-controlled boarding for medium and large breeds with daily exercise and individual kennel care.
Are Labrador Retriever puppies available?
We breed versatile hunting Labradors for fieldwork, competition, and family companionship with regular litters available.
What areas do you serve?
We serve clients across Texas including Houston, Dallas, Austin, and neighboring states for training and breeding services.
What are your boarding rates?
Our daily boarding rate is $23 per dog, including large runs with options for multi-dog family accommodations.
How are training sessions structured?
Training programs follow progressive stages from basic obedience to advanced hunt tests with personalized attention in a small facility setting.
