When you hand over your dog to us, you're not just signing up for training — you're joining a legacy built on deep respect for the bond between a hunter and their companion. At Smoky Mtn Labradors, we don’t just see potential — we see purpose. These dogs aren’t machines; they’re partners, and we train them with patience, consistency, and heart. Because we know what it feels like to step into the field and rely on a dog that’s steady, focused, and ready — not just because they were taught commands, but because they were raised with care. You can trust us because we train every dog like it’s our own. Not for trophies — for trust. For connection. For the hunt that lives in both of you.

THE STANDARD IN GUN DOG EXCELLENCE

LOYALTY DRIVE FOCUS INSTINCT TRUST COURAGE

LOYALTY DRIVE FOCUS INSTINCT TRUST COURAGE

HEART STEADY CALM CONTROL RESPECT

HEART STEADY CALM CONTROL RESPECT

BOND PATIENCE LEGACY PARTNERSHIP DISCIPLINE

BOND PATIENCE LEGACY PARTNERSHIP DISCIPLINE

THE SMOKY MTN GUN DOG LIFE

With decades of experience behind us, we’ve developed a training process that’s as precise as it is proven — a true science built on passion, patience, and purpose. We’re equipped to navigate any challenge and shape dogs that rise to every occasion. But it all starts with our foundation: the exceptional breeding behind every Smoky Mtn Labrador. Our training program isn’t open to the public — it’s a private offering, reserved exclusively for members of the SML family. Because we believe the best results come from knowing our dogs, their lines, and the legacy they carry.

  • Every journey starts with a spark — maybe it’s a lifelong love of dogs, or a new desire to step into the field. Whether you’re an experienced handler or just beginning your hunting journey, you’re in the right place. We’re here to guide you, equip your dog, and help you step confidently into the world of gundogs.

  • From there, your dog enters a focused, proven program designed to develop the key skills of a reliable gun dog. With decades of experience behind us, our team brings consistency, clarity, and purpose to every step of the training process, shaping dogs that are steady, sharp, and ready for the field.

  • You are the key to your dog’s success.
    The bond you continue to build after training makes all the difference. A great gun dog isn’t just shaped by the trainer — it’s made great by the owner who stays committed. Your time, trust, and consistency turn potential into partnership.

PHASE ONE

When your pup arrives for training, we begin with two key phases. The first focuses on foundational obedience and gentle introductions to the hunting world.

  • We carefully introduce gunfire in a controlled, positive environment, so your dog learns to associate the sound with excitement, birds, and the job they were born to do.

  • We build your dog’s confidence in the water early on, so they enter with enthusiasm, no matter the conditions.

  • For a young pup, birds can be intimidating — but through our proven system, we build drive and confidence, shaping a bold retriever that’s eager to recover game.

  • We train your dog to accurately mark downed birds, setting them up for efficient and confident retrieves.

PHASE TWO

Phase two is all about refinement. While fundamentals continue to be reinforced, we focus on addressing the unique challenges each dog presents—so you don’t have to.

  • During basic retriever training, we begin teaching the dog to actively search for and locate birds they didn’t mark or see fall.

  • We train the dog to sit calmly on command—a skill that’s essential in the duck blind and a welcome bonus for your home.

  • We will top everything off with the basics of sit, heal, stay, place, kennel, and heal.