Introductions
Hello, My name is Jeff Torrey. My Story starts with a Chocolate Labrador named Rocky. A long time friend of mine purchased rocky and trained him as a gundog. I was amazed by the Labradors eagerness to learn.
I started training Retrievers in 1992. My wife, Suzie, purchased a Labrador puppy for me as a gift. She hoped training this puppy would give me an escape from my stressful and sometimes dangerous career. Little did she know, this puppy would change our lives.
I was a Deputy Sheriff for Los Angeles County and worked the graveyard shift. These hours are very hard on the body, but great for dog training. I bought every instructional book I could find, but quickly realized that training is not always a step-by-step process.
Early on I was lucky enough to be introduced to Bob and Jewel Easter. I learned a lot in the time I spent with them. It was Jewel who told me about the importance of Basics.
Over the next several years, we ran hunt tests to learn the ropes. We ran Master Hunt Tests all over the country and had a great time. During my travels I was lucky enough to hook up with Jan Burkholder. This is where I learned the Basic program. Jan had worked for many of the better pros in the business, before she started a business of her own. (Stonewall Retrievers)
Jan later introduced me to Bill Sargenti and Delma Hazzard. Having their experience to draw on has been invaluable. Although they both came from the same training background, (Rex Carr) they both have very different styles. This is where I realized that training is as much an art form as it is a science. Every trainer relates to there dogs differently.
In June of 99, I resigned from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to pursue a career in Retriever training. Like a Doctor or a Lawyer, I wanted to specialize in a particular aspect of the business. This would keep me from spreading myself too thin and allow me to learn the ins and outs of my craft.
I have always had a love for the young dog work and decided to specialize in that. The dogs that have come through our program are doing very well in the derby and beyond.
Join me in watching their progress.
We look forward in bringing out your dogs potential.
Jeff Torrey
Chapter two
2007
The business has boomed over the last 7 years. We now have four FC AFC tittles, 1 National finalist, Several National qualifiers both Canadian and American, Many all age placements, and lots of derby/qualifying placements. We have been so blessed with great dog owners, handlers and all age pros. They have helped progress the dogs we've enjoyed so much. Over the last several years we've included, day training and a gun dog program. Both have been very rewarding to me and hopefully the owners and dogs. Our next adventure has been maintaining the quality of training while dealing with the growth.
After much review, we have decided to stop the growth for the time being. I want Buckshot Retrievers to be know for it's high quality dogs and not a large growth business model. As of 2008, we will be lowering our number of dogs in training. This will give us better quality control and give us time to develop the best dogs possible.
Sorry for the inconvenience as space will be hard to come by, but it will be worth the wait. This last year has brought us an awesome truck of youngsters. Join us in watching there progress once again.
We look forward to aiding your young dog in it's development as a top of the line retriever.
Jeff Torrey