Meet The Trainer
Jul 30th, 2008 by admin
I’m Wade Meacham, owner and operator of Sundog Kennels. My father was a professional bird dog trainer for over 40 years and through him I grew up around dogs, hunting and training. My family tells me that I was taken on my first hunt when I was just 15 months old.
I had always owned labs and bird dogs during my school years, but while in college, a local doctor and duck hunting partner gave me an outstanding pair of lab pups. I was hooked immediately. Because of these dogs and their outgoing nature, tracking, and trainability, I decided to pursue a living training retrievers.
During and after college, I trained with the well-known retriever trainer and friend John Dahl of Oak Hill Kennels in Vass, NC. Through these years of training with John, I was able to learn the quintessential skills necessary to be able to produce advanced retrievers.
As an avid duck hunter, guide, and sportsman, I understand what is required to produce an excellent hunting dog and companion in the blind and at home. A dog should go with enthusiasm on marks or blind retrieves, handle to the whistle, and be obedient and patient when required. A well-trained retriever not only reduces the number of lost birds, but also enriches the total hunting experience. My favorite dogs are the ones capable of completing the desired tasks, while also striving to be your and your family’s best friend when not in the field.
Whether you are seeking a companion that simply handles well, or one who possesses advanced capabilities, contact me and we can discuss your dog’s future.



Wade,
I have a new 10 week old Black Lab. I was at Buchanan Shoals this weekend for our first duck hunt, and I spoke to Gregg McDougal who introduced me to Isabel, his 3 year Brown Lab, trained by you. Later, I spoke to Ben Chewning, and he said that I should get in touch with you about future plans for training my dog, Sam.
We have begun teaching “sit”, “come”, “stay” and have taken him out on the leash. I have also taken him on several 1-2 hour trips in the dog crate. His sire, Jag, is working withe Marines as a land mine sniffing dog. We purchased him at Creekside Retrievers in New Salem (John and Kathy Lee).
After receiving a strong recommendation about your facility and training methods from the guys at Buchanan Shoals, I would like to know when I could “sign him up” for training at Sundog Kennels. Also, what time period is entailed and how is the owner worked into the training process? We live in Charlotte, but I am frequently out in Richmond and Anson Counties hunting at Buchanan Shoals.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
Mike Kelley
mkel42@aol.com