Client Testimonials
These are comments from some of the people who have stayed and hunted with us!
May 10, 2024
I started quail hunting with my grandfather when I was 12 years old. Today I am 70. I was very close to my grandparents, spending a lot of time with them when possible. After my grandfather was unable to walk a lot, when I went quail hunting (there were still wild birds back then) and after the hunt, I would always stop and visit with my grandfather, telling him about every part of the hunt. He was able to enjoy mentally, even without being there in person. As years went by and wild birds became less and less, I have always kept bird dogs and just bought pen raised birds to work with them. I have been most fortunate to have even a few great dogs, both pointers and setters. My current two dogs are English pointers and brothers that I got when they were 8 plus months old and well started. While not perfect, they have been great. With them now turning 10 this year, I acquired a 13 month old pointer, Jack, that needed training and he was very timid. When looking for a possible trainer, I found Dalin Kennels in Shannon, Mississippi looked at the reviews and then contacted Mr. Dale Garner with further conversation. I felt very comfortable with our discussion and committed to the training for young pointer Jack. I have to tell you I am very pleased with Jack’s results and believe he will be a great performer forward. You can rest assured that when you deal with Mr. Dale and Ms. Linda Garner, you will get honest and accurate results. They are quality people and professional trainers. Sincere Regards, John White, Coldwater, MS April 28, 2024
Quick update on Belle: WOW! The transformation is amazing. I am turning her loose in a 50-acre stubble field with lots of Killdeer birds on the ground. She can’t really point them, but tries. They don’t hold the ground, but when they flush she takes off after them. I let her go about 30-40 yards then whistle once. She stops and returns if I call her. Amazing to be able to work with her without the leash, just the training collar and the whistle. The last two days we have been in the hardwoods and it’s even better. She never goes more than 15 or 20 yards, constantly keeping track of me and staying out in front. Thank you! Also we had to get slip leash, but my wife can now comfortable walk her, again it’s great. Richard Stiers Issaquah, Washington February 22, 2024
Dale & Linda Thank you again for training Dolly. I have had a chance to hunt with her several times since picking her up in December. She has proven to be an efficient bird finder, and her manners around birds are right where they need to be at this stage. It is quite a rewarding experience to spend time with her in the field. She is only 15 months old now. I look forward to seeing how she continues to grow and mature. If you are willing and able, I hope to get her back to you for a refresher in August and September. Lance Wilson Memphis, TN March 24, 2023
Dale, Just a quick note to update you on Heidi. I've hunted her 3 times since I picked her up, one time alone & twice with my other dogs. She's doing really well. Pointing & backing is perfection in my mind. Good pics of her backing Lucy, & Lucy backing her. Also it seems to me that she has a really strong nose as she's getting most of the points. Retrieving is similar to what we observed. Working with her in yard on bringing dummies back to me. I think she'll get there. She races to downed bird, but has a hard time beating my English Cocker. Just wanted to update you & tell you how pleased I am. Randy Hutchinson Madison, MS January 2022
Thank you so much Dale and Linda for the time and effort you put in to training my Douglas. I didn’t think he would make much, but he turned out to be an excellent bird dog. He was basically a lap dog when I took him to them. Shortly after he finished their school we took a trip to South Dakota and hunted in some pretty brutal elements and Douglas performed beautifully. They also got Douglas to retrieve from the water which I didn’t think would happen. He was terrified of water before. Now I have used him on a couple of Duck hunts this season. I have another Wirehaired pointer that they trained as well and he does everything that he’s supposed to do. They have my third pointer at their place now and she is on pace to be an excellent bird dog without a doubt. I highly recommend them to anyone. They have clean facilities and a beautiful property to work the dogs on. They take the time and dedication with each dog and the dog owners too. Bradley Bishop August 2020
Beautiful property, very well groomed. Kennels were always clean and well kept. The puppies are outside but covered and protected front the the elements. Had 2 visits during training and Mr Dale spent two and a half hours out each time in the field with the dogs, training me too. Our GSP’s are calmer and very well trained, with all credit given to Mr Dale and Mrs Linda. We are very grateful for the hard work and dedication they put into training our two dogs (Livy and Louie). You can absolutely rest assured your pets are in good hands. And when they come home you’ll be grateful you invested in your pups! Kasey Crawford Frickey March 2019
Thank both of you so much for the hard work and dedication you have put into making Purdey a outstanding bird dog! I'm very impressed with her manners and steadiness! I'm looking forward to many hunts and memories with her. I'm planning on getting another pointer soon and will definitely be sending it to be trained by you guys! Thanks again! Tyler Christmas February 2016
Dale, attached is a photo and proof that yours and Linda's hard work has paid off for me and the puppies. The puppies are 14 month old brother and sister. Jack and Daisy have been a pleasure to work with and watch this past weekend. They worked great individually and as a pair. They pointed, retrieved and backed as if they were 3 years old. Once again, I want to thank you for your training. By the way, they both honor the whistle commands. I hope to see you two soon. Buck Rogers |
July 2015
I sent my German Wirehaired Pointer, Fisher to Dale and Linda in December 2014, and I couldn't have made a better decision. In just a few short months, they had Fisher pointing, backing, and retrieving flawlessly. Not only are they great trainers, but you could not ask for a better couple to work with your dog. They take great pride in their work, and do everything they can to provide quality training in a timely manor. I would highly recommend using Dalin Kennels to anyone looking for quality bird dog training.
Harrison Golson
I sent my German Wirehaired Pointer, Fisher to Dale and Linda in December 2014, and I couldn't have made a better decision. In just a few short months, they had Fisher pointing, backing, and retrieving flawlessly. Not only are they great trainers, but you could not ask for a better couple to work with your dog. They take great pride in their work, and do everything they can to provide quality training in a timely manor. I would highly recommend using Dalin Kennels to anyone looking for quality bird dog training.
Harrison Golson
November 2014
Dale,
I was amazed at the level of training provided by you in just three short months. Thank you for the great work you did with my German Shorthaired Pointer, Black Prairie Rose. “Rose” is everything that I wanted her to be. She works well with my Labrador Retrievers. Her points are staunch and solid. She always backs other dogs. She is steady to flush and shot, comes on command, and overall exhibits all the attributes I wanted in a bird dog. I have hunted her several times and every time she was flawless. I received many compliments on her performance
Both you and Linda were super friendly during my visits. Your kennels were always clean and provided ample room for the dogs. Your bird pen was sanitary and well maintained. The birds were flight conditioned, held well on points, and most importantly flew very well when flushed. I feel that all these things contributed to the high quality of training that “Rose” received.
I can’t thank you enough for the excellent services provided by you.
Regards,
Bill Gibson
Black Prairie Kennels
Dale,
I was amazed at the level of training provided by you in just three short months. Thank you for the great work you did with my German Shorthaired Pointer, Black Prairie Rose. “Rose” is everything that I wanted her to be. She works well with my Labrador Retrievers. Her points are staunch and solid. She always backs other dogs. She is steady to flush and shot, comes on command, and overall exhibits all the attributes I wanted in a bird dog. I have hunted her several times and every time she was flawless. I received many compliments on her performance
Both you and Linda were super friendly during my visits. Your kennels were always clean and provided ample room for the dogs. Your bird pen was sanitary and well maintained. The birds were flight conditioned, held well on points, and most importantly flew very well when flushed. I feel that all these things contributed to the high quality of training that “Rose” received.
I can’t thank you enough for the excellent services provided by you.
Regards,
Bill Gibson
Black Prairie Kennels
October , 2014
Dale and Linda,
After finding your website and talking to you on the phone, I brought you my 14 month old female GSP. Francis had basically been left in the kennel her whole life and had more issues that Norman Bates! All those around me told me I was wasting my time, that she was gun shy, bird she, man shy, and would be simply throwing money down a hole on her training. Dale graciously agreed to evaluate her for me and at the end of our session told me there was a bird dog in all those issues. I came over to get her this past Saturday and found that I now owned a calm, well mannered, hunt to the front, respond to commands, rock solid on point, retrieve to hand bird dog! And my goodness what style! To say that I’m pleased is an understatement. I came as a client and left as a friend. I don’t recall looking so forward to a hunting season in years and even checking out some local trial clubs as well.
Thanks again for everything…
Andy Chumbley
Belmont, MS
Dale and Linda,
After finding your website and talking to you on the phone, I brought you my 14 month old female GSP. Francis had basically been left in the kennel her whole life and had more issues that Norman Bates! All those around me told me I was wasting my time, that she was gun shy, bird she, man shy, and would be simply throwing money down a hole on her training. Dale graciously agreed to evaluate her for me and at the end of our session told me there was a bird dog in all those issues. I came over to get her this past Saturday and found that I now owned a calm, well mannered, hunt to the front, respond to commands, rock solid on point, retrieve to hand bird dog! And my goodness what style! To say that I’m pleased is an understatement. I came as a client and left as a friend. I don’t recall looking so forward to a hunting season in years and even checking out some local trial clubs as well.
Thanks again for everything…
Andy Chumbley
Belmont, MS
February 6, 2006
Paul Ridenour, Phoenix, AZ
Had a fabulous time. I always wanted to get my Brittany into some first class wild quail. Your description of 10 coveys per day with 10 to 20 birds per covey was no exaggeration. I plan on coming back next year in November or December when coveys are even bigger.
Paul Ridenour, Phoenix, AZ
Had a fabulous time. I always wanted to get my Brittany into some first class wild quail. Your description of 10 coveys per day with 10 to 20 birds per covey was no exaggeration. I plan on coming back next year in November or December when coveys are even bigger.
January 20, 2006
Terry Hurst, Newport, TN
I can’t tell you much about deer hunting—other than I saw several good-sized deer while I was quail hunting with Dale. I had a great experience staying with Dale and Linda, and I would certainly recommend Dale as a guide. He did everything possible to make sure that I had a good hunting experience, and I’m sure he’ll do the same for you. I felt like the guide service was money well spent.
Terry Hurst, Newport, TN
I can’t tell you much about deer hunting—other than I saw several good-sized deer while I was quail hunting with Dale. I had a great experience staying with Dale and Linda, and I would certainly recommend Dale as a guide. He did everything possible to make sure that I had a good hunting experience, and I’m sure he’ll do the same for you. I felt like the guide service was money well spent.
January 4, 2006
John Tindall, Dallas, TX
—sent to Ray Sasser, Outdoor Columnist, Dallas Morning News
I experienced and exceptional quail hunt in Wheeler, Texas in the panhandle last Friday. Dale and Linda Garner of Dalin Kennels, were my hosts and they are great folks. This was a first time hunt with them. I found them through the Wheeler COC. Amazingly, they moved their operation to Wheeler from Tennessee in June because “this is where the birds are.” Solid logic, I’d say. We moved eleven coveys and I shot my limit. Now it’s no secret that the Childress to Canadian corridor is quail heaven. As you know, lots of birds up there is typical if the circumstances support birds in Texas.
But I was especially impressed with the dog work. The dogs we used on the hunt were: Slick (an English pointer), Spice—Sr. hunter with show and NSTRA field trial points, Heidi, Droopy—4 points short of field trial Championship, and Moby—3 points short of field trial championship (all GSPs). All are great bird dogs and very well trained.
John Tindall, Dallas, TX
—sent to Ray Sasser, Outdoor Columnist, Dallas Morning News
I experienced and exceptional quail hunt in Wheeler, Texas in the panhandle last Friday. Dale and Linda Garner of Dalin Kennels, were my hosts and they are great folks. This was a first time hunt with them. I found them through the Wheeler COC. Amazingly, they moved their operation to Wheeler from Tennessee in June because “this is where the birds are.” Solid logic, I’d say. We moved eleven coveys and I shot my limit. Now it’s no secret that the Childress to Canadian corridor is quail heaven. As you know, lots of birds up there is typical if the circumstances support birds in Texas.
But I was especially impressed with the dog work. The dogs we used on the hunt were: Slick (an English pointer), Spice—Sr. hunter with show and NSTRA field trial points, Heidi, Droopy—4 points short of field trial Championship, and Moby—3 points short of field trial championship (all GSPs). All are great bird dogs and very well trained.
January 2, 2006
John Tindall, Dallas, TX
Thank you for an exceptional day of quail hunting and great hospitality. You guys are great and I know will be a big success.
John Tindall, Dallas, TX
Thank you for an exceptional day of quail hunting and great hospitality. You guys are great and I know will be a big success.
January 1, 2006
Terry Hurst, Newport, TN
I wanted to drop you a note to thank you again for the great hunting trip. Renee is jealous after hearing all my stories - especially about Maggie’s retrieves. We’re getting together with Jim later this week, and I plan to do some serious bragging. But, after hearing just a little about the numbers of coveys, shells shot, and birds bagged, he’s all ready to return with me next year.
Again, thanks for the memories. I’ll see you next year.
Terry Hurst, Newport, TN
I wanted to drop you a note to thank you again for the great hunting trip. Renee is jealous after hearing all my stories - especially about Maggie’s retrieves. We’re getting together with Jim later this week, and I plan to do some serious bragging. But, after hearing just a little about the numbers of coveys, shells shot, and birds bagged, he’s all ready to return with me next year.
Again, thanks for the memories. I’ll see you next year.