About Me
Welcome to Retrievers LLC, a project created by Michael Jennings that brings together retriever heritage, dog training, photography and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Labrador Retrievers have always been an important part of my life. My family adopted our first Lab, Gus, when I was four years old and I have found companionship in several more over the years. In 2019, I retired from a career in federal law enforcement and one month later I adopted a British Lab, Chase, from Hidden Springs Retrievers in Colorado.
In 2021, Chase and I competed in our first obedience trial and won two High in Trial awards over a three-day weekend. That same year we entered our first hunt test. I was somewhat apprehensive at first because we live in the desert and had done relatively little training in the water but Chase performed like a pro. Since then he has gone on to earn several advanced titles in obedience and hunt tests.
In 2022, I adopted Finley a field-bred Lab from Kolfyre Retrievers in Wyoming. While Chase and Finley are both Labrador Retrievers, their personalities, temperaments and working styles could hardly be more different. Chase is stockier, has a thicker coat and a gentler demeanor. He works at a more deliberate pace and is extremely social which can occasionally make maintaining focus in crowded environments a challenge. Finley is leaner, quick, intense and seemingly possesses an endless supply of drive. When she's working, she has little interest in socializing and is completely focused on the task at hand. Finley has also earned several advanced titles along with multiple High in Trial and High Combined awards in obedience. For all their ability, instinct and purpose, our dogs are first and foremost members of our families and the relationships we build with them are at the heart of everything I do.
Training Chase and Finley has reinforced one of the principles that has become fundamental to my approach: train the dog in front of you. The fundamentals of good training may remain consistent but the way those fundamentals are taught and reinforced should reflect the individual dog. What motivates one dog may not motivate another and a technique that produces confidence and understanding in one may be less effective with another. Chase and Finley have required different approaches in both obedience and field work and learning to recognize and adapt to those differences has shaped the way I approach training every dog.
Photography has given me another way to document my life with retrievers and the places and experiences we've shared along the way. From training and competition to field work, the gallery reflects the character, athleticism and personality that make these dogs such an important part of my life.
The Retriever Heritage Collection grew from that same appreciation. The collection celebrates the distinctive character and heritage of retrievers through thoughtfully designed apparel for those who understand the connection these dogs create and the important place they hold in our lives.
Whether you came to Retrievers LLC looking for dog training, to explore the photography or to discover the Retriever Heritage Collection I hope you find something here that reflects your own appreciation for retrievers and the natural world.
I hope you enjoy exploring the site.