We have been successful at retriever competitions for almost 40 years. Woody Thurman of Twin Lakes Kennel, has produced dozens of Master Hunter Labrador retrievers. Despite our incredible success at the field trials, we are most interested in helping our clients to own and handle the world’s best Labrador Retrievers. Our commitment to that goal has never faltered.
We are very proud of titling more than 200 AKC Master Hunter Labrador Retrievers. Woody has also qualified 47 retrievers at AKC Master Nationals. He has won the Ducks Unlimited Open Championships twice. But we are most proud of…
-Woody Thurman
About Woody Thurman: Woody and Judi Thurman of Twin Lakes Kennel have been breeding and training world class Labrador Retrievers for more than 35 years. Twin Lakes Kennel is the number #1 resource for Labrador Retriever puppies. We select from the most dominant American field bloodlines and breed for natural hunting instinct and tractability. Our Labs, both puppies and adults, are out of the top working Labrador Retriever bloodlines in the country. The end results are the most talented, well rounded Labrador Retrievers possible, making them a most desirable family pet.
More than eight thousand (8,000) Labrador Retrievers have been bred and trained during those thirty-five years. During this time, Woody has titled more than 200 AKC Master Hunter Labrador Retrievers. Woody has also qualified 47 retrievers at AKC Master Nationals. He has won the Ducks Unlimited Open Championships twice. In addition, two of his Labs, Drake and Rondy, bred and trained at Twin Lakes Kennel, are in the Master National Hall of Fame.
Our Labrador Retriever puppies are the culmination of a 30 year search for the most talented, well rounded Labrador Retriever possible. We select from the most dominant American field bloodlines and breed for natural hunting instinct and tractability. Our puppies begin a structured socialization program in the litter box and are introduced to birds at six weeks.
All our Labrador Retriever Puppies carry a guarantee against hereditary defects and to have basic retrieving instincts. Parents of all our Labrador Retriever puppies are physically sound with certified hips and eyes. They are out of the top working Labrador Retriever bloodlines in the country.
We guarantee all our Labrador Retriever puppies to be free from hereditary defects.
Call Woody and Judi at (910) 462-3246 for more information.
Advanced dog training at Twin Lakes Kennel takes a talented retriever and builds precise control without dimming natural drive. We bring more than 45 years of hands-on work with American field-bred Labradors, shaping steady, biddable dogs for serious hunting, competition, and life at home.
The focus is clear communication, repetition with fair consequence, and drills that produce confident responses in real-world distraction.
Advanced training transforms basic obedience into reliable, field-ready performance that owners can count on in diverse and challenging situations. Dogs develop the ability to hold lines through dense cover, shifting winds, and varied terrain while responding promptly to crisp whistle stops and precise hand casts.
Work with multiple marks, tight honors, and control under motion builds the retriever’s focus and composure, even when excitement levels peak during hunting or competition. This level of training not only promotes safety and efficiency in the field but also strengthens teamwork between dog and handler.
Dogs learn to make thoughtful, controlled decisions under pressure, which is critical in hunt tests, competitive trials, and real-world scenarios where accurate delivery, calm nerves, and consistent behavior can make the difference between success and failure.
Advanced training develops both the dog’s natural instincts and the handler’s confidence, producing a retriever that is dependable, adaptable, and ready for any challenge.
Training typically begins once a retriever demonstrates a reliable foundation. Our program targets:
Many dogs progress from the started to the finished level within six to eight months of focused work, with timelines tailored to each dog’s aptitude. Outside retrievers with talent are welcome, though we prefer dogs from our own breeding program due to natural aptitude aligned with the training system.
Owner coaching is built in, so the handoff from kennel to home maintains clarity, timing, and daily structure.
If you have any inquiries about our advanced dog training services, feel free to contact us today.
Limited litters available – reserve your future hunting partner or family friend today!
Limited litters available – reserve your future hunting partner or family friend today!
Are you interested in learning more about master hunter labrador retrievers for sale and master hunter labrador retriever training by Woody Thurman? Call us for more information at (910) 462-3246 to purchase a world class Labrador Retriever from Woody Thurman today!
“I have known Woody and Judy for over 20 years. There are no finer folks. They have my total trust with any dog sent to Twin Lakes for training. The dogs that go to Twin Lakes are worked in drills. Don't expect your dog to come home fat. Working dogs need to be in top physical condition. The most powerful thing about Woody is that his dog work to their...
-Nat lambeth
