Foundation Level Apprentice : Tom Lyles


Foundation Level Apprentices : Tom Lyles (back) & Kenny Glasscock

Dog Trainer Apprenticeships

Our goal is to effectively convey our expertise and enthusiasm in training exceptional bird dogs to anyone wanting to improve their training skills. Unique in its structure, this program immerses its participants in the day to day activities of a professional training facility.  It is an intense work program with the apprentices getting as much benefit out of the experience as the amount of effort they put in to it.

Foundation Level Certification
Ronnie Smith and his staff will work with the apprentice while they gain expertise in the following areas of puppy development and foundation training:

• Socialization
• Building Prey Drive / Prey Chase through bird work
• Recognizing an honoring situation
• Introduction to the gun
• Stake-out Chain
• Quartering Drills
• Building Points of Contact
• Obedience Training
• Heeling

Each level of certification consists of a four week apprenticeship at Ronnie Smith Kennels in Big Cabin, Oklahoma.  The apprentices will have the opportunity to utilize the Ronnie Smith Kennels facilities and equipment to gain a working knowledge of a professional training facility.  Each apprentice will have the opportunity to work with a large number of dogs with different personalities and breeds.  Apprentices have the opportunity to learn to deal with a wide variety of training issues and learn the proper use of an e-collar.  The Apprentices deal frequently with clientele and become accustomed to teaching the training process to others.  Achievement of a Huntsmith Certification allows the apprentice to participate in Huntsmith activities as a certified member.  Enrollment cost for the programs are:

• Foundation: $2,500
• Intermediate: $3000
• Advanced: $3,500

Contact the Kennels for additional information or to reserve a spot today.  Space is limited so we encourage you to reserve a spot as quickly as possible.

Recent Outstanding Huntsmith Certifications Include:

Advanced Level Certification

Keny Glasscock & Ronnie Smith

Tom Lyles & Ronnie Smith

Sonny Piekarz & Ronnie Smith


Jeff Vincett receives Advanced Level Certification presented by Ronnie Smith

Foundation Level Trainer: James Kasper, Ronnie Smith & Advanced Level Trainer: Nick Mellon

Intermediate Level Certification

Ronnie Smith and Scott Berry Gabe Gaudern, Keny Glasscock, Breana Piekarz, Ronnie Smith, Sonny Piekarz & Tom Lyles

Foundation Level Certification

Ronnie Smith and Russell Nelson Sean Diamond