The Fossums

"WOW! What a difference! She is so much fun to walk now. We are out at least 3 times a day for a good 45 minute to hour walk/run and rarely has she tried to knock me over. When she did try, she got a correction that was equal to her push and that did it! She has accepted her outdoor kennel without problems and the kids are loving being able to play with her and not worrying about being run over. Everyone has been good about following through most of the time with correction and expectations. Lucy is settling in too, with much less nervous energy behavior than before. She's gotten the hang of retrieving the Frisbee and walks back after each throw with her head high and strutting with her prize."

"We can't thank you enough for all the work you've done with her."

"In many ways, Sonny Piekarz is like you and me. An avid bird hunter, he liked nothing more than spending time in the grouse woods accompanied by good friends and great dogs. A self-trainer of his own dogs, he wished that his daily job afforded him more free time to spend with his companions."

"Seasons came and went as did some exceptional dogs. He competed in trials and other competitive formats but his true affinity was training. He was able to get that little bit out of a dog that others struggle so hard to - or in the end, simply could not. He is gifted that way."

"At the encouragement of his wife and many friends he committed himself to the realization that life was too short not to chase his dreams; he knew he had a gift but wondered if others would appreciate it."

"Hay Creek Kennel is a family owned and operated facility founded on strong family ties and values, the support of friends and genuine respect and love for dogs. Tremendous pride is devoted to the training of these special animals and it is matched in the quality and commitment to the kennel and exceptional training grounds that are found here. This property and the people working here exemplify bird dog training at its highest level."

"This trainer and his associates formed their training foundation on the vast and sound resource base that is the result of multiple methods and techniques that consistently treat and train dogs as pack animals. This group has attended a multitude of seminars to sharpen their existing skills and become exposed to new disciplines and theories. Currently, they are active in the Smith Internship Program."

"Sonny Piekarz is living his dream. Confident and secure in his abilities as well as his assistants, he is capable of achieving measurable results utilizing low pressure, high energy and positive reinforcement that instill confidence in both the dog and its owner."

"I encourage you to apply his methods in your training. More so than that, I request that you take the opportunity to watch him, his wife Shannon and their girls practice their craft at this wonderful facility - Hay Creek Kennel. I assure you that you will never forget it or see training look so simple and easy. I am happy to have met him."

Dave Northamer

Derrick Kunsman

"As a newcomer to the sport I have learned so much from you and watching you work with dogs. The training method you use and the Huntsmith seminars have taught me so much; I wouldn't even be close to where I am at with either of my dogs if it wasn't for you and your program. I know that sometimes my questions and wanting to have the "perfect" dog can get frustrating, but you handle it with much patience and respect. I admire those qualities. You do amazing things with a wide range of breeds and types of personalities in dogs, a true sign of a master at his craft."

"Your generosity in letting me just come and work dogs over the summer and learn from you was so beneficial to my learning process, and my dogs got a lot out of it too. It was awesome to watch your family-run operation and how everyone pitches in to do their part."

-Derrick Kunsman
     Blackhawk Gun Dogs, LLC