The Mission Behind the Training
Building reliability at home and excellence in the field.
At Blue Wing Kennels, we believe that a dog’s true potential is unlocked through a foundation of mutual respect and a clear teamwork mentality. Our approach focuses on mastery over volume; instead of overwhelming a dog with dozens of tricks, we perfect the five core commands—here, heel, sit, down, and place—to ensure real-world reliability both on and off-leash. Whether we are preparing a young pup for a relaxed, well-mannered life at home, or dedicating 4–5 months to refining an elite partner for the hunting field, our goal remains the same: to develop a focused, confident dog that chooses to work with you. We don’t just train for the backyard; we train for the moments where reliability matters most, bridging the gap between basic obedience and high-level performance.
When I take a dog into any of my programs, I take their success personally because I know how much a well-behaved dog changes a family’s life. Having grown up immersed in the dog training and retriever competition world, this craft has always been a fundamental part of who I am.
Today, I actively channel that lifelong passion into competing in AKC Hunt Tests and the Super Retriever Series (SRS). Kara and I have built our lives around this work, and nothing makes me happier than seeing a dog reach its full potential—whether that's as an elite competitor in the field or a well-mannered companion at home—through the same teamwork and care we value in our own family.
Competitive handling by the numbers:
71.4% 2025 Master National Pass Rate
Over 100 AKC Master Passes and Over 250 Total AKC Passes
1 Super Retriever Series Win & 2 Super Retriever Series Crown Championship Appearances
— Dakota Best, Owner and Head Trainer
Meet the Trainer
From a Lifelong Passion to a Family Legacy
At Blue Wing Kennels, dog training isn't just a business for us—it’s a lifelong passion and a way of life. Having grown up immersed in his family’s retriever training business, Dakota learned the nuances of canine behavior and the dedication required to produce elite results from a very young age. Since transitioning into professional training full-time in 2022, Dakota has combined a lifetime of industry immersion with hands-on expertise to bring a unique depth of knowledge to every dog that enters our program.
Our story as a family truly began at Texas A&M, where we met and connected over our shared values and a deep love for dogs. We married in 2020, and after spending a couple of years in Fort Worth, we chose to follow our true passion. In 2022, we moved to Paige, Texas, to completely immerse ourselves in the retriever training world. It was there that we truly honed our craft—Dakota focused entirely on developing his expertise as a professional trainer, while Kara masterfully managed the facility's day-to-day operations.
Anchored in Family and Structure
Today, we are proud to bring those years of hands-on experience and a steadfast commitment to family values right here to Weimar, Texas. Running our business with a focus on family means prioritizing our two children and raising them alongside the dogs we love. We understand that your dog isn’t just a trainee; they are a vital part of your family.
Because we limit the number of dogs we take in, we are able to treat every dog that walks through our doors with the same care, structure, and respect we give our own. We pour our hearts into building well-mannered family companions who are a joy to live with, as well as reliable, confident hunting partners for the field. No matter your dog's path, we ensure they leave us with the real-world obedience and manners needed to be the ultimate addition to your home.