Timber Ridge
retrievers
the art of the retrieve
with Kirby Stevens
With over two decades of experience, Kirby has turned the art of dog training into a lifelong pursuit of excellence. His balanced approach blends patience, structure, and trust, producing dogs that shine both in the field and at home. Each dog that passes through his program is developed with intention, ensuring their natural talent is refined into skill and their bond with their handler grows stronger through every session.
contact kirby
My name is Kirby Stevens, and I’ve been training professionally for just over 20 years. The first twelve were spent balancing my time between the field and my role as a maintenance manager at Gibbs Die Casting. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless retrievers who have gone on to earn HRCH and Master Hunter titles, as well as many beloved hunting companions and family dogs.
In my early years, I focused primarily on weekend tests and developing strong, dependable hunting retrievers. It wasn’t until a little red dog named Rocky came along that my passion for competing at the Grand and Master National level truly began. Now that my children are older, I’m able to dedicate my time to traveling and competing in those events.
My passion lies in these retrievers. I can’t imagine a career more fulfilling. I’m blessed to work with incredible dogs every day and welcome each new client with the same goal: to bring out the very best in every dog that comes through our gates. I believe in working at the dog’s pace, not the client’s, and producing a confident, obedient, and capable retriever ready to reach its fullest potential.
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Meet Kirby
"patience and consistency create excellence"
"COmmit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." — proverbs 16:3
-Cross family
"Working with Kirby has been an incredible experience. His calm, steady approach and deep understanding of retrievers consistently bring out the best in every dog he trains. He pours his heart into each one, ensuring they not only perform at their best but also enjoy the work they do. We have complete confidence in his care and expertise, knowing our dogs are trained with the same love and attention we give them every day."
client testimonials
- Camp family
Not only does he train for me but he’s my brother in Christ and very close friend. He loves what he does!!
client testimonials
- Sargent family
"Ripley (our dog) is pretty quirky and Kirby had to adapt to her for her training. He has spent so much time and energy into her and it shows. He worked with her to obtain her HRCH title. She is great in the blind and on doing technical retrieves when we take her hunting. We owe that to Kirby. We feel completely comfortable sending our best girl down to him because we know she will be in the best care. We are planning on sending our lab puppy to him this coming January!"
client testimonials
- Hightower family h2o fowlmouth retrievers
"I was looking for someone to help me with a hard-driving retriever, and one of the best trainers in the business referred me to Timber Ridge Retrievers. That trainer was relocating to another part of the country, and he told me he trusted Kirby to continue my dog’s training. From the very beginning, it was clear why Timber Ridge Retrievers has such a strong reputation—the professionalism, consistency, and results speak for themselves.
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"I have been working with Kirby Stevens at Timber Ridge Retrievers for over ten years, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the results. Kirby has trained three of my retrievers, taking two to the Grand and another to an HR title. Most recently, my youngest retriever, Fax, earned his HRCH title shortly after turning two years old, which is an incredible accomplishment.
Kirby’s expertise in training for UKC and AKC hunt tests truly sets him apart. These tests are designed to evaluate a retriever’s ability to perform in realistic hunting situations—combining precision, obedience, marking, and handling on both land and water. Kirby not only understands what it takes to compete at this level, but he also knows how to bring out the very best in each dog’s individual temperament and drive.
Beyond his training skill, Kirby is a true professional—communicative, honest, and deeply dedicated to his craft. His passion for retrievers and commitment to producing well-rounded, confident dogs is evident in every interaction and every result.
If you’re looking for a trainer who combines proven field success with integrity, experience, and a genuine love for dogs, Timber Ridge Retrievers and Kirby Stevens are second to none. I’m grateful for everything he’s done for my dogs and look forward to continuing to work with him for many years to come."
client testimonials
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