Pro trainer in NC, Joel Porter?

[HuntinDawg]

A friend of mine (a newbie to retrievers) is considering sending his pup to Joel Porter and asked me to check him out. Unfortunately I don't think I know anybody to get a direct reference from. I have talked to him on the phone. I would appreciate feedback from anyone with direct knowledge or experience with Joel.

If you have something even remotely negative to say, please send it by PM. Under no circumstances would I want this to turn into a bashing of anyone.

I don't know if this is appropriate or not, so if it isn't Moderators feel free to delete. I assure you that I am not Joel Porter nor was I asked by Mr. Porter to post this. If this is inappropriate no blame should be attached to him.

This pup will be used as a hunting dog and to run hunt tests, probably AKC and HRC.

[JoeOverby]

PM sent your way.

[robco]

I know Joel well. I first met him when i was trying to figure out how to get a dog to take an over and pass a seasoned test. He has had several of my dogs and has done well with them and helped train me along the road. He has taken my older dog thru the grand, MH, helped me run her in all age trials and compete at the SRS game. If you have any questions feel free to pm me.

[blakduk]

Joel is a good guy and trainer, there are also several other good trainers in the area so be sure and find the one that fits you best.

[Brian Skibicki]

I know Joel, and although I have not placed a dog with him have seen him run numerous dogs in Hunt Tests. He is either a retired firefighter or is still one currently. He has a very professional demeanor and has a solid flight of good hunt test dogs on his truck. We spent the weekend together this past Saturday & Sunday in Alabama at an AKC test, so I was able to watch several of his dogs run. I would feel comfortable referring someone to him, and that he would do a good job working with someone who was new to the dog games. Nice guy and he runs a sound operation.

[Jonathan Maulden]

Is your friend in NC? If so where?

[swamprat II]

I have judged a lot of dogs run by Joel at AKC hunt test. They all perform well and act as if they are enjoying themselves even when they don't make it through the test. Joel is a good handler at the test and is very professional.

[fishduck]

I spent Saturday & Sunday in a Master flight with Joel. His dogs were well prepared & happy.
Mark Land

[honkin]

Tell your friend not to hesitate. Joel is a great guy and trainer. Joel has helped my daughter and me out and since our move to the midwest, he has remained just a phone call away.

[Dwayne Padgett]

I know Joel, and although I have not placed a dog with him have seen him run numerous dogs in Hunt Tests. He is either a retired firefighter or is still one currently. He has a very professional demeanor and has a solid flight of good hunt test dogs on his truck. We spent the weekend together this past Saturday & Sunday in Alabama at an AKC test, so I was able to watch several of his dogs run. I would feel comfortable referring someone to him, and that he would do a good job working with someone who was new to the dog games. Nice guy and he runs a sound operation.

^^^ This ^^^