“Lisa and Mike Vencille do an outstanding job. They have an amazing place and are truly amazing people that care. They had my dog Sage for a few months and got her AKC Jr. title! I’m so proud of her and it wouldn’t have been possible without them! So thank you Lick Creek team!
— Summer Holland, Meadows of Dan, VA“
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
“Mike and his wife Lisa make a awesome team. of not only training your dog, but caring for your dog as though it is one of their own.
— Doug & Patricia Puwal, Roanoke, VA“
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
“I’m so happy that Fenway had the opportunity to attend Lick Creek Retrievers. He came home calmer than when he left. He listens really well, he’s great around my nephew and he’s an all around new dog. I am forever grateful for all the hard work done by his trainers.
Lisa,
Thank you so much for everything! Fenway is doing really well. I am so happy to have him back and educated. I really appreciate you all so much!
Thanks again, Bekah
— Bekah Strawbridge“
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
“Mike & Lisa: Finding that perfect mix of companion, gundog, doormat and welcome wagon was a lucky day for us. Blind found a big male lab already ensconced in the major cozy spots of our kitchen and whose head was already under any friendly human palm that passed by.
But she played her card just right…excelling in the fields, proving her nose was superbly sensitive and accurate…obedient…and best of all, her presence upped the game of the old fella, whom she made into a considerate gentle stud in quick order. And then working her way into the hearts of every human on the place was where she shined even more.
We continue, even a year later, to discover the extent of serious training she received at Lick Creek Retrievers under the Vencille’s. Our Wildlife Manager who also has lots of experience training field dogs enjoys watching her work as much as any of us in the blind or in the dove field.
She to us at two years of age…with enthusiasm for and great desire to hunt…and with stamina that is the eighth wonder of the world. Now at three, she won’t let a shell bag, pair of scratch pants, or squirrel in the bird feeder within a hundred yards of her nose go unnoticed. Did I mention she is faster than lightening? Burst of speed from her small frame (50 pounds plus) are rocket fueled.
I’d say the only drawback is that she has a proclivity for being a Couch Potato…in fact at this very moment she has insisted on sharing the desk chair with me…and guess who is on the chair’s front edge?
She remains dainty, polite, patient, completely alert, with a touch of restrain we all find charming…except when she “cuts her eyes” at you for some stupid human error.
Our sixth lab, and second female, Bling’s gifts and traits suit the Eastern Shore of Maryland country life to a “T”, and she suits us just fine!
Thank you,
— Chip & Sally Akridge“
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
“Josie is doing great! She has fantastic marking abilities and is a delight to train. She does 300 yard marks with no problems. In the field she has an excellent nose and quarters fields naturally. She is steady on the flush and absolutely loves retrieving shot birds. Josie has even had the chance to guide a few pheasant hunts. She’s even retrieved a few geese. She fits right in with the other dogs and the family. She is becoming very well mannered and loves to go places with the us. We could not have asked for a better dog.”
— Rick and the rest of the Brandes family
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
“We are so lucky to get one of the puppies from Rowdy and Roxie. He has been one great addition to our family. Mike and Lisa are amazing with how they care for the puppies. Trust is learning so fast. He was a breeze to housebreak and he was already going to the door asking to go out. He has been a very calm and very smart puppy.”
This is Lick Creek’s Trusted Jewel “Trust” owned by
— KEN AND BELINDA PADGETT IN VINTON, VA
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
“I had lost all hope that Molly, my 4 year old golden retriever, would ever turn into the running and walking companion I had imagined. While she is a beautiful and sweet retriever she has always been uncontrollable on a leash. She would pull so hard that taking her on walks or runs was unbearable and unenjoyable. I was embarrassed when friends or family wanted to take her on a walk. I had tried multiple leashes and training collars with little success
Unwilling to give up and knowing I needed help, I contacted Mike and Lisa Vencille and boarded Molly at their Lick Creek Training Facility. While it was heart wrenching to give Molly up for 6 weeks, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Molly is now a joy to take on walks and runs! She heals on commands and retrieves like never before! Everyone in my family now enjoys taking her for walks and are always asking to keep her whenever I’m out of town. Molly is now the complete companion I had always dreamed she would be.
Thank you Mike and Lisa!”
— JEFFREY NEAL
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
“A couple of years ago my daughters paid for some retriever training for my birthday, with Mike and Lisa. My lab Wheeler was several month old and wasn’t retrieving well. He also was very meek. I talked with Mike about working with him, I knew Wheeler would need a light hand as he would shut down easily
Wheeler responded well under Mike’s tutelage and has Titled in both AKC and HRC hunt tests and is a pleasure in the field. I would highly recommend Mike.”
— RON BENNETT – Bluefield, VA
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
“Mike and Lisa are amazing and care about client dogs as if they were their own. Initially, I was unsure of which route to take with Dana’s training. After speaking at length with a number of pro and amateur trainers, I knew that Lick Creek was the right choice. Mike took the time to listen to what I wanted to accomplish and to cater his training approach to specifically address my goals for Dana.
Mike and Lisa have done a phenomenal job with Dana. I feel as if Mike works with her drive, which is tremendous, and not against it. Ultimately, they nurture and shape dogs which excel in the field and at home and I could not be more pleased.”
— JEFF WYATT
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
“Mike and Lisa have been invaluable in helping train our first retriever. They are a constant resource of knowledge regarding retriever training and competition. Their advice has helped us overcome training difficulties that have allowed progress to continue.. The grounds and facilities at Lick Creek are top notch!”
— MATT and CHARLEY-GAIL CARROLL Wytheville VA
