There are no words to describe how Rick Smith has changed not only our lives but many people across the country. We are blessed to not only call Rick a mentor but also our very dear friend. We have been able to have 3 generations work under Rick’s leadership. We owe so much to Rick and his father Delmar for teaching us how to train our dogs.

2025’s Seminar was particularly memorable and difficult because Rick announced this would be his last seminar. Jeff attended his first seminar with Delmar Smith more than 35 years ago and has witnessed Rick’s entire seminar career. Rick and Jeff made a deal several years ago that Rick’s final seminar would be at our kennel and if you know Rick, you know he is a man of his word. We will miss Rick dearly and wish him the very best retirement after a lifetime training, trialing, and teaching. His accomplishments and impact on the world of dog training are incalculable and invaluable.

We are honored and excited to have the opportunity to carry on Rick and Delmar’s legacy for generations to come. Rick has encouraged and supported Liz to continue teaching people to train their own dogs. We are excited to continue the bird dog training legacy with Legacy Seminars.

Click here to learn more about Legacy Seminars, our way of honoring the men who trained dogs before us.