# The Amateur Retriever Academy

> AI-powered retriever training app for amateur handlers and hunt tests. (iPhone/iPad app by Michael Heard.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-amateur-retriever-academy/id6761380477 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Michael Heard](https://appshunter.io/developer/1889245138)
- Category: Education
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.1 · 70 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2026-04-30
- Data updated: 2026-07-13
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-amateur-retriever-academy/id6761380477/reviews.md

## What is The Amateur Retriever Academy?

THE ELITE TRAINING PARTNER FOR THE AMATEUR RETRIEVER HANDLER

Train smarter, not harder. The Amateur Retriever Academy is the all-in-one retriever training app built for amateur handlers running AKC, HRC , or CKC hunt tests. Whether you're working a Labrador, Golden, or Chesapeake Bay retriever, you'll get the tools, structure, and real-time guidance to make every session count.

ASK REX — YOUR AI RETRIEVER COACH
When something breaks down in the field, Ask Rex gives you instant, professional-level guidance. Get Dog Analysis, Handler Coaching, and a Drill Prescription tuned to your retriever — the kind of feedback you'd pay a pro trainer for.

LOG EVERY SESSION. SEE REAL PROGRESS.
- Turn daily training into measurable results.
- Track marks, blinds, and drills with simple ratings and detailed notes.
- Spot patterns, catch small issues early, and know exactly what to drill next.

BUILD SETUPS ON A SATELLITE MAP
- Design training scenarios with a satellite view.
- Place marks, blinds, and your starting line with precision.
- Log wind speed, wind direction, and yardage in yards or meters.
- Save your training grounds — one tap to set them up next time.

THE PATH FROM JUNIOR TO MASTER — AKC
Stop guessing what it takes to move up. Each AKC hunt test level — Junior Hunter, Senior Hunter, Master Hunter — is broken down into a clear roadmap with proven retriever drills and in-depth guidance.

THE PATH FROM STARTED TO FINISHED — HRC
Step-by-step guidance on the HRC Started, Seasoned, and Finished tests, with the full HRC Hunt Test rule book built in.

HANDLER MISTAKE FEEDBACK
The handler is half the team. The app analyzes 30 days of your training patterns and gives you honest, pro-level coaching on drill selection, skill gaps, and progression — the kind of advice a real retriever pro would give you.

READINESS SCORE
Know exactly how prepared you and your retriever are for your next hunt test, based on your training log and roadmap progress.

TRAIN TO THE STANDARD
Access the official AKC retriever hunting test rules anytime. Understand exactly what judges expect so you train with intention and show up prepared on test day.

PERFECT FOR
- Amateur retriever handlers running AKC or HRC hunt tests
- Duck hunters and waterfowl hunters training a gun dog
- Labrador, Golden, and Chesapeake Bay retriever owners
- Anyone training a retriever for marks, blinds, lining, casting, and handling

Download The Amateur Retriever Academy and run your next training session with purpose.

TARA Pro is available as an optional in-app subscription ($10.99/month). Cancel anytime in your App Store account settings.

Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

## Key features

- AI Retriever Coach (Ask Rex)
- Session logging and progress tracking
- Satellite map for training setups
- AKC and HRC hunt test roadmaps
- Handler mistake feedback
- Readiness score
- AKC rules reference

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TARA Pro Monthly | $10.99 | per month |


## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-amateur-retriever-academy/id6761380477/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Game Changer for Retrievers

*2026-05-20*

I can’t say enough positive things about this application. It has all the features (mapping, logging, coaching help, etc) that an amateur retriever trainer needs in the field. I’ve been using it ever since it was first launched, and I use it every day that I train or test. Unbeatable!

## Frequently asked questions about The Amateur Retriever Academy

### What is The Amateur Retriever Academy?

The Amateur Retriever Academy is an app designed to help amateur handlers train their retrievers for AKC and HRC hunt tests. It offers AI coaching, session tracking, and detailed training roadmaps.

### What breeds does The Amateur Retriever Academy support?

The app is specifically designed for retriever breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.

### How does Ask Rex help with training?

Ask Rex is an AI Retriever Coach that provides instant, professional-level guidance. It offers Dog Analysis, Handler Coaching, and Drill Prescriptions tailored to your retriever's needs.

### Can I track my dog's progress with this app?

Yes, you can log every training session, tracking marks, blinds, and drills with simple ratings and detailed notes. This helps you spot patterns and identify areas for improvement.

### Does The Amateur Retriever Academy offer guidance for specific hunt tests?

Absolutely. The app provides clear roadmaps for AKC Junior Hunter, Senior Hunter, and Master Hunter levels, as well as HRC Started, Seasoned, and Finished tests, including the full HRC Hunt Test rule book.

### What is the Readiness Score?

The Readiness Score indicates how prepared you and your retriever are for your next hunt test. It's calculated based on your training log and progress through the defined roadmaps.

### What are the subscription options for The Amateur Retriever Academy?

TARA Pro is available as an optional in-app subscription for $10.99 per month. You can cancel this subscription at any time through your App Store account settings.

### Is The Amateur Retriever Academy suitable for beginners?

Yes, the app is perfect for amateur handlers and provides step-by-step guidance to help users move from junior to master levels in hunt tests.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.0.24 — 2026-06-18

Save Rex conversations as a pdf

### 1.0.17 — 2026-05-27

Upgraded the photo line map session for better use to reload it after the image has been created.

### 1.0.14 — 2026-05-19

When you save a map session, Save to Training Log, you can select all the dogs in your pack and rate them individually on this saved page. This will make is faster and easier to log both a map session and a training log session per dog you select.

### 1.0.13 — 2026-05-16

Adding a photo option that complements the satellite map. You can create a training map with marks and blinds, and now you should also be able to create a similar description using your cell phone photo option.

### 1.0 — 2026-04-30

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-13.*