Some rain out west right now.

I have been to and sent dogs north to the prairie in the past with several trainers. Some great experiences and some not so good. If you are sending a potential field trial pup or derby up there and the trainer sees a potential to make some money with him trialing, your dog is going to get worked and probably finished. If you are just sending your hunting dog up there, you probably just helped pay for gasoline. Think about that one.

NTB is right about there being guys who take dogs to meet expenses and sometimes more than they can work well and so some get shorted. This is why you need to call around and get some references. There are pros that will give you your moneys worth. I sent two female littermates to Manitoba years ago (and have used pros since) with Robin Gates, these were not the kind of dog Robin would get excited about just good going quail dogs. I was actually worried about to much pressure. When I dropped them off I made sure he new I just wanted stanch, desire, lots of birds.

When I got them back they were both flat broke. Robin didn't say anything other then they were both nice dogs and did real well over the summer. He said they both were solid on point and pretty good bird finders. First time out was a put and take plantation in Ga. pre-release birds and a nice find and back. I shot and missed as is my practice. Turned to find the dogs both standing like a picture. Robin and his crew are honest and hard working and there are others out there.

Value? Cost? What's the going current monthly rate?

In the past, it all had to be paid up front. $1500-$2000 for 2 months up there. 7/15-9/15.

Last two pros I sent dogs with were $1200 and $1100.

$1500 from middle of July to the first week in October per dog. Sounds like the bird crop is looking pretty promising so far. P

Where did you send them, the states or Canada?

Stacy Perkins camp about 25 miles from Lyman South Dakota.

Those prices are very reasonable.
Just sending one to training runs from $600-$900 per month.
I will be the first to admit, $900 is a little to steep for me.