Because each Gunner Kennels customer story – and relationship with their dog – is different, we’ve started to document a few for you. Today’s Q&A is with Mike Gibson, a Kansas resident whose dog “Jeter” is the most titled chocolate labrador retriever in the country.

Gunner Kennels Customer: Mike Gibson & Jeter

OWNER’S NAME: Mike Gibson

DOG’S GIVEN NAME: GRHRCH SRSA4 Spring River’s Yankee Captain MNH QAA

DOG’S NICKNAME: Jeter

DOG’S BREED: Labrador Retriever (Chocolate)

DOG’S AGE: 8 

DOG’S WEIGHT: 74 lb.

CITY, STATE: Galena, Kansas

VEHICLE YOU PRIMARILY TRAVEL IN: Ford F-150

GUNNER KENNELS PRODUCTS YOU OWN: G1™ Large, Security Lock Kit, Gunner Kennels swag

DESCRIBE JETER IN A FEW WORDS: Jeter has an intensity about him that drives him to greatness in anything he does: from retrieving to every day training to hunting and – most of all – pleasing those who are around him. He is an incredible dog! 

Q&A With Mike

We’ve been told Jeter is the most titled chocolate lab in the country. Tell us more about what that means. 

In the competition world for retrievers, there are four major arenas to compete in AKC field trials, AKC hunt tests, UKC hunt tests, and Super Retriever Series. The vast majority of those who compete only choose one or two of these venues for various reasons – mostly because of the uniqueness in each arena. It requires a very gifted dog to be able to acquire the necessary skills to achieve at the highest level in each of these great venues. Jeter has achieved elite titles in all four of these retriever arenas. Jeter has never failed an AKC Master Hunt Test nor a UKC Finished Hunt Test (39-39) and is in the AKC Master National Hall of Fame. He has also earned the UKC’s Grand Hunting Retriever Champion title which is their highest and most prestigious title. He has won four different times in the Super Retriever Series including the top amateur in the 2015 Crown Series Championship. 

I’m sure you two train hard, hunt hard and compete even harder. How do you help Jeter recuperate after a long day?

Jeter usually gets to take Monday’s off to relax after a long weekend of training or competing while laying around by the fireplace in the colder months or napping on his personalized, memory foam bed in the living room. Gunner Kennels note: we have introduced a Performance Pad, designing for working/sporting dogs’ recovery. 

Any advice to those looking to follow in your and Jeter’s footsteps? 

Buy a puppy from the highest quality breeding you can afford, train hard, treat the dog with the greatest respect and become a learning sponge.

How often do you travel with Jeter? Does he have a favorite destination?  

Jeter has earned ribbons in 15-16 states so he is accustomed to traveling and living on the road. One of his favorite destinations is Huntsville, AL, where the Super Retriever Series holds it Crown Championship.  Its usually in late October so the weather and scenery are really pleasant.  

Why’d you choose a Gunner Kennel to protect Jeter? 

Because we spend so much time traveling, not only to compete but in everyday training, the Gunner Kennels is the safest, most comfortable and portable kennels for securing my dogs.    

You’ve been around a lot of dog product. What sets Gunner Kennels apart, in your opinion? 

The Gunner Kennel is not only the sturdiest built portable kennel on the market it’s also the most secure…hands down the best portable kennel available!

Anything else you’d like to add?  

As much as will be invested in a quality dog, in both money and time, why shouldn’t one also invest in the safest and highest quality portable kennel…after all, your favorite dog(s)! will have to spend a lot of time transporting to and from your favorite past times!