Clint Harlow
Owner & head trainer
Clint started Cottonwood in 2008. He runs the gun-dog program and hunt-test handling, and still teaches every owner’s handover session. His favorite lesson is the simple one a dog finally understands.
Good dogs start
with clear people.
A small working crew, a lot of field time and an owner who answers his own training questions.
A place built
for doing the work.
Cottonwood began in 2008 with Clint’s own dogs, borrowed training days and a notebook full of things to try again. The property outside Lonoke gave him what he needed: room for long land marks, honest water work and dogs that could rest between sessions.
Today the approach is still patient and specific. We keep written notes, share the rough days along with the good ones, and never promise a finished dog on a fixed date. Your goals matter. So does the dog’s confidence.
Program experience: AKC hunt-test preparation and HRC handling. No veterinary or behaviorist credentials are claimed.
The people holding the lead.
Mara Ellis
Trainer & owner coach
Mara joined the program in 2017. She leads puppy foundation and started work, and helps owners find a quieter, clearer way to communicate at the line.
Eli Benton
Kennel & grounds assistant
Eli joined in 2023. He handles daily kennel routines, water checks and grounds preparation so the dogs have a clean place to rest and train.
Clint Harlow
Owner & head trainer
Clint started Cottonwood in 2008. He runs the gun-dog program and hunt-test handling, and still teaches every owner’s handover session. His favorite lesson is the simple one a dog finally understands.
Tell us about your dog.
Age, experience and what you want from a season together. We’ll help you choose a sensible starting point.
Start a training application