Our Story
Welcome to River Bend Retrievers, where our passion is developing confident, obedient, and reliable dogs—whether they’re in the field or at your side.
We are a small, dedicated team based in southeast South Dakota, committed to high-quality training rooted in experience, trust, and clear communication. Our methods are relationship-based and built on positive reinforcement, with a strong emphasis on clarity and consistency. We believe dogs thrive when expectations are fair, communication is clear, and trust is mutual. At River Bend, “yes” means yes, “no” means no—and there’s no room for gray areas.
Our training philosophy has been shaped by years of hands-on experience in both obedience and retriever work. We understand the importance of a solid foundation—not just for performance, but for safety and long-term success. Whether we’re working toward Hunting Retriever Champion titles or helping families build better communication with their dogs at home, we’re focused on producing well-rounded, balanced dogs that owners can trust in any setting.
Meet the Team
Tianna Westendorf
Tianna grew up hunting upland birds and waterfowl (with her dad, Tony), where her appreciation for working dogs first took root. Her early experiences watching dogs mark birds and cover ground in big fields laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion. Through her time at FR Labs in Britton, SD, Tianna learned the value of structure, obedience, and clarity in the training process—all principles she now applies every day at River Bend Retrievers. With a deep belief in building strong relationships between dogs and their handlers, Tianna’s work centers on helping dogs succeed with confidence and purpose.
Tony Stokely
We’re excited to have Tony as part of the River Bend Retrievers team. With extensive experience in both obedience and gundog training, Tony brings a calm, methodical approach to his work with dogs and their owners. He has a natural ability to read dogs, adapt to their needs, and reinforce training in a way that is both effective and respectful. His commitment to individualized care ensures that every dog receives the attention and guidance needed to progress—whether they’re here for boarding, obedience, or fieldwork. Tony’s presence is a key part of our collaborative, team-based approach.