About Cross Creek Kennel – Dog Training in Crockett, Texas & Across the State

At Cross Creek Kennels, we specialize in professional dog training services with a focus on hunting dog training, retriever training, and pet obedience. Located in Crockett, Texas, we proudly serve clients not only in the local area but across all of Texas.

A Family-Owned, Trusted Dog Training Facility

Matt Larkin purchased Cross Creek Kennels, Inc. in 1995. Raised in Dallas, TX, Matt’s passion for dog training began early, working with family dogs and competing in obedience trials.

While attending Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX for a degree in geology, Matt managed Cross Creek Kennels for five years. His hands-on experience with working retrievers and pointers led to his decision to purchase the facility. Over the years, he has accumulated countless hours of professional hunting dog training and obedience dog training, titling numerous retrievers in AKC and UKC Hunt Tests.

It’s a Family Team

Helena, Matt’s wife, grew up around Baytown and also attended Stephen F. Austin State University in East Texas, majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Chemistry and Biology. Her experience includes working at the SFA Beef Farm and later managing a local veterinarian clinic, where she and Matt first met.

While Matt leads the dog training programs, Helena manages the office and assists with dog care. In 2008, Helena launched two online pedigree databases — Hunting Lab Pedigree and Hunting Boykin Pedigree — supporting the broader hunting dog community.

A Family Passion

We’re also a family business in every sense. Our twin sons, Aidan and Caleb, born in November 2002, and our youngest, Payton, born in August 2004, have grown up surrounded by dogs and the outdoors — often helping out with kennel duties.

Whether you’re looking for obedience training for your family pet, or want to develop your retriever into a reliable hunting companion, Cross Creek Kennels has the expertise and passion to help your dog succeed.