About Cross Creek Kennel

Professional Dog Training in Crockett, Texas — Serving Clients Across the State

At Cross Creek Kennel, we specialize in professional dog training for hunting retrievers and family companions. Located in Crockett, Texas, we proudly serve dog owners locally and across the entire state. Our programs focus on hunting dog training, retriever training, and pet obedience, blending proven techniques with a lifetime of experience.

A Family-Owned and Trusted Facility

Matt Larkin purchased Cross Creek Kennel, Inc. in 1995. Raised in Dallas, 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, where he earned a degree in Geology, Matt managed Cross Creek Kennel for five years before purchasing the facility. Over the decades, he has devoted thousands of hours to hunting dog and obedience training, earning numerous AKC and UKC Hunt Test titles for retrievers under his program.

It’s a Family Team

Matt’s wife, Helena, grew up near Baytown and also attended Stephen F. Austin State University, majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Chemistry and Biology. Her background includes working at the SFA Beef Farm and later managing a local veterinary clinic — where she and Matt first met. Today, Helena manages the office, assists with kennel operations, and in 2008 launched two popular online pedigree databases:

• Hunting Lab Pedigree
• Hunting Boykin Pedigree

Both serve to support and connect the wider hunting dog community.

A Family Passion

Cross Creek Kennel is truly a family business. Matt and Helena’s twin sons, Aidan and Caleb (born November 2002), and their youngest, Payton (born August 2004), have grown up surrounded by dogs and the outdoors — helping with kennel chores and learning the value of hard work.

Whether you’re looking for obedience training for your family pet, or want to develop your retriever into a steady hunting companion, Cross Creek Kennel offers the expertise, facilities, and personal care to help your dog succeed.

Organizations & Affiliations

• Hunting Retriever Club (HRC)
• Raven’s Way Hunting Retriever Club
• Southeast Hunting Retriever Club
• Ducks Unlimited
• Delta Waterfowl
• National Rifle Association (NRA)
• Local youth & school programs (4-H, etc.)