Meet Your Trainer

Phillip Alva's love for the outdoors and dogs has been a defining part of his life since childhood. Growing up, he spent countless hours hunting and bonding with his canine companions, but it wasn’t until Koa, his loyal dog, came into his life that everything changed. Koa wasn’t just a pet; he became the catalyst for Phillip’s entry into the world of gundog training. Inspired by his father, who began exploring this specialized training field as a hobby, Phillip quickly developed a deep passion for it. His journey took a pivotal turn when he met Don Collyer and Walter Schalau of Southern Oak Kennels Great Lakes. Walter, a seasoned expert in gundog training, took Phillip under his wing and taught him everything he knows. Today, Phillip credits his success and expertise to Walter’s guidance and mentorship, as well as the love and inspiration he’s always drawn from the dogs that have been a part of his life. Koa may have started the journey, but the skills Phillip has gained along the way have transformed his passion into a lifelong pursuit of excellence in gundog training.