Building trusted hunting partners.
About Silverback Griffs
Located on the rural acreage of Devenney Ranch in Northern Colorado, Silverback Griffs is a small-scale, owner-operated working dog training program focused on developing reliable hunting companions through structured, individualized training.
Led by Rich Devenney, whose experience spans decades working with versatile hunting breeds, our approach is grounded in practical field experience, consistency, and respect for each dog’s natural instincts and temperament.
Rich had the rare opportunity to personally know and learn from Sigbot “Bodo” Winterhelt, one of the most respected figures in versatile hunting dog training and author of the NAVHDA “Green Book.” That influence continues to shape our training philosophy today.
Our foundation was further influenced by exceptional dogs such as Axle, a Pudelpointer who hunted well into his senior years, and Trooper, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon whose instinct, drive, and temperament helped define the standards we value in a working dog.
At Silverback Griffs, we intentionally maintain limited enrollment to ensure individualized handling, structured development, and a calm training environment for both dogs and owners. From foundational obedience to advanced field training, our focus remains on building clear communication, reliability, and trust between dog and handler.
We believe great hunting dogs are not simply trained.
They are developed through consistency, partnership, and respect for the work they were bred to do.
Training Philosophy
While Rich specializes in developing reliable hunting dogs, his approach applies to all breeds and training goals. At the core is a simple belief: dogs perform best when expectations are clear, communication is consistent, and trust is built through patience and structure.
Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all methods, Rich focuses on the individual dog in front of him; building confidence, reinforcing natural ability, and creating a calm, structured learning environment the dog understands. Whether working with a driven hunting dog or a family companion, the goal remains the same: a responsive, dependable dog that can confidently perform in real-world environments.
At Silverback Griffs, we intentionally maintain limited enrollment to ensure individualized attention and consistent handling throughout the training process. Our approach respects the instincts and temperament of each dog while strengthening the connection between dog and owner.
Training is not about force or volume.
It is about developing trust, reliability, and clear communication through structured, hands-on guidance.
Ready to get started?
If you’re ready for a reliable, confident dog in the field and at home, we’re ready to help.