Training the Pointing Labrador

#340 It's all about the Process

A recent discussion with a world class athlete reminded me of the importance of our attitude toward daily training, regardless of what you are training to accomplish. It is a good thing to have lofty goals and ambitious attitude, but the secret to the success of the best trainers in the world isn't the desired "trophy".  It is the appreciation and love of the daily process that actually gets you there.  Put all your effort and heart into that, and the rest usually takes care of itself....

#339 How do you Balance Upland Work with Retrieving Work?

In today's episode, based on a question I received, we breakdown why it is very possible to train upland and technical retriever work at the same time in a consistent routine retriever training process.  Done correctly, upland hunting does not "ruin the retriever work", and retriever work should only enhance control in the upland field.  The key is to approach this balance in light of what the dog tells you in training, not how it is 'supposed to go'.

#338 Running Blind Retrieves Well

In today's off-season episode, we talk about the elements necessary to run blind retrieves successfully.  Dogs aren't robots that should 'go straight' and 'take every cast'.  They are living creatures basically having an ongoing conversation with you on their way to get the retrieve they didn't see.  A program that builds their trust in what you are telling them and assures they are very clear on what you are saying is enjoyable for you both. It also leads to running even very difficult blinds well.  As with most really effective techniques, it takes patience, teaching and lots of practice.

#337 The Importance of "Dog Well Being"

In today's episode, we break down the elements that go into having and training a dog in its optimal state:  healthy, willing, understood and living the life it was bred to live.  A dog that can't always fit into the round hole we want it to, but if we learn about the nature of our dogs, we can just adjust the hole to fit them.

#336 APLA Board of Directors Interview - Blake Haddock

Blake Haddock, pro trainer from Greenville NC is running for the first time for the Board of Directors. Having had a good deal of success and experience in the pointing Lab world, he talks about who he is and why he is running.

#335 APLA Board of Directors VP Interview - Lily Lo

Another in the series of interviews for APLA Board of Directors Candidates.  This time it is a candidate for the VP position.  Dr. Lo had held a few positions on the board, and been involved in most of the changes the organization has undergone.  It is an interesting thing to hear about.  Please listen in.....

#334 APLA Board of Directors Candidate Interview - Julie Moore

As promised, any candidate wishing to have their ideas and positions extended to the PL public, here is my first of several interviews.  Julie Moore is current APLA VP and is running for a board position, leaving her VP position.  Today she explains how she got involved with these dogs, what her successes have been, things she's done for the organization and further plans she has to keep the national organization growing, expanding and improving.  It was a thoroughly delightful conversation.  Please listen in.....

#333 Coming out of Transition in the Off Season

In this episode, written expressly for Spicy Bill, Link, Sally, Roscoe and a few others, we talk about how to train through the winter off season to come back out next spring and be ready for running with the Big Dogs.  How to convert the T and Swim-by into mastery of running blinds with marks or without.  There are ways to do this without much pressure or confusion.  Instead, a methodical approach that works with the way your dog processes and thinks is a pleasant process for you both.  Be nice to see you all with purple ribbons next year....

#332 Puppy Series #4

In this episode of the ongoing puppy series, we talk about passivity in dog ownership.  Very often, people attribute unacceptable or irritating behavior to the dog 'just being a puppy.' When youngsters are allowed to do certain things with no intervention, they are learning that those things are perfectly acceptable.  Then later, it often takes more harsh training to undo what was initially taught.  So much of later training can be made easier by teaching the pup to problem solve for itself, and how to respect your requests, and take them seriously.  Some food for thought on the topic....

#331 You're Only as Good a Trainer and Handler as You Want to Be

In today's trainer/handler-oriented episode, I share a little personal philosophy about where you are in your dog experience, and why it's likely just where you want it to be.  There is no big secret about how to be successful.  But the willingness to do what that takes is most often the main issue.  It isn't easy to excel at anything.  And those who do generally aren't the most talented or most fortunate.  It comes down to putting in the time, work and personal humility.