Training the Pointing Labrador

#343 Becoming a Little Better Trainer, Part 1

In this episode, we discuss how training your dog is a process, and your expertise is something that should continually progress - it is not a destination you reach with no further learning required. Our dogs continuously reflect us right back to us, if we are wise enough to perceive that phenomenon. With curiosity and strong enough self-evaluation tools, we can become accomplished to a level equivalent to our personal investment in the process.

#342 How do you Perceive your Student

In today's episode, we break down one of the biggest causes of training problems:  looking right through your student.  We often take our timelines and recipes and then stick the dog to them.  This can work, but what do you when it doesn't, and how do you go about preventing problems by created by fitting your square peg into a round hole?  Read on....

#341 The Often-Overlooked Importance of Bird Introduction

In today's episode, we talk about the reasons early and appropriate bird introduction is important, sometimes critically so.  We often believe that "pointers will point" and "flushers will flush", but it can be problematic if they've been taught to be very concerned with you when they are performing their ancestral work of hunting birds.  Emphasis on what is most important on the developing brain of a young pup can shorten the entire training process.  Many of the problems in the young upland hunter stem from what their bird introductions taught them...

#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.....