Episodes
2 days ago
#338 Running Blind Retrieves Well
2 days ago
2 days ago
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.
Monday Nov 11, 2024
#337 The Importance of "Dog Well Being"
Monday Nov 11, 2024
Monday Nov 11, 2024
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.
Monday Nov 04, 2024
#336 APLA Board of Directors Interview - Blake Haddock
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Nov 04, 2024
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.
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
#335 APLA Board of Directors VP Interview - Lily Lo
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
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.....
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
#334 APLA Board of Directors Candidate Interview - Julie Moore
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
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.....
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
#333 Coming out of Transition in the Off Season
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
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....
Friday Oct 18, 2024
#332 Puppy Series #4
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Friday Oct 18, 2024
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....
Monday Oct 07, 2024
#331 You're Only as Good a Trainer and Handler as You Want to Be
Monday Oct 07, 2024
Monday Oct 07, 2024
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.
Monday Sep 30, 2024
#330 Puppy Series #3
Monday Sep 30, 2024
Monday Sep 30, 2024
In this third of the new puppy series, we discuss beginning to "read" your dog. How do you learn the inner workings of your new partner? How to you optimize your training program to fit this new little one? How to you learn to adjust what you do to fit this particular dog? It is a fascinating topic if you're willing to think objectively...
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
#328 Puppy Series #2
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Second episode of the Puppy Series, a discussion about what 'love' actually is when it comes to our dogs, and how to develop a dog that is a full team player and excels in its job with you.