Training the Pointing Labrador

#273 For One Person who Mostly Trains Alone, how do you get through the offseason?

Per a request, I am answering an inquiry regarding how to keep a finished dog at that level throughout the off season, especially when training alone for the most part.  A topic I've lived for years... happy to offer some ideas.

#272 Two Success Stories

In this early hunting season episode, I take the time to tell two stories of dog and owner, that early on were pretty dismal.  However, over time, it became a very different story.  Listen in if you'd like to hear you're not the only one who isn't sure they can do this successfully ;)

#271 When the Season is Over

When your last event of the season is over; it may be a hunt test or field trial, a National of one sort or another, either hunting season or just no more competition takes over.   If you're planning on competing next season, just contemplating it, or think you're done with that, the consistency with which you interact with your dog is very important.  There are some considerations in the off season, that can help for next season, help to make hunting as pleasurable as it should be, or just to maintain the excellent relationship you have established.  It's not fair to change standards and expectations with your dog.  What follows is just a discussion about this aspect of dog managing.

#270 2023 Triple Crown Recap

Lenore, Idaho, 2023 Triple Crown, 43 dogs, 3 days, what a memorable, impressive Labor Day weekend!  This is a fairly brief recap of a weekend of highs, a few lows but mostly a showcase of the best in people and the very best in dogs...  If you have a moment, listen in...

#269 Pointing Labs and Other ControversialThings

Today, a little talk about the change in the pointing Labs over time, various venues in which to test them, and a chat about the American Pointing Lab Association.  We all need to remember what really matters:  those great hours with these wonderful animals....

Triple Crown in 2 weeks!  I'll have a full report on my return... 

#268 Getting the ”Here” Command to Work

In this episode, we address how to deal with a dog who doesn't come when called.  Maybe in the field on a bird, on a hike when it sees another dog, or even in the backyard.  People get very disturbed over a dog who won't come when called, but the approach to eliminating that problem begins with the simple command of sit first and learning how to teach the dog to respond without all the training tools involved.  How do you get a dog to just do what you ask, period?  It isn't hard, but it takes an understanding, commitment and clarity in your interactions. Here are some ideas...

#267 Preparing for the Triple Crown

In today's episode, we talk about some ideas to get ready for the American Pointing Labrador Association's national event, the 2023 Triple Crown.  It's a long 3 days for handlers and dogs, and there are a number of things you can do in this last month before the trip to Idaho.  Endurance and fitness for your dog (and you) are of paramount importance.  Understand the demands that will be imposed on you and your dog, and how to optimize the state of mind you both go into this with.  More is not always better in good preparation, so you give yourself and your dog some serious thought on how to be in the best spot going in.

That's a beautiful plate and ribbon you get to adorn your vehicle going home for certain ;)

#266 The Real Basic Obedience Story

"Basic Obedience" isn't just doing heel and sit on a leash.  That is just the tiniest piece of what this big topic is.  The real nature of this work is in creating the relationship between you and your dog and establishing the lines of communication.  It is your relationship that determines the success and enjoyment of daily life, training and competitive events.  A simple but powerful truth.  Join in the conversation...

#255 Two More Common Problems

In this episode, the two common problems we break down are how to prepare for ducks in tests when you have no training group with birds to train with; and secondly, how to go about not inadvertently teaching your dog that breaking is an option, or how to stop it before it becomes worse.

#254 Trouble Shooting Common Problems

In today's episode, we break down simple solutions to two common problems.  1. What to do about a dog returning on a retrieve but dropping the bird, doing a flyby or otherwise not directly returning the retrieve object.  2. How to address dogs pulling on the leash or tuning you out while leash walking with you, or basically doing anything while attached to you.  The answers to these created problems almost always lie in the basics of training.