Training the Pointing Labrador

As with any of us in pursuit of something we are doing, a dog should enjoy what they are working on, look forward to it and share in the feeling of mastery of what they do.  There are a number of ideas and approaches in training dogs, some very harsh and demanding, some very passive, and then there is the way that actually reaches the heart and soul of the dog.  That's the one that is going to work best for the long term. Olympic athletes have to really want what they are working so hard to achieve.  They cannot be 'corrected' or punished into it; it comes from a genuine love.  Equally true for our canine counterparts.  At least something to consider in performance training or the family pet.

In this episode, I answer the question from a listener on the topic of daily training.  How do you know how much is enough, too often, too hard, too easy?  It's a great question, one I have encountered in my years of training dogs.  Listen in as we break down the components of a well-designed training program.

Based on a good question received on running blinds, we break down what happens when you call a dog back on a blind, and further discussion about requiring the dog do the work instead of you having to do it for them.  Join in on an interesting topic...

 

Julie

www.Batesworks.net

In this episode, we break down the ways to raise a pup which is based more on never creating problems to be fixed later on.  Noise, destruction, jumping, not returning on retrieves, not listening, "stubbornness" can all be prevented by a well thought out and caring approach to upbringing.  Additionally, stimulating different parts of the developing canine brain that involve the aggressive retrieving and the passive pointing is paramount in the training of the upland retriever.  It isn't a hard thing to do, but it takes some well understood timing.

In today's Troubleshooting episode, we discuss the problem of a young dog that doesn't always return or doesn't directly return on a retrieve.  As with many problems, this is a symptom of a larger problem, and often as simple as the dog was never taught the expectation.  This will show up in different places, but is solved in the same manner..

Julie

www.Batesworks.net

 

In this episode, I take a question about "How do I get my dog to quit pulling on the leash?" and break down addressing what appears to be a single problem.  Most of the time, these behaviors are symptoms of a more systemic problem, and in correctly diagnosing the problem, the problem can be addressed, in all the places it occurs.  Join in on the discussion....

 

Happy 2024!

 

Julie

www.batesworks.net

In the first episode of 2024, we talk about how much you and your dog can advance when you quit directing their every move and turn responsibility for the work - over to them.  Constant commands, cues, reminders are often more nagging than instructing.  And constant instructing teaches your animal to tune you out more than listen.  Here's some food for thought to simply and optimize your work with your dog.  And Happy New Year!

 

Julie

www.Batesworks.net

 

 

 

 

As a continuation of episode 284, starting to run blind retrieves, this describes how much actual teaching needs to be done before a dog is good at running blinds.  There is much more to it in the dogs' mind, than we are often aware.

In today's episode, we breakdown the approach to teaching a dog with the appropriate fundamentals of going when sent and stopping when whistled - how to confidently learn to run any cold blind.  It is less drill and trick-oriented, but more just time and work intensive.  Join in....

In response to a number of trouble-shooting questions, I compile an answer to many by discussing how to keep from creating training problems and how to address some before they become big problems in your program.