Training the Pointing Labrador

#200 Listener Questions

In this post-test episode, I answer three listener issues:  1.  How old is too old to train a dog, 2. Getting good at training requires experience more than education, and 3. Can I train an upland retriever on retriever things first and then upland or not?

 

G update, now that she's a 1.5 X GMPR!

#199 The Most Important Aspect to Consider in Dog Training

In this 199th episode, I talk about the single topic of basing your training on what your dog's behavior is telling.  You need to assess what is on your dog's mind, more than just what their behavior is.  It is an important topic for those with young dogs (and those with older dogs.)

#198 Steps in Raising the Pointing Retriever Puppy

In this episode, I break down the 3 aspects critical to raising a retriever planned for upland hunting.  The significance of the Walk, Retrieving and Bird Exposure.  Assembled in a way that makes sense to a pup, it creates a hunting partner which clearly understands its role in your hunting.  Not hard, just takes a little thought...

#197 G Update and Two Listener Questions

In this episode, after describing G's first run in the APLA Master tests, I address two listener issues:  

1. Staying "in the literal moment" while running competitive events and 

2. What to do with all the "down time" when raising a puppy.  After the walk and obedience training, what do we do with all the other time?

 

Book, Audiobook and Video series at Batesworks.net

#196 Listener Question about Finishing the Upland Fields and Starting Cold Blinds

In this episode, in response to a request, we talk about how to take a fire breathing dragon in the upland field to be staunch and steady, and then how to transition from pattern blinds to cold blinds.  Both are BIG steps, which are most easily taken by building from fundamentals, teaching, teaching, teaching....

 

Books and Videos available on Batesworks.net

#195 Thoughts on Designing your Training Program

In this episode, based on a client inquiry as to "how many hours a day" I train a dog, I discuss the thinking about daily training efforts.  More is virtually never better, often much worse to do to a dog in training.  Join this discussion on approaching the most effective way to train your dog for your desired outcome.

 

Batesworks.net

# 194 Listener Questions

In today's episode, I address three questions I've gotten from people.  1.  How do you pick where you get your pup; how do you know if it's the right fit? 2. What things are there to do with my retriever, what venues, what kind of competition?  And 3. Some ideas about utilizing training groups and local clubs to prepare for the upcoming competitive season.

 

www.Batesworks.net  for book, video series and audiobook

#193 The Critical Importance of Basic Obedience

In this episode, I break down what "Basic Obedience" actually is, and why it is the life-saving, problem-solving tool that leads to most training success.  It is far simpler than most people think but requires a great deal of clarity and attention.  Even veteran dog people can improve things with this approach.  Never a bad thing to practice...

 

www.Batesworks.net

#192 When your Dog Regresses in your Training Program

In this episode, based upon a suggestion for a podcast, I talk about the various reasons a dog which was performing well may begin to exhibit poorer performance consistently.  There can be a number of reasons for this and it's always better to consider what may have happened before taking any action to address it.  Not the simplest topic in the world.

 

www.Batesworks.net

#191 Dog Psychology and Human Psychology, Working in Combination

In this episode, I address 4 questions/suggestions I've received lately, all related to this working of dog minds with human minds, and hearts.  Fascinating topic and I touch on a little of it here.  1. Process or Goal, which is more important? 2. What do you do when a dog regresses in your training program. 3. How do dogs actually think and feel regarding our relationship?  4. How do you train when suffering either physical or emotional injury or rehab?

 

www.batesworks.net