Training the Pointing Labrador

#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.

 

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# 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.

 

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#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...

 

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#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?

 

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#190 G Update and Pointing Retriever Training Questions

In this episode, I talk about G's continued performance and her sisters new pointing prowess, followed by a discussion from several listener questions regarding bringing out the pointing in their pointing retrievers.  It's not a hard and fast science, and it requires a good understanding of what the dog is thinking while you're training.  Always a fun  topic!

 

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#189 Finishing up your Dog Building

In this 4th installment of Building your dog, I breakdown the approach of maintaining balance between 4 important elements of your growing pup: purpose, relationship, athleticism and intellect.  Keeping these in the right proportions results in a dog who is healthy, fit, understands its role in your life and contributes to all your activities.

 

Book, videos and audiobook available at www.Batesworks.net

#188 Building your Dog III Teaching them to Think

In the 3rd in the series of Building Your Dog, this episode breaks down the importance to teaching your dog to take responsibility for its' actions.  Dogs can and should learn to understand common situations in their lives and adjust their behavior appropriately.  This is a skill however, not something that always comes naturally.  Often we allow them to learn to exert their will to get what they want, and not how to be a productive and pleasant team member.  It is not a hard thing to do, but it does take thought in all your interactions.

 

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#187 Rite in the Rain, G Update and Dog Building

Today, information about training note taking in a book made especially for doing that in any kind of weather (Rite in the Rain), a G update on what she's doing and why, and then into more of the ways to build up a robust, passionate, focused and adaptable training and life buddy.  We impart our perspective, attitudes and personality traits to our canine buddies.  It's good to understand how that works and what it can do to your training success.

 

Book, audiobook and video links available on www.Batesworks.net

#186 G Update and Building your Dog

In today's episode, after bringing everyone up to date with G and her activities at just over a year of age now... we begin the discussion of "Building a dog" from 8 weeks to successful life.  Often there are aspects to puppy upbringing people don't think much about.  Puppy breath and adorable eyes can erase the best of intentions, but just as it is with children, looking at the long-term goals and big picture is always the best way to approach this 10–15-year adventure.