Training the Pointing Labrador

#182 Details of the Dechase Training

In this episode, I break down the pieces of the training process through which the flushing and the pointing dog learn that the only birds they go after are the ones that are shot for them or the ones they are sent to get.  The dechase process results in a dog that is confident about locating birds in the upland field, but also clearly understands that flying birds are not fair game.  Birds flying over that can't be shot or are too far to shoot - are not fair game.  It makes the upland hunt far more of a pleasant endeavor and greatly adds to the safety of the hunting dog in the field.  

This is the last podcast of the year, hoping that 2022 is a great year for all of us.  The next podcasts will be  a series of making us all better dog trainers and handlers.  Until then  - a happy new year to you all!   Julie

www.Batesworks.net

#181 G Update and Teaching a Dog Gun Range (or to stay with you)

In this Before-Christmas episode, after bringing the latest G news, we break down the steps used to teach a dog that is upland hunting, flushing or pointing, hiking or just walking off leash with you - to stay within a prescribed range.  This involves several critical steps, each requiring a full understanding of the prior step:  basic obedience with mechanical enforcement, wherein a dog learns it controls all training pressure by responding to instructions; basic here and sit with collar enforcement in place of mechanical enforcement.  Finally, appropriate teaching of range and having the dog take the responsibility for doing the work, and you don't have to constantly remind or correct them.  This skill makes a dog a great pleasure to hunt (or hike) with, without frustration or constant nagging.

www.Batesworks.net

#180 Two Listener

In this episode, I address two listener questions:

1.  In electric collar conditioning, do you condition with the vibrate mode as well as the stimulation mode? 

2. What is your actual perspective on dogs; what are they to you, how do they make you feel and what is it you get from having and working with them?  Fascinating topic and I go into a little detail on the subject.

www.Batesworks.net

#179 G Update and the Extreme Importance of Puppy Upbringing

In this pre-Christmas episode, after a brief and  very positive update on G (and her sister) we discuss why the 8 week to 6 or 7 month period is absolutely critical in the long term plans for your pup.  It is in those months the pup figures out what the world is about, who it is and what its role is going to be.  There are so many simple ways to create a robust, confident attitude in a little guy, while at the same time teaching them to be respectful, aware and develop a strong sense of purpose.  In my book, that is the greatest gift we can give our animals...

www.Batesworks.net

#178 G Update and the Importance of Looking for the Holes in your Training

After a very positive G (and sister) update, we break down the importance of not trying to win all the training sessions, but instead looking for places for improvement.  Dogs do what they are taught, so when things don't go well, it's a fault in their training.  This approach helps you improve as a teacher and your student make good progress.  I also include some brief thoughts on having an effective training group, instead of a purely competitive one.

#177 G Update and Two Listener Questions

Good news on the G Update, the Sturdy Girl is putting it all together these days.  Then I address two related listener questions.  The first is about the dog that people believe they need to "let run" before working with it or hunting, or just to burn off its excess energy.  Not much of that is actually the issue.

Second is a discussion of what to do when working with the high mental/physical energy dog so they don't take control of the training session.

Audiobook and hardback book available on www.Batesworks.net

#176 G Update, Listener Questions and Audiobook now available.

In this episode, good news on the G staying on point front, I'm happy to announce Training the Pointing Labrador is now available as an Audiobook on iTunes and Audible. Time to get to some listener questions in this episode:

1. Can you "condition" a dog to gunfire when they are afraid of it?

2. Comments on the most effective way to place an electric collar on a dog (it's important.)

3. When should a pup start wearing a dummy electric collar as part of its training uniform?

4.  When dogs are hunting together and a bird is shot, which dog should get it?

Links to book and audiobook on Batesworks.net

For APLA member, a brief explanation of why I‘m running for President of the Organization

This one is not about dogs or training.  I'm taking the one access I have to some of the membership to explain why I have decided to run for this not-always-fun position.  I believe too much in the organization and the dogs that created it, and want to make sure it continues on the positive, respectful track it deserves.

Julie

#175 G Update and Mouth Problems in Dogs

Today's episode goes over Miss G's progress (coming along  nicely with humorous things as always) and then a discussion about a not uncommon problem in dogs who retrieve formally - mouth issues.  This can be a lot of dropping, holding by a thread, crunching down on what is being carried, not releasing, etc.  Before attacking the symptom of the problem head on, it's usually best to step back and realize you're looking at a symptom of a problem.  It's always a good idea to try and figure out where the problem started and how.  That can help you design an approach to address it if you can.

 

Audiobook is in the hands of the Audible folks.  When they release it, it will be available on iTunes, Audible, with a link on my website:  www.Batesworks.net  The book Training the Pointing Labrador is also for sale on the website and this podcast is linked as well.  People interested in training can fill out their information and express their interest on the website as well.  I'm working (albeit slowly) to get it up and functioning very interactively... so please be patient.

#174 G Update and the Reason for Context in Dog Training

In this episode, we talk about G's progress and then go into a discussion about how dogs (like we do) need some context for what they are learning.  If they have a mindset of responding, learning and knowing that when you work with them, there is a good reason, they will like being trained.  Much of what we ask our dogs to do in alien to what they normally do, or very far from a natural thing.  Starting to hunt is confusing if a dog has never learned some of the behaviors and expectations before their first time on the playing field.  Preparation is the answer to all of this, and it isn't a hard thing to do.

Side note, the audiobook Training the Pointing Labrador is about to show up, available on amazon and there is a link on my website, where the book is being sold without my Amazonian competitor markups.  www.Batesworks.net  Drop by for a visit.