Training the Pointing Labrador

#146 G Update and Listener Puppy Questions and Problems

Today I update on what G is doing in the upland and retrieving work.  What follows is a discussion about the fundamental philosophy behind raising a puppy.  People have many ideas based on personal beliefs.  I challenge everyone to really dive into the psychology of their dog and how to think about the daily work and interactions with the pup.  So much is going on in the little puppy heads, and we often treat them like toys.  They are living individuals who deserve to be understood and respected, not spoiled.

# 145 Young Dog Bird Introduction

Introducing young dogs to upland birds is a process.  It involves developing the dogs' senses, thinking and decision making.  If we approach this work with an understanding from the dogs perspective instead of our own personal goals, this can result in amazing and accomplished upland hunters.  But as with all things, it takes patience and attention.

#144 Listener Requests - Preparing for Tests when you train alone and Helping the Aging Canine Athlete

A quick G update and then a longer discussion about various ways to prepare for the tests when you primarily train alone.  There are ways to utilize equipment and taking time for a good setup that prepare your dog for what they'll see at a competitive event.  And, for all of us with a "mature" buddy - how do we continue to let them do what they love, while taking care not to incur injuries and other work related damage to the older body.

#143 Handling your Dog in Competition

This episode is a discussion of how we help ourselves or hurt ourselves in the simple handling of the dog on line  - in training and especially at competitive events.  Focus, intensity, awareness and practice can make all the difference in achieving your end goal.  It just takes time and the interest.  However you like to manage working with your dog, make sure you do it with an understanding of how your actions deeply impact your dog.

#142 G Update, Upland Progress and Listener Questions

Back to talk about G and her first exposure to live birds in the upland field, followed by talking about how to progress each work with the upland work: how do you know when to push ahead or slow down.  We also answer questions about cord use, where to do upland work and maintaining a good mindset in the young dog.

#141 More on Staunch and how it Literally Combines with Technical Retriever Work

Today we address listener questions: What makes a dog sit down on point; how do you keep a dog from crowding a bird and how can handling and technical work possible improve pointing?  No G update, things are stable on that front.

"Staunching Up" your Pointing Retriever

In this episode, it's all about pointing retrievers.  How do we get them to hold a point and be steady to both flush and shot?  It's a combination of using principles they know from standard retriever work, a true dechase and a real understanding of whoa conditioning.  Then, you put that together on a bold, confident dog in the upland field.

#139 More on Teaching Marking and the Associated Dog Management

#138 Training is Knowledge Based vs Task Based - Teaching Marking

I think this is an important episode.  Effective dog training is not accomplished by carrying out specific tasks.  It is based on the ability to know what you're trying to teach your dog, and doing so by responding to what your dog tells you about your teaching.  This is extremely important in the skill of doing marked retrieves, and everything else you do.  Developing marking is used to illustrate how important knowledge based training is.

# 137 G Latest and Beginning to Teach the Youngster about Marking and Retrieving

Today we talk about G's latest escapades and introduce the discussion of developing the retriever pups marking, thinking, use of eyes and nose, so that as a hunter and competitor, they are as skilled and confident as they can be.  This really is part of their life's work.  And it is at this age that I begin the skill development so that whatever she winds up doing as a retriever, she is very good at her job.  It is a fun time...