Training the Pointing Labrador

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.

 

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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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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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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

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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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

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.

The third in a series about getting to be a little bit better of a trainer than you are today.  Today the discussion revolves around bringing more awareness of yourself into your training session, and understanding your dog is always reflecting back to you the energy and focus you've brought into your interactions.  Awareness of what you bring in, what you've taught them whether intentional or not and what the dog is telling you - is key to a more successful team activity.

 

www.Batesworks.net

In today's episode, we have one question regarding getting a dog to hold a bumper without dropping, even on a retrieve.  Following that is a discussion of ways to document your training efforts, organize your thoughts, your daily objective, your activities and your conclusions about your training program.  Often, committing plans, activities and outcomes to writing makes them far more useful, easier to stick to and helps you hold to a program that works for you and your dog.  Even if you're not a 'journaler', you may be surprised how useful documenting your ideas and progress can be.

In today's episode, a brief and happy G update, followed by 2 listener questions.   

1.  How do you correct a dog taking the wrong cast, using the electric collar and 2. Do you train a competitive retriever the same way you would a hunting dog?

Finally, the initial approach to setting yourself up for a more successful competitive dog season.  Before outlining the skills you want to establish and develop on your dog, or your training program for the next 6 months, you need to look closely at the instructor (you).  How prepared are you to genuinely advance the dog and your season goals?  How do you go about making sure you're the best you can be, so you can ask the same thing of your dog?  It is an interesting if not occasionally uncomfortable inquiry.