Training the Pointing Labrador

In this episode, after a brief update on G's training progress, I talk about problems that occur with a well trained dog, that are hard to understand or fix.  Generally, it comes down to who is doing the work in the effort, and who has a bit of a 'free ride'.  An interesting thought process for those who are at the more advanced levels.

For one special client, taking home his first fully finished pointing Lab, this podcast outlines the approach to continue to develop the dog's abilities, which include basic obedience, marked retrieves, blind retrieves and staunch upland work.  By hunting season, the duo should be pretty deadly....

In this episode, after bringing you up to date and the latest G accomplishments (we have some!) I talk about things to think about in the short time you have for raising your pup to become the adult dog you really want to have, and as trouble-free a project as possible.  It is very feasible, it just takes some planning and consistency..

In this episode, after a brief G talk, we go into detail about the type of dog people often refer to as "stubborn".  Rarely is that what's actually happening, and I talk about some individual examples to explain...

In this episode, after a brief discussion of what G's been up to (spoiler... not much different) I talk about training for marks and blinds by looking from our eyes and minds versus what the dog sees, thinks and experiences.  Sometimes things can be made easier or less frustrating if we begin the work from their state of mind and concept.

In this episode, after bringing everyone up to date with G, we talk about the approach to raising and then beginning serious training with the "fire breathing dragon" highly motivated, intensely focused dogs, which can often be hard to handle as they grow up and really want to make the decisions for themselves.  Many of the 'teenage' problems can be prevented by approaching the youngsters with awareness of their internal drive..  At the end, a response to the listener questions about training in this summers heat.

In this episode we go over the challenges of the dog that has difficult engaging or staying focused.  They can ultimately be very successful, particularly if when their little brains are developing, we use that time to create the ability to sustain a thought or remain focused on something important. Training of the ADHD pup is very important at the beginning.  Understanding these kinds of dogs is the important first step in their long term training and success.

In this episode we hear the latest and greatest on G and then discuss the approach to having a puppy and adult dog that is what is often referred to as "soft".  That is a dog that might be upset by new or abrupt things; a dog that may take a slightly different approach in raising and training, but can result in an excellent performance dog and companion.

In this episode, I bring G's latest to everyone, and then address 3 listener questions:  1.  Purpose of the "Happy Bumper"; 2. Pup choice to mess with bird instead of bringing it back and 3. Using failure in events to improve your performances.  

In this episode, after a brief update and G's progress (which is good) we go into some detail on the function of your noise and movement in training and competing with your dog.  Often we underestimate the impact of our voice, how much we use it, how loudly we use it, the whistle and the movement and position of our own body.  It is at least something to think about as we work with our animals.