Training the Pointing Labrador

#106 Listener Questions, Puppy Edition

In this episode, we talk about getting a puppy to come when called; disciplining a pup; pups and playing with other dogs and finally, What makes a puppy happy.

#105 Beginning Cold Blind Retrieves

In this episode, we talk about the challenge of running cold blind retrieves from the dog's perspective.  Tools for running blind retrieves are taught in the double t.  Pattern blinds allow the practice of these tools, developing confidence and identifying where your dog is weak or strong in their behaviors.  Cold blinds are where we put all this into play, in an activity that in the beginning, can be very confusing for a dog.  Lots to think about on our dog's behalf.

#104 Preparing for the Upland Field

In this episode, we discuss the conditions of the upland competitions that have been delayed until warmer than normal months.  To get dogs ready for what's coming, and frankly for any upland hunting, requires developing a level of cardiovascular fitness, a body which can meet the physical demands of the work and an understanding of what you can do to prevent your dog from being injured or just compromised.  

#103 Listener Questions

In this 103rd episode, I answer three questions; Ideas for designing your weekly training program, Difference between "Nice Guy" training and corrective training and How this organized pointing Lab thing got started.

#102 Episode for People with Performance Dogs that will Just be Pets

In this episode, outside of the normal performance based information, I talk about the raising and training of a performance breed (or any breed really), that is slated for pethood instead of the dog games.  Done with my Boulder friends in mind....

#101 Understanding the Mindset of your Dog so you can Make your Training Work more Efficiently

In this episode, we discuss how your dog's mentality, ability to focus, to learn and to process and manage new information needs to be understood.  There are many different types of dogs, just like children, with various learning disabilities or behaviors which just seem obnoxious, but have an organic origin in the dog's head.  It is very helpful to know how to help your dog learn better, and why they may sometimes have difficulty in normal training.

#100 How to Get Your Dog Not to do Something

In this 100th episode, we visit the topic of "How do I get my dog to not ________?"  Dogs always are doing what they have been allowed to believe is okay, so let's look more closely into how to prevent this from even being a problem.

#99 Taking Advantaage of the Opportunity to Train by Yourself During the Social Distancing Times

In this episode, I talk about the training I'm going to carry out with dogs I'm training when you can't train in groups.  This is an excellent time to problem solve, find weaknesses in the work you've done and take advantage of the time and isolation to really establish the communication and responses that will work wonders for you in the future.

#98 How Do I get my Dog to Point?

In this episode, we talk about getting a dog that will be a good pointing retriever, and how to interpret what you sometimes see in their bird work.  This is a process that takes time, and varies for individual dogs.  We'll talk about some of the differences in approach.

#97 More Listener Questions

In today's episode, we talk about how behavior problems are created in young puppies; how to figure your way out of a spot when your training procedure isn't working the way it is supposed to and finally, what to do to teach a dog not to break on marks.