Training the Pointing Labrador

#71 Preparing for the Master Upland Field

In this episode, I break down the training components which if developed by themselves, come together in the upland field to create a finished, polished and accomplished Grand Master Pointing Retriever.  It's not so much about practicing upland work by doing upland work.  Instead, work on the individual pieces so you don't have to correct or put pressure on your dog when they are upland hunting.

#70 More Listener Questions and the 4X Plan Continues

In this episode:  question on puppy obedience, on the swim-by, on upland bird training and more discussion on the elements in the plan for your 4X GMPR title.

#69 Listener Questions and the 4X GMPR Training Plan

In this episode, there are more puppy related questions: playing with your other dog, hard mouth and asking more of a young pup.  Finally we go into the next stage of setting up and carrying out your plan for getting your highest Pointing Lab titles.

#68 Puppy Issues and the 4X GMPR Training Program

In this episode I talk about working with young puppies to create a dog ready for advanced training, and how to not make things difficult for the dog or yourself in working more challenging aspects of training.  Next, I discuss the elements of a program for getting your dog to the 4X GMPR level, what they are and how to prepare for this falls APLA tests.

#67 Listener Questions

Today I address questions that have been waiting for replies:  1. How to get your dog not to chase birds but point them; 2. Puppy noise and barking; 3. Starting to Run Hunt Tests and 4. In response to a disagreement with the last podcast, winning every training session is not the most important thing.

#66 The Critical Importance of Communication and your Effort

In this episode, we talk about how the communication between you and your dog, at all times, is the single most important aspect of your training and competitive program.  It is not easy to do this well, and it takes more often times, than most of us think.  I offer some food for thought on how to get better at this dog training game....

#65 Listener Questions

In this episode, I revisit making the whoa training actually work for you and why it might not be; how to be more prepared to run your dog events, and the constant question of "am I doing this puppy/dog the right way or not?"

#64 Part III Whoa Breaking

In Part III, I go over the exercises you can go through to thoroughly change your dog's thinking in the upland field, and around birds.  It isn't about force and correction, but completely changing how your dog thinks about his job in the field.  It's actually one of the most pleasant training processes I have, and it can work wonders if you have and take the necessary time.

#63 Whoa Breaking Part II

In this episode, we go into the next steps in the whoa breaking process, with emphasis on patience and attention to detail.  Also, we begin some enforcement steps with leash and with electric collar.

#62 Beginning Whoa Training

In this episode, I talk about how to whoa break a dog, any temperament of dog so that it holds point in the upland field without you having to give  instructions.  The topic is a large one, so this episode begins the process.  The next will continue the process of getting a dog to point and not move unless the bird does....