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This episode covers Phase 7 & 8 of the clicker retrieve process and is the final instalment in this process. 

Do look back at earlier episodes of this podcast to follow the process from the beginning.

You can also check out my book - Force Free Gundog Training:  The Fundamentals for Success, available from Amazon - for full illustrated details of the process.

And, if that's not enough, you can sign up for my online clicker retrieve course - wherever you are in the world!  It's a 5 week course, costing £35.  You can start it any time.  Email me at [email protected] for more information.

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In this episode I answer questions about:

• Why is the clicker retrieve trained in the way it is?
• Should or could we teach dogs to quarter between visible targets like white posts or buckets?
• What is the connection between breeding/genetics and training methods - what are the implications of training dogs using positive reinforcement if they have been bred to be trained using aversives...? 

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In this episode, I talk about what I'm getting up to with Fyr - in terms of both socialisation and training.

And I answer listener questions :)

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In this episode, I answer a question about training the Remote Sit.  And I cover Phase 7 of the clicker retrieve - putting the hand target and pick-up together.

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My book, Force-Free Gundog Training:  The Fundamentals for Success, is now available on Amazon (world-wide!).  If you do pick up a copy, please do leave an Amazon review to give me some click and treats and make it more likely that I will be motivated to get to work on the next book!! 

I have a proof left over - a copy of the book which is exactly the same as those sold, except it says 'Not for resale' across the front.  I'm going to draw a name from a hat for it!  If you'd like to enter the draw, please email me your training question(s) at [email protected]

The article on variable reinforcement referred to in the podcast, is Doesn't Intermittent Reinforcement Create a Stronger Behaviour? by Eileen and the dogs.  

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In this episode, I chat with Anne Taguchi from Touchstone Weimaraners in Los Angeles.

Anne is a seasoned and accomplished field trial competitor and breeder of working Weimaraners for the field and for hunting purposes. 

Anne also runs a popular website called Just Weimaraners - which is about everything-Weimaraner.

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In this episode, I talk about why it's important to plan your training sessions.

I also mention a great free template you can download for planning your training, which is available from Hannah Branigan's super website. 

You can listen to Hannah talking about planning training sessions on her own podcast (Drinking from the Toilet) here.  It's episode 21, 'Why Bother with Training Plans?'.

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In this episode, I look at Phase 6 of the clicker retrieve process:  Proofing the hold against food.  

If your dog can master this step, you will have an extremely reliable retrieve.  Your dog will be unlikely to drop in the presence of distractions and you will be able to use this when your dog exits water to achieve a reliable hold and to avoid the dog dropping when wet to shake.  

This step also prevents rolling or mouthing of the dummy or retrieve item, in the dog's mouth - since the mouth will still when the dog is focussed on the dummy.

If you would like to follow a 5 week online clicker retrieve course, please email me at [email protected]

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In this episode, I chat with Dr Gayle Watkins about what Avidog has to offer us as breeders, puppy owners and handlers.  If you'd like more information about Avidog, please email [email protected]

Gayle is based in the US and she has been a breeder for over 40 years.  She breeds multipurpose golden retrievers under the Gaylans affix.  Her dogs have been super-successful in numerous hunt test and working certificate tests and field trials - and in a wide variety of dog sports.  She has Qualified All-Age and Master Hunter golden retrievers - amongst huge success in many other dog sports with dogs she has bred and handled.

Gayle is the co-founder of Avidog and it's best to listen to the interview to get a sense of what Avidog is! 

Here are some freebies from Gayle and Avidog:

Discount code for Hold the Line listeners (thanks very much Gayle!) is HTL10

Early Scent Introduction (free video and form)

97 Ways to Raise Great Puppies (free ebook)

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In this episode, I attempt to cover several heelwork exercises at breakneck speed.  

I also answer a question from Ally about over-arousal during heelwork.