Training the Pointing Labrador

The Walk is the single most powerful training tool I have ever used with a dog - any kind of dog for any kind of purpose.  In this episode we break down the walk into its elements, the purpose and the immense results you can get if you practice it consistently.

In this episode, I discuss the 3 rules of hunting with the beginner pointing retriever, or the finished superstar.  We also talk about some general guidelines which allow you to hunt with your developing dog without sacrificing the control you'll need for hunt tests and titles.  This should always be a whole lot of fun, not a rule-filled chore.

In this episode, we discuss how to bring out the natural point in a way that makes sense; how to handle the pointing puppy that quits pointing and how to patiently get back to a good performance in the upland field.

In this episode, we talk about the personal relationship you have with your dog; how it affects those around you and how it may impact the performance things you do together as well.

In this episode, we discuss training the dog with hyperactivity and difficulty in focusing on the work at hand.  It usually stems from a couple of things, and understanding it and your best ways of dealing with it can help you be less frustrated and a little more successful.  Questions on puppies not delivering bumpers on retrieves and collar conditioning the super soft dog are also addressed.

In this episode, we talk about what your goals may be with your dog, and how completely possible it is for you to be successful.  You need an objective, a source of 'how to' information, a dedication to the work it takes and a knowledge that you can do this.  Just a little better today than yesterday.....

In this episode, we discuss how to diagnose your dog training problems.  Usually issues we see are more a symptom of a larger problem, but we don't look at them that way; instead trying to solve the symptom itself.  Stepping back and looking at your training from a distance often helps you figure out where the problem first began, and lets you figure out how to go about addressing it.

In this episode, we talk about aspects of your dog which need to be taken into account while designing up and carrying out your training program.  Often we misread our dog's actions and motivations.  Looking at our dogs and ourselves more accurately makes training go more easily and more enjoyable for sure..

In this episode, we talk about how to maintain the training you've done all season by changing up your activities, relaxing a little, while still keeping your progress for next competitive season.

In this episode we finish off the puppy discussion with a little introduction to upland birds, and address several listener questions on bird problems, dog transport and hunting fitness preparation.