Training the Pointing Labrador

In today's episode, we break down the mental benefit of teaching sit thoroughly and as early as you can without detracting from the desire to retrieve.  Including pointing retrievers.  It is a taught response that will be highly valuable in more advanced training, but we rarely look at it that way.

Join my discussion with Troy Benson, trainer, breeder, hunting guide and APLA President.  We talk about why he does what he does and how he sees the organization now and going forward.  Definitely a good listen for serious pointing Lab folks!

In today's very delayed podcast, we discuss the oft ignored aspect of a dog - it's mental health and well-being.  This is tied directly to physical health as well, and is usually diagnosed as "stubborn", "stupid", "crazy",etc.  Developing a well-balanced dog begins when you bring them home, and for the breeder, in the first 8 weeks. Mental health for humans is often overlooked or undervalued, and this is certainly true for our canine buddies.

Sit down with us as Tigh explains his view of dog training, competition and what the most important thing in all of this is.  He discusses his training philosophy, the why behind the how, and what is actually important in this dog game.  Great conversation with a very good guy.

Tigh can be reached at DiamondbackKennels.com and on facebook at that name as well.  He has educational information and is starting a blog of the same sort.  Be sure and check him out.

Dog training and handling is a process, not a destination.  Training effectively and efficiently requires a great deal from the teacher, and it is an ongoing process.  There is so much more to successfully managing this, it's hard to put into words.   We break down some of what I'm talking about here.  It's not about doing what someone told you to do.  It's about teaching and operating from a clear understanding of your animal.  

Apologies for the silence for the last few weeks, explanation contained within.  In today's episode, we talk about raising your pup with the long-term goal in mind making all of your training much smoother and easier on both you and your dog. Many of the small details in your daily life add up to making training require more pressure and force, or the exact opposite.  Some food for thought in puppy rearing...

Based on some questions from our recent Handling Seminar, we address the question of planting birds in the upland field.  The assumption that there is 'a way' to do it is not entirely correct.  There are a number of considerations before training an upland dog and determining how to plant each training session.

In today's episode, we talk about how, when and why and electric training collar can be invaluable.  There are so many off-base ideas about the use of these collars in dog training, let's break it down on the dog's level....

This episode is for the dogs and owners coming to the Northern California Pointing Lab Club Upland Seminar held on April 17.  So you know what to expect, how to prepare if you're bringing your dog, etc.  These seminars are always so much fun, watching the light come on (in dogs and people!)  Looking forward to seeing old friends and new converts...

In this episode, 2 people take the role of the dog in blind running.  On a search for a large chocolate bar, they learn the job of the dog is a lot harder than they ever knew.  Blaming 'That darned dog' is so much easier than understanding this from their perspective.  An excellent exercise to undertake.