Retriever Training Articles - RSS Feedhttp://www.gundogsonline.comRetrievers Column60The Channel Concept - Retriever http://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/The-Channel-Concept-Page1.htmBegin with your dog sitting near the edge of the water at the end of a channel. Throw a bumper that lands in water just a few feet away so that the dog will not be tempted to run the bank. Then send the dog to make the retrieve. When it returns, immediately throw the bumper 30 feet down the channel and send the dog. Wed, 15 Nov 2006 20:44:38 GMTForce Fetchhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/Force-Fetch-Issues-Page1.htmForce Fetching Retrievers is difficult, especially when you lack experience. When a dog does not respond, do you need to apply more pressure, less pressure, ease up on requirements, shorten the session, or perhaps bear down and keep trying until he gets it? Even experienced trainers can find it hard to read a dog that is doing nothing. Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Wed, 15 Nov 2006 20:30:37 GMTShore-Breaking Your Retrieverhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/Shore-Breaking-Your-Retriever-Page1.htmCounteracting the dog's natural inclination to run shore- lines is the foundation of water work. Like everything else in training, the most effective way to make the dog understand what you want is to make it seem easy to do the right thing and difficult, or less pleasant, to do the wrong thing. With low-level electrical stimulation, you can cause the dog to associate displeasure with its failure to take a direct route by water. The drills in this chapter are designed to teach the dog to go straight through water rather than to run the shore. Sun, 17 Sep 2006 21:47:07 GMTRetriever Training - Blinking Birds - How to Avoid Ithttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/Retriever-Training---Blinking-Birds---How-to-Avoid-It-Page1.htmBLINKING, OR DELIBERATELY avoiding downed game, is a fault that renders retrievers useless. If your prospect did not show adequate bird interest when you embarked upon his training, you probably would have sought another dog. We assume, then, that the problem was created. Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Sun, 17 Sep 2006 21:03:20 GMTRetriever Training – Taking an Initial Linehttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/Retriever-Training-Taking-an-Initial-Line-Page1.htmWe recommend that you first teach your dog lining before you attempt multiple marks or marks that incorporate obstacles, diversions or other hazards. By emphasizing lining before advanced marking, you have control of the dog's course from the beginning so that the dog will understand that a straight line out and back will be the only acceptable route. Teaching lining includes teaching the dog two basic skills: taking a good initial line, and carrying that line despite influences, such as wind, terrain and old falls. This article will cover the first skill, teaching the dog to take an initial line. For descriptive purposes, we will consider the "initial line" to be the first 20 yards that the dog runs. Mon, 17 Jul 2006 21:55:19 GMTPopping - Retriever Training http://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/Popping-Retriever-Training-Page1.htmPopping-stopping to look at the handler for help when no whistle has been blown-will occur in the training lives of most retrievers. In its infancy, during the early phases of <a href=http://www.gundogsonline.com/retriever-training-channel/ title='retriever training'>retriever training</a>, it is usually a sign of compliance. Later in training it can become a chronic nuisance marring the smoothness of most blinds, and often marks as well. Usually, given fair and consistent training, dogs will pop less frequently as they increase their skill and confidence, until finally the pops disappear altogether. As in other forms of training, a sound foundation will go a long way in preventing problems later in life. With regard to pops, this means an unhurried approach to forcing on back and positive whistle stops. Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Mon, 17 Jul 2006 11:51:27 GMTBeginning Electronic Collar Traininghttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/Beginning-Electronic-Collar-Training-Page1.htmAt last, it's time to get started with the Tri-Tronics training collar. Your dog has been taught what each command means and already knows the responses that bring it success. Now you will use the Tri-Tronics collar to help the dog learn that there are no alternatives to correct responses.Sun, 14 May 2006 13:23:17 GMTHow to Get Your Moneys Worth Out of Professional Traininghttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/How-to-Get-Your-Moneys-Worth-Out-of-Professional-Training-Page1.htmOne thing is clear about having your retriever professionally trained--it is expensive. From the trainer's point of view, at present-day training rates, he is providing a lot of service for his monthly fee. From the dog owner's viewpoint, however, it may be difficult to justify putting thousands of dollars into training a dog to be used only during a brief hunting season. Both of these viewpoints have merit. If the owner decides he can afford to have his dog trained and is interested in maintaining the dog's training as a sport and recreational activity throughout the dog's life, however, then pro training is a wonderful investment, and often a great buy in services. It should also be remembered that, for a person working full-time at a profession or business, the investments in time, equipment, transportation, and help in the training field are going to cost several times the cost of professional training. Each owner must make the decision whether pro training is worth the fee--but once this decision is made, there is a great deal the owner can do to make sure it is money well spent. Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Wed, 15 Mar 2006 20:20:43 GMTHandling - Three Handed Castinghttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/Retriever-Training-Handling-Page1.htmThe ability to control which way the dog turns when given a "Back" cast is of great value when you need to handle the dog away from an influence that causes it to veer off the correct line. Casting the dog "Back" by turning it toward a diversion invites the beginning dog to succumb to the temptation of the diversion. On the other hand, casting the dog "Back" away from a diversion essentially tells the dog "NO Leave that alone," and greatly increases your control at a distance.Mon, 16 Jan 2006 21:14:51 GMTMyths and Misconceptions About Retrievershttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/Myths-and-Misconceptions-About-Retrievers-Page1.htmMost "common knowledge" concerning retrievers, their abilities, and attributes, has come from books (old and new), hearsay, and lore handed down from generation to generation. The majority of these information sources have slim basis in practical experience. Fact has become mixed with fiction, so that much of what is heard, while possibly entertaining, is of little practical value in working with your own dog. Two sorts of unfortunate consequences commonly result from mistaking retriever mythology for retriever fact. Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Mon, 16 Jan 2006 13:42:55 GMTStand Aloneshttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/retriever-training-stand-alones-Page1.htmThis procedure means that the Amateur can never complain about not giving his dogs marks because he has no help. I, of course, realize that a dog must be exposed to multiple gunners (doubles, triples and quads) and there is little substitute for multiple gunners or multiple remote-control bird throwers. The experience of watching multiple throws, remembering their marks and dealing with their interaction is best addressed with the real thing. However, as I have often hinted in ONLINE, stand alones can be used to advance many marking skills. This article will describe the 2 major types of stand alones (roving stand alones and one-place stand alones or send backs) and how to do them.Dennis Voigt Mon, 16 Jan 2006 13:23:08 GMTWorking Traits of the Big Three - The Labrador, The Golden, and The Chesapeake http://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/working-traits-of-the-big-three-Page1.htmIf you attend a retriever field trial in certain parts of the country, you may be fortunate enough to see outstanding work by representatives of each of the three main retrieving breeds. Labradors, most of them black, charge across the landscape, feet thundering like those of racehorses. Richly-colored Goldens flash out to make their retrieves, responding to their handlers' whistles with astonishing quickness, looking as though at any moment they might double back like a hare. Dull brown Chesapeakes flow over the landscape like music, their great speed concealed by the grace and ease of movement typical of even the most chunky examples of the breed. Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Tue, 15 Nov 2005 20:09:33 GMTThe Swim-Byhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/the-swim-by-retriever-training-Page1.htmThe Swim-by is a fundamental step in the Basics portion of the program currently used by many successful retriever trainers across the continent. It gets its name from the skill developed by the dog at the end of the lessons: swimming by the handler on command. The Swim-by generally follows the teaching of the Double-T on land. That step prepares the dog for several of the skills that the dog will develop in the water. The Swim-by is an important pre-cursor to teaching your dog about water channels and water cheating singles. Novices&#44; seeing the Swim-by for the first time often question the process of Swim-by and why it is necessary. Experienced trainers have learned that the Swim-by produces a dog with a readiness to stay in the water and a dog with important skills that make teaching advanced water work much easier. Dennis Voigt Tue, 15 Nov 2005 19:52:38 GMTTraining Group Etiquettehttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/training-group-etiquette--Page1.htmWorking your retriever with a group of other trainers can be rewarding in several ways. Sharing the work involved in setting up tests, handling equipment, securing grounds, and throwing marks for each other's dogs keeps these tasks manageable. When the work is fairly divided, training sessions can progress smoothly, minimizing the likelihood of any participant being made to feel like a "workhorse." Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Thu, 15 Sep 2005 21:04:42 GMTFavourite Set-ups: Picture Perfect Multiple Blinds (with a teaching bonus)http://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/favorate-land-blinds-Page1.htmIn this series of Favourite Set-Ups, I have been describing only marking set-ups. In this issue, I will discuss favourite set-ups for land blinds. Previously, I have described several concepts important to consider when designing blinds. One of the most important is the idea of 3-Peats. Three-peats are a set of three blinds which emphasize a similar concept. The repetition allows additional opportunities to practice and reinforce teaching a dog to deal with a factor. Examples are 3-peats with a crosswind, angling a road or ditch, a patch of cover or crossing a pot hole. The concept of factor repetition in a set of blinds will become part of our Favourite Blind Set-Up. Dennis Voigt Thu, 15 Sep 2005 20:29:51 GMTSteady to Flushhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/Steady-To-Flush-Page1.htmIn the uplands, the retriever's job is to quarter ahead of the gun, seeking and flushing birds within shotgun range. The flushing dog should sit instantly when a bird flushes, mark the fall if the bird is dropped, and remain sitting until sent to retrieve. Upland training, therefore, requires teaching the dog to sit to flush and be steady to shot. A dog that is allowed to break on shot will chase fly-aways, miss multiple marks and interfere with other hunters. Sun, 17 Jul 2005 21:14:11 GMTConflicts in Retriever Traininghttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/Retriever-Training-Conflicts-Page1.htmIn training a retriever, we have an advantage that the dog does not: we have a picture in our minds of the result toward which we are working, providing a context in which the commands and exercises we teach all make sense. The dog's point of view is quite different. He lacks the overall picture that adds meaning to everything we teach; all he knows is what we require him to do at each step. To our dog, there are conflicts between many of the commands or principles that we try to teach him. First, we teach him to come along with us at heel; then we want him to stay in place as we walk away. We Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Sun, 17 Jul 2005 19:02:26 GMTTraining Retrievers Alonehttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/Retriever-Training-Page1.htmAll amateur retriever trainers would like to be able to train their dogs whenever they could on the best grounds possible and with an experienced crew of helpers&#44; including fellow trainers. Unfortunately&#44; there are many commitments and responsibilities in today’s lifestyles and often schedules are inflexible and time is in short supply. Adequate grounds that are close may also be in short supply. A very common problem is that it is often difficult to get 2-4 people to help throw marks and create the proper set-ups and atmosphere. Dennis Voigt Mon, 16 May 2005 21:18:27 GMTIntroducing Puppies to Birds, Water, and Throwershttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/Introducing-Puppy-Birds-Water-Page1.htmBirds, throwers, and water are all features of retrieving work which are best introduced while a retriever is still a pup, impressionable and flexible in its thinking. As with all puppy work, the most effective approach is to set up the circumstances so the puppy is likely to get it right. Success leads to rapid learning as well as promoting confidence. If your puppy responds "wrong," i.e., in a way you don’t want it to, keep your temper – and plan the next session so that it won’t include a temptation to that behavior. With more mature dogs, we sometimes make a point by setting up a temptation and then correcting the dog for giving in, but this is inappropriate for puppies. Remember – the most important goal of puppy work is to build desire by making retrieving enjoyable for your pup. Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Mon, 16 May 2005 12:08:52 GMTThe Correct Timing of Stimulationhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/correct-timing-of-stimulation-Page1.htmThe success of training with the Tri-Tronics collar depends upon your ability to choose the right moment to apply electrical stimulation, the right moment to turn off stimulation, and the right time to increase it. In the lessons that follow, the symbol “!” will be used before the command to signify the times when electrical stimulation should be applied. Wed, 16 Mar 2005 20:00:46 GMTSoft Dogshttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/Soft-Dogs-Page1.htmThere is not universal agreement as to the meaning of the term "soft" in describing a retriever. Many enthusiasts confuse lack of desire or recalcitrance in training with softness while others label shyness, spookiness, and other deficiencies of attitude as softness. We apply the term softness more simply to the inability or unwillingness of a retriever to respond well to heavy force. Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Wed, 16 Mar 2005 13:44:04 GMTGetting Your Puppy to Come Backhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/getting-your-puppy-to-come-back-Page1.htmLast issue we discussed building retrieving desire, the single most important objective of puppy work. In this column we give another important tip on maximizing a pup’s focus and motivation, and discuss an issue which comes up with almost all good puppies: how to get the pup to come back to you. Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Mon, 17 Jan 2005 21:35:22 GMTWeek Three - The Third Action (Becoming Stationary)http://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/the-third-action-becoming-stationary-electronic-collar-Page1.htmYou can accelerate learning with most dogs if you first attach the Tri-Tronics collar around the dog's waist with the contact points on top of its rump. The collar looks strange on the dog's rump, but this point-of-contact method helps the beginning dog learn. The dog's natural inclination to react away from the stimulation on its rump will cause it to sit quickly. (If the collar strap doesn't fit around the dog's waist, buckle two collar straps together.) You may need to insert a lower-level intensity plug into the collar for this lesson because most dogs are more sensitive on the rump than on the underside of the neck. Also, some dogs are startled by the feeling of a strap around their waists. If this happens, calmly reassure the dog and have it sit quietly while it gets used to the strap. Mon, 17 Jan 2005 21:11:03 GMTThe Three Action Introduction - Moving Away from the Handlerhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/the-three-action-introduction-moving-away-from-the-handler-Page1.htmYou have already taught your dog to get into a crate on command in order to earn a food treat. That training taught the dog what "Kennel" means. Now you're going to use the dog's knowledge of the "Kennel" command to teach it to turn off stimulation by moving <i>away from you</i>. Take the dog's crate into the training yard. Run a long check cord through the back of the crate. Attach the snap to the dog's collar and have a helper hold the other end. If a helper is not available, run the check cord around a post behind the crate and back to you. Mon, 15 Nov 2004 20:18:02 GMTPuppy Retrieving: Getting Startedhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/puppy-retrieving-getting-started-Page1.htmIn this our first column for Tri-Tronics on retriever work and training, we start at the beginning, with puppy work. While most of us find puppy play to be a lot of fun, it is also a chance to build the foundation for a good attitude and streamlined learning later on. The wise trainer doesn't miss this opportunity. This month we will focus on the underlying goals of puppy work, and getting started with a little puppy only a few weeks old. In our next couple of columns, we will address introducing a puppy to water, birds, gunfire, etc., work for older puppies, and problems of puppyhood. Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Mon, 15 Nov 2004 19:33:44 GMTThe Three-Action Introduction – Part Onehttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/the-three-action-introduction-part-one-Page1.htmThe three-action introduction lays the foundation for your dog's future training with the Tri-Tronics collar. The three-action introduction teaches the dog that it can turn off mildly unpleasant electrical stimulation by performing three already familiar commands. The commands represent three distinctly different actions: come to the handler, go away from the handler, and become stationary.Wed, 15 Sep 2004 22:20:57 GMTForce-Fetching Without "The Collar" - Part IIhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/force-fetching-without-the-collar-part-ii-Page1.htmLast issue we described how to teach your dog the most important part of force-fetching: to carry and deliver dummies with a firm hold and without fumbling, rolling, or dropping them. With the "fetch" command, we condition a fast, positive pick-up and, equally important, establish the basis for reliably going when sent. When the procedure is complete, you will discover an added benefit in the dog's respect for, and appreciation of, your authority. Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Wed, 15 Sep 2004 21:06:48 GMTThe Three "S"s of Puppy Training: SHORT, SIMPLE and SUCCESSFUL!http://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/puppy-training-short-simple-and-successful-Page1.htmAcquire your pup at or around seven weeks of age. He needs to interact with his littermates until then, but should be separated from them by eight weeks of age. As soon as you get your pup, start teaching him "how to learn." A seven week old pup is very capable of learning. From seven to 16 weeks of age pups learn ’how to learn.’ It is a very important time frame in the life of your pup. Use it wisely. Remember, puppies cannot learn anything locked in a crate or left in a dog run. Your pup should become a part of your family and your life. Jackie MertensThu, 15 Jul 2004 21:51:19 GMTForce-Fetching Without "The Collar" - Part Ihttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/force-fetching-without-the-collar-part-i-Page1.htmForce-fetching is the process of making a dog absolutely reliable in its bird/dummy handling and delivery. It converts retrieving from a matter of play to a matter of obedience. It provides a foundation of confidence for advanced training--no matter how confusing or stressful a situation, the dog knows that going when sent is the right thing to do. This confidence is the basis of greater style and intensity than is possible in any play-retrieve. Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Thu, 15 Jul 2004 21:10:00 GMTEvaluating Your Dog Objectively for Advanced Field Workhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/evaluating-your-dog-objectively-for-advanced-field-Page1.htmMany owners think their dog can be a great field competitor. When asked why, they invariably say he loves to carry underwear around the house, always has something in his mouth, loves to play in his water bucket, lays in any puddle he finds, retrieves the family parakeet, or fights the water hose. None of these statements mean anything in terms of potential to compete successfully in the field. Jackie MertensSun, 16 May 2004 20:25:59 GMTThe Great Illusion - Blind Retrieveshttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/the-great-illusion-blind-retrieves-Page1.htmIf you hunt with your dog inside a blind, or if you are ambitious about training your retriever, you will want to teach him to do blind retrieves. For him to be successful picking up birds he has not seen fall, however, you need to understand that there is much more to a blind retrieve than simply giving your dog directions. You need to get past the illusion of perfect handling, and understand the problems your dog faces as he tries to follow your instructions. Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Sun, 16 May 2004 20:14:40 GMTTeaching Retired Gunshttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/teaching-retired-guns-retriever-training-Page1.htmRetired Guns can be one of the best ways to test a dog’s marking ability. The dog has to mark the area where the bird fell. He cannot rely on a thrower station to jar his memory of the bird. We all know that dogs can be taught to hunt the area of a gun station. Some of us even do drills to teach our dogs to hunt off the left or right side of the gun station. A trained dog can be sent to a gun station that has not even thrown a bird and will hunt off the left or right side of the station depending on his handler’s cues. Jackie MertensTue, 16 Mar 2004 15:54:22 GMTThe Genetics of Color In Labradorshttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/the-genetics-of-color-in-labradors-Page1.htmSeeing that two of the dogs I brought in for CERF exams were black Labs, the vet’s assistant started telling me about her yellow Lab bitch. She was planning to breed her bitch--had bred her before to a yellow stud, and was planning this time to use a chocolate belonging to the same owner. We talked at length, and finally I asked her if she knew that the breeding she planned (chocolate x yellow) would almost certainly produce black puppies. "Why yes," she answered, "I got six black and six yellow last time." Amy Dahl, Ph.D.Tue, 16 Mar 2004 14:15:42 GMTPreparation for Hunting: Boats, Decoys, and Callshttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/preparation-for-hunting-boats-decoys-and-calls-Page1.htmSome areas of work for the hunting retriever require simple familiarity with the conditions. This type of training is designed to prepare your dog in advance for things that are awkward, confusing, or difficult upon the first exposure. Blinds, boats and decoys all fall into this category. If you hunt your dog in a variety of situations it is a good idea to practice all of them so that your initial hunts will be easier for her. John and Amy DahlMon, 27 Oct 2003 21:42:48 GMTThe “Other” Standard for Goldens - Evaluating Retrievers and Selecting for Purposehttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/the-other-standard-for-goldens-Page1.htmIf we are committed to keeping the Retriever in our Goldens, it is essential that we understand the qualities we are evaluating and selecting for. Our Breed Standard elucidates the blueprint for the Golden Retriever in physical terms, but is somewhat less illustrative in describing the functional attributes that make these magnificent animals what they are.Ginnie Pastor and Dennis P. McConnellMon, 28 Jul 2003 11:45:34 GMTDouble Mark Head-Swinginghttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/double-mark-head-swinging-Page1.htmMost retrievers, while learning double marks, slip into the counterproductive and aggravating habit of "head-swinging." This fault can take two forms, either of which adversely affects the dog’s marking and memory. In the first type, as soon as the memory bird comes down – sometimes even while it’s still falling-the dog swings his head around to look for the go-bird. This happens most frequently when the memory bird is a control bird and the go-bird is a shot flier. In dog-games, if the guns are visible from the line, a retriever can tell when one station is about to shoot a flier, which is far more exciting than a control bird. James B. SpencerMon, 28 Jul 2003 11:32:19 GMTWhere to Find Training/Hunting Places and Partners to Train With http://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/where-to-find-training-places-Page1.htmWhether you are an avid hunter, a seasoned field trialer or a hunt test enthusiast, finding good land to pursue your passion on is often a difficult undertaking. The task of finding people to work with to bring along your hunting dog, tune him up for the fall hunting season, or to simply throw marks for your hunt test/field trial dog is always a problem. Michelle LinnaneWed, 18 Sep 2002 20:02:47 GMTAdvanced Marking Drillshttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/advanced-marking-drills-Page1.htmAt some point, when your young dog is doing so well on his singles that you can’t wait to try something more advanced, you are ready for the introduction of doubles. We always start this as a "schooled double," that is, by employing a single, or a mark that the dog has already practiced, and then throw another dummy as a diversion. John and Amy DahlFri, 08 Feb 2002 05:35:41 GMTBefore Going to a Professional - An Interview with Amy Dahlhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/before-going-to-a-professional-an-interview-with-amy-dahl-Page1.htmBefore a professional trainer can effectively train your pup, you’d be well advised to get a bit of training yourself. By doing a thorough job of getting to know your pro, preparing your pup correctly and understanding a few guidelines for participation in the training program, you can make the most of this significant investment of time and money.Steve StevensonTue, 08 Jan 2002 20:28:13 GMTThe Waterfowling Dog - Creating A Great Conservation Toolhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/waterfowl-dog-a-great-conservation-tool-Page1.htmTake your dog. Sure, there are some waterfowl hunters out there debating whether a dog belongs in the blind, but there’s no doubt in the mind of Randy Bartz.Joe Arterburn with Randy BartzTue, 08 Jan 2002 19:29:15 GMTDebunking Myths About Remote Training Collarshttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/retriever-training/debunking-myths-about-remote-training-collars-Page1.htmThere are so many myths and misconceptions about remote training collars that a lot of people are hesitant to use them, robbing themselves of a valuable training tool, according to Keith Benson, general manager of Triple Crown Dog Academy, America’s premier dog training, boarding and event center in Hutto, Texas.Joe Arterburn with Keith BensonTue, 25 Sep 2001 16:30:44 GMT