Training The Pointing Labrador

Here's another go at the topic of choosing your pup out of a litter.  Some folks say it really can't be done.  That's probably true for many people.  I have always found the observation of a litter of puppies to be fascinating, and often, but not always, very telling.  For some of my dog friends currently looking into picking their future superstar, I offer a few thoughts....

In today's episode, I break down the functioning energies of the dog:  physical, psychological and mental.  It is these 3 components which are the operating system of the dog.  The more you understand their nature and the ways they interact, the better you and your dog will be working and living together. 

In this 275th episode, we talk about some things to consider and practice when preparing to run the Master hunt test stake.  I've run many hundreds of them and compiled what I have found to be useful in being as ready as possible to succeed.  Listen in for a few ideas.....

In today's episode, I talk about dog trainers, dog training and what it is really all about.  It can be making a dog do what you want, or it can be about teaching the dog how to learn, and then educating it in a manner that works with that animal.  Very sensitive subject, but one I will willingly take on.  It's not as much about how "good a guy" someone is.  Maybe a little bit more about how an individual views the world.

Per a request, I am answering an inquiry regarding how to keep a finished dog at that level throughout the off season, especially when training alone for the most part.  A topic I've lived for years... happy to offer some ideas.

In this early hunting season episode, I take the time to tell two stories of dog and owner, that early on were pretty dismal.  However, over time, it became a very different story.  Listen in if you'd like to hear you're not the only one who isn't sure they can do this successfully ;)

When your last event of the season is over; it may be a hunt test or field trial, a National of one sort or another, either hunting season or just no more competition takes over.   If you're planning on competing next season, just contemplating it, or think you're done with that, the consistency with which you interact with your dog is very important.  There are some considerations in the off season, that can help for next season, help to make hunting as pleasurable as it should be, or just to maintain the excellent relationship you have established.  It's not fair to change standards and expectations with your dog.  What follows is just a discussion about this aspect of dog managing.

Lenore, Idaho, 2023 Triple Crown, 43 dogs, 3 days, what a memorable, impressive Labor Day weekend!  This is a fairly brief recap of a weekend of highs, a few lows but mostly a showcase of the best in people and the very best in dogs...  If you have a moment, listen in...

Today, a little talk about the change in the pointing Labs over time, various venues in which to test them, and a chat about the American Pointing Lab Association.  We all need to remember what really matters:  those great hours with these wonderful animals.... Triple Crown in 2 weeks!  I'll have a full report on my return... 

In this episode, we address how to deal with a dog who doesn't come when called.  Maybe in the field on a bird, on a hike when it sees another dog, or even in the backyard.  People get very disturbed over a dog who won't come when called, but the approach to eliminating that problem begins with the simple command of sit first and learning how to teach the dog to respond without all the training tools involved.  How do you get a dog to just do what you ask, period?  It isn't hard, but it takes an understanding, commitment and clarity in your interactions. Here are some ideas...

In today's episode, we talk about some ideas to get ready for the American Pointing Labrador Association's national event, the 2023 Triple Crown.  It's a long 3 days for handlers and dogs, and there are a number of things you can do in this last month before the trip to Idaho.  Endurance and fitness for your dog (and you) are of paramount importance.  Understand the demands that will be imposed on you and your dog, and how to optimize the state of mind you both go into this with.  More is not always better in good preparation, so you give yourself and your dog some serious thought on how to be in the best spot going in. That's a beautiful plate and ribbon you get to adorn your vehicle going home for certain ;)

"Basic Obedience" isn't just doing heel and sit on a leash.  That is just the tiniest piece of what this big topic is.  The real nature of this work is in creating the relationship between you and your dog and establishing the lines of communication.  It is your relationship that determines the success and enjoyment of daily life, training and competitive events.  A simple but powerful truth.  Join in the conversation...

In this episode, the two common problems we break down are how to prepare for ducks in tests when you have no training group with birds to train with; and secondly, how to go about not inadvertently teaching your dog that breaking is an option, or how to stop it before it becomes worse.

In today's episode, we break down simple solutions to two common problems.  1. What to do about a dog returning on a retrieve but dropping the bird, doing a flyby or otherwise not directly returning the retrieve object.  2. How to address dogs pulling on the leash or tuning you out while leash walking with you, or basically doing anything while attached to you.  The answers to these created problems almost always lie in the basics of training. 

In this episode, we talk about the fact that more often than not, it is the handling of the dog that brings about failing, as opposed to a dog making a mistake on its own.  It's a topic that requires a lot of self-examination, but it can be quite useful in helping your dog as much as possible in testing and competitive venues.  At least a few things to think about...

In this episode, we talk about getting as much success out of your dog test running as yours and your dog's talent allows.  Often times we don't try as hard as we might because that could lead to failure and we 'just can have that.'  Or we think by just working harder or doing more challenging things we will get better.  Success is usually based off far simpler things than we think.  Your mindset and that of your dogs is of the utmost importance.  Have you figured out how to get that in the best spot?  Here are some ideas for you..

In this episode, we go beyond young pups and bird exposure.  It takes continued exposure to allow the young dog to learn the upland game and all its' nuances.  Upland dogs can and should be expected to understand their role in the upland hunt, and willingly work with you.  No screaming, loud and repeated whistles or constant instruction.  This is actually accomplished in undertaking a similar approach to that you took in teaching your dog to run land and water blinds.  You teach them what their job is in a way they understand, and then hold them accountable.  It isn't a hard thing to do, but it takes a little time and understanding.

In today's episode, we break down the elements to developing the natural pointing response in a pup.  It isn't a series of steps you go through; it is a development of what is happening the mind of that baby as it learns the magic of the world of upland hunting. Pups have to figure out the game in their own way and on their own time.  It is important to provide the opportunities for the pup to do this, without correcting or intervening where it doesn't help.

With at least 300 Certified Pointing Retrievers, 90 GMPR's and over 30 4X's, I want on an unofficial basis to weigh in on effective judging in the APLA testing arena.  It isn't a glamorous or even fun thing to do.  It requires constant attention and focus, awareness of organization standards and an ability to set up tests which represent the standard, across the country. Just wanted to take my own format to discuss what judging in the American Pointing Labrador Association is really all about..