Training The Pointing Labrador

In this episode, I answer the question from a listener on the topic of daily training.  How do you know how much is enough, too often, too hard, too easy?  It's a great question, one I have encountered in my years of training dogs.  Listen in as we break down the components of a well-designed training program.

Based on a good question received on running blinds, we break down what happens when you call a dog back on a blind, and further discussion about requiring the dog do the work instead of you having to do it for them.  Join in on an interesting topic...   Julie www.Batesworks.net

In this episode, we break down the ways to raise a pup which is based more on never creating problems to be fixed later on.  Noise, destruction, jumping, not returning on retrieves, not listening, "stubbornness" can all be prevented by a well thought out and caring approach to upbringing.  Additionally, stimulating different parts of the developing canine brain that involve the aggressive retrieving and the passive pointing is paramount in the training of the upland retriever.  It isn't a hard thing to do, but it takes some well understood timing.

In today's Troubleshooting episode, we discuss the problem of a young dog that doesn't always return or doesn't directly return on a retrieve.  As with many problems, this is a symptom of a larger problem, and often as simple as the dog was never taught the expectation.  This will show up in different places, but is solved in the same manner.. Julie www.Batesworks.net  

In this episode, I take a question about "How do I get my dog to quit pulling on the leash?" and break down addressing what appears to be a single problem.  Most of the time, these behaviors are symptoms of a more systemic problem, and in correctly diagnosing the problem, the problem can be addressed, in all the places it occurs.  Join in on the discussion....   Happy 2024!   Julie www.batesworks.net

In the first episode of 2024, we talk about how much you and your dog can advance when you quit directing their every move and turn responsibility for the work - over to them.  Constant commands, cues, reminders are often more nagging than instructing.  And constant instructing teaches your animal to tune you out more than listen.  Here's some food for thought to simply and optimize your work with your dog.  And Happy New Year!   Julie www.Batesworks.net        

As a continuation of episode 284, starting to run blind retrieves, this describes how much actual teaching needs to be done before a dog is good at running blinds.  There is much more to it in the dogs' mind, than we are often aware.

In today's episode, we breakdown the approach to teaching a dog with the appropriate fundamentals of going when sent and stopping when whistled - how to confidently learn to run any cold blind.  It is less drill and trick-oriented, but more just time and work intensive.  Join in....

In response to a number of trouble-shooting questions, I compile an answer to many by discussing how to keep from creating training problems and how to address some before they become big problems in your program.

In this holiday season trouble shooting series, we talk about things to think about when you bring your trained dog home for the hunting season, holiday season or because they've completed their work.   If you've spent money on dog training, you certainly do not want to undo it when they come home and relax...

2nd in the series of questions and problems, I address the question of developing confidence in a canine, performance or pet.  It's a pretty straightforward recipe, but it requires understanding your dog's fundamental programming and providing opportunities for the two of you to work on the project together.

In this second in the Problem Series, we talk about what to do when the young PL hasn't shown point.  The upbringing of these little guys is important, birds are important, and maybe most of all, keeping the right balance between the control part of the brain and the 'Do the work yourself" part of the brain.  What you do in training should be determined by what the dog is telling you, not necessarily by what someone tells you to do.

This episode's question is about choosing the best video, book, YouTube channel, to acquire your dog training information.  Heaven knows there is a ton of 'stuff' out there.  Which is best?  How do you choose? It's a good question, but before getting the how-to's from someone, make sure you have the best teacher and a very prepared student before starting your training process.  Listen in for some ideas.

In today's episode, I ask for input on topics and material for the new book I'm doing on Pointing Labs, and also need help on a new "Problem Solving" set of podcasts I'd like to do.  Meanwhile, today's topic is about getting a dog that has shown point to be able to point at a reasonable distance, with confidence and style, and do the right thing without having to be told .... interesting topic.   Email for good suggestions:  juliannebates2021@gmail.com

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 ;)