Training The Pointing Labrador

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..

In today's episode, we talk about the difference between where you are and where you could be.  If you're happy, keep doing what you're doing.  If you'd like to get a little better, there are ways to do that.  It just has to matter, and you have to be willing to put in the extra mental and emotional effort.  But what does that look like?   Listen in....

In this episode, we discuss dealing with problems in dog behavior, response, attitude, etc.  Generally, when there is a problem area in your training, it started earlier on and remained unidentified for a little while.  Then addressing these problems can make things worse if the cause of the issue isn't isolated and a plan for going back in front of where it started isn't built.  Usually people are looking for "corrections" when the real correction belongs in the trainers' actions, not the dog.  It's always easier to prevent a problem than to solve one, but that requires paying a lot of attention....

It takes a little more than a big truck and trailer and a cool hat to be a trainer worthy of sending your dog and your money to.   There are qualities a person must possess that let you know your dog MATTERS and even more so than your money.  Whether deciding if you want to become a professional trainer, or trying to pick one, there are important things you want to examine fairly closely before handing over a precious member of your family or deciding to take that responsibility on yourself.  There have been many disturbing stories out there about the wrong person handling dogs.  Just some food for thought by someone who believes in integrity more than just about anything else.

When puppies are little, everything is pretty cute and small and easy; walks, retrieves and a few manners.  As they begin to grow up, they aren't old enough for formal training, but they are beginning to know what they are doing, like running puppy marks and hunting live birds.  It is at this stage we often jump ahead before the pup is really ready, with whoa, electric collar, force fetch, etc.  Instead, teaching the growing dogs to learn to take responsibility for doing the work you are teaching them, to take the work seriously and to focus on it, allows for the upcoming formal training to be much easier and more clearly understood.

After announcing the Snake Avoidance Clinic being held by the Rocky Mountain Pointing Labrador Club on May 12-14 (see their website for sign up details) and my new film project, we talk about the best ways to get you and your dog ready, for whatever level of testing you're planning on running.  It isn't accomplished by running lots of test setups, but by having the basics solidly established in your dog's behavior and understanding.  It isn't hard, but it takes time and patience.  Good luck to all this spring season! Batesworks.net

This one is all about early bird introduction.  Yes, you can still teach sit.  No, you don't need a cord.  Feathers stuck on a bumper is not a bird.  Real birds are required to teach real bird behavior, and this takes some time to accomplish.  But with that said, this is the most fun thing in the world to do with these little guys.     Batesworks.net