Advanced Retriever Training

Synopsis

In Advanced Retriever Training, experienced trainer, competitor and judge, Laura Hill, takes a holistic approach to training and living with working retriever breeds. Whether your aim is to reach competition level or simply to troubleshoot your training practices, this book is the ideal follow-on to the basic commands and handling skills already established. Insightful and in-depth coverage includes reanalysing the basic pillars of breeding, feeding and training; examining your own behaviour and the effect it has on your dog and identifying your dog's psychological needs and tailoring your training accordingly. Key approaches to successful retriever work with positive, reward-based methods are covered along with training planning and management. An advanced approach to training essentials, including heelwork, marking, blind retrieves and navigating barriers are discussed as well as establishing and maintaining an enjoyable partnership with your dog. This book will improve your handling as well as your overall approach to living and working with retrievers.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Hunt

* Emphasizes the importance of understanding a dog's natural hunting instincts.
* Real example: Observing your dog's body language, tail wags, and alertness while playing fetch or tracking games can indicate its prey drive.

Chapter 2: The Mark

* Explains the process of marking a spot where an object is thrown or hidden.
* Real example: Having your dog sit or stay while you throw a ball, then immediately calling it to the exact location where the ball landed.

Chapter 3: The Retrieve

* Covers techniques for teaching the dog to fetch and return objects while maintaining a steady pace and accurate delivery.
* Real example: Using a training dummy that simulates a bird's flight pattern and having the dog retrieve it with a soft mouth.

Chapter 4: The Hand Signal

* Introduces hand signals to communicate with your dog during training and hunting.
* Real example: Using the "hold" hand signal to pause the dog's retrieve and the "finish" hand signal to release it.

Chapter 5: The Blind Retrieve

* Explains how to train your dog to retrieve objects from unknown locations.
* Real example: Hiding a training dummy in a wooded area and guiding your dog to it using only verbal commands.

Chapter 6: The Water Retrieve

* Covers techniques for training your dog to swim and retrieve objects from water.
* Real example: Gradually exposing your dog to water, encouraging it to swim, and rewarding it for fetching objects from a pond or lake.

Chapter 7: The Running Retrieve

* Outlines methods for teaching your dog to retrieve objects over long distances.
* Real example: Having your dog run alongside you in a field while throwing balls or training dummies for it to catch.

Chapter 8: The Double Retrieve

* Explains how to train your dog to retrieve two or more objects simultaneously.
* Real example: Throwing two balls in different directions and having the dog fetch both of them back to you.

Chapter 9: The Finished Retriever

* Provides tips for fine-tuning your dog's training and maintaining its skills.
* Real example: Participating in retriever trials or hunting expeditions to showcase your dog's abilities and teamwork with you.