Training The Pointing Labrador

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 ;)

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.