Even if you take only a few minutes, and train by headlight, start this pup on real birds as soon as possible. You don't need tricky marks, just fun tosses. Fan the flames of his desire to retrieve, and form good habits.

EvanG

I am by no means an expert but I'll give it a try. As I understand them water tuneups consist of 6-8 repeated blinds along shore lines. They are very cheaty and technical. They may require angled entry or exits,on and of points,reentries,etc. I don't disagree. But Tune-up's are progressive, and beg...

What is the average distance on your casts on Walking Baseball?

EvanG

Gundog Essentials

The basic skills of a working retriever. No fancy stuff, no field trial nuances. Just basic gundog skills.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz88RUxvNHE

EvanG

Walking Baseball. You can do it without a helper, and you need only 2 large plastic orange bumpers. And you can work on any casts, any cast combinations, any amount of suction you like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcktsyHLTYk

EvanG

Get health clearances....EIC, CNM, hips, eyes... If the breeder did their homework they will have these clearances readily available. All of that, plus by all means the breeder should provide proof of both parent's ability to work in the field; preferably titles. MH, HRCH, FC-AFC (my preference!), ...

Good plan. I used a forcing table at times when I trained client's dogs, but only to ease the wear and tear on my (former paramedic) back. I haven't used one in a long time. Starting on the ground precludes that transition. I actually sit on a bucket for the first portion, and stay with that until w...

I have a 2 year old black female that was trained everyday for the first 10 months of her life. Then I had my first child and things needless to say changed. What are your guys opinions on going back and picking up where we left off? Can I force fetch my dog at this point? I have done sparatic sill...

Well done Big Guy(s)!!

EvanG

thank you for all the advice. I guess just turn to youtube? But as far as even knowing a starting point besides the puppy post in here. That is what I am trying to figure out. where to start where to go and how to make it flow in smooth transitions No. What you'll find on You Tube are snap shots; b...

Things I expect my dog to do Sit, heel, stay and drop fetch, which people say force fetching teaches this but I dont know how to do that I want him to watch my gun to see the birds I want to point him in a line and send him on a bird as well as stop him in the field and give him new direction. If h...

I a, in the process of trying to read or watch all the info I can on training a retreiver. It's going to be a house dog and bird dog. Later if possible might try hunt test but really not an interest of mine right now. So what do y'all suggest. I really want to have a great self trained dog. Don't w...