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Retriever Training Tips

Preseason Training Tips

Preseason Retriever Training TipsEven though the lazy days of summer are upon us, this is no time to forget your retriever. Starting a consistent conditioning and training program now will help get your dog ready for opening day. As a first step, consider incorporating the following tips and drills from pro trainers Mike Stewart and Justin Tackett into your workout. Working toward specific goals this summer will make you and your retriever a more efficient hunting team in the fall.


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  • Summer Drills for Retrievers
    While no training can be a substitute for actual lessons learned in the field, smart dog handlers recognize that off-season workout sessions are a necessity for those who want to keep their retrievers sharp and in top condition. Summer allows that opportunity.
  • Retrievers: Fear of Gunfire
    Long a bane to hunting dogs, gun-shyness is best avoided through common-sense training.
  • The Training Plan: Part I
    We have all heard it said, "We don't plan to fail; we fail to plan." This is one of those absolute truths that's true of retriever training, as well as life in general. A training plan causes us to remain focused on skill development, to reflect and to document. It requires one to think in terms of causal relationships rather than individual drills or exercises.
  • Retriever Training Plan: Part II
    We have all heard it said, "We don't plan to fail; we fail to plan." This is one of those absolute truths that's true of retriever training, as well as life in general. A training plan causes us to remain focused on skill development, to reflect and to document. It requires one to think in terms of causal relationships rather than individual drills or exercises. Follow part II of this series.
  • Fundamentals of Blind Retrieves
    One of the most exhilarating and rewarding aspects of developing a finished waterfowl retriever is training the dog to run blinds, that is to pick up birds the dog didn't see fall. Let's briefly look at the four fundamental skill sets necessary to run successful blinds.
  • 10 Pitfalls in Retriever Training: Part I
    Many of the problems that owner-trainers experience when training retrievers could be minimized easily if addressed early in training. It is much better to not condition in a problem that you must later train out. Here are some of the top pitfalls trainers face.
  • 10 Pitfalls in Retriever Training: Part II
    Many of the problems that owner-trainers experience when training retrievers could be minimized easily if addressed early in training. It is much better to not condition in a problem that you must later train out. Here are some of the top pitfalls trainers face. Part II.
  • Marking off the Gun
    Marking is a retriever's ability to sight fallen game or a bumper, and accurately remember the exact location of the mark(s), combined with the ability to line to the location and secure the downed game or bumper by sight or scent. Here are a few tips to improve your dog's marking ability.
  • Five Key Points for Training Your Retriever
    Robert Milner explores five key points that will aid in training your new retriever: Obedience, coming on command, too much dog, electric collars and selective breeding.
  • Common Problems & Solutions in Dog Training
    Four common problems and solutions that will improve your dog's performance in the field.
  • Retriever Obedience and Steadiness Drills
    Simple obedience and steadiness drills will help keep your dog safe and inconspicuous during a hunt.
  • Canine Encounters of the Wrong Kind
    What to do if your dog gets sprayed, quilled or bitten.
  • Better Blind Retrieves
    One trainer insists that straight lines are essential.
  • The Essential Golden Retriever
    Whether in the duck blind, field-trialing, or competing in hunt tests, this breed is more than capable of holding its own.
  • Summer Training: Prevent Heat Stroke
    Waterfowl hunters know that maintaining their canine partner's skills is a year-round process, from the day after the season ends right up to opening day. Understanding how to avoid heat stroke and what to do in case of emergency can make all the difference when training your dog through the hot summer months.
  • Marking Enhancement: Part I
    Among the most valued skills of a retriever is his ability to effectively mark fallen game. Waterfowlers want a dog that continuously scans the sky for birds, marks the location of downed game, drives out enthusiastically straight to the fall area on command, hunts the area closely and quickly returns an undamaged bird directly to the handler. This series will explain how to train your dog to do just that. Part 1 of 5.

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