Retriever Training
No retriever is perfect, but some are closer to perfect than others
The journey from puppy to finished duck dog begins with teaching the fundamentals and developing five elemental behaviors
Make sure your retriever is fully protected against diseases and parasites
A special duck evokes memories of a once-in-a-lifetime hunting companion
Competing in field trails and hunt tests can help you develop a solid, well-rounded retriever
Make sure your retriever is healthy and in top condition during the final weeks of the season
Taking good care of your dog's paws will help him perform at his peak
When used correctly, this modern training tool can help you develop a polished retriever
Warm weather requires handlers to use common sense when dove hunting with their retrievers
Check out these handy new products for you and your retriever
A sickly puppy that had cheated death. A poor farm kid with a unique gift. When fate brought them together, they made history
How to keep your dog and your hunting partners safe in the blind
This innovative program can help you train a rock-solid retriever, using positive training methods and a little algebra
These five retriever breeds boast serious waterfowling credentials; which one is right for you?
Don't skip this fundamental step in your retriever's education
Originally bred to lure curious ducks into gun range, today’s “tollers” are intelligent, athletic, and versatile hunters
Improve your retriever's performance by correcting these bad habits
Purina and Wildrose Kennels team up for a 16-segment short video series encompassing the cycle of retriever training
Hunting these plentiful game birds is a great way to get your retriever in shape for waterfowl season
Follow this expert advice to help your duck dog reach his full potential in the field
Mastering these communication skills is a crucial step in a retriever’s education
Follow this expert advice to get your dog ready for opening day
These retrievers offer full-size performance in a pint-size package
Experts share their opinions about the qualities that set the best retrievers apart from the rest of the pack
A selection of useful products for trainers and duck dogs
A complete listing of our retriever training articles
Retriever trainer Mike Stewart discusses the steps necessary to introduce your dog to gunfire.
Icy conditions can be treacherous for your retriever
Expert strategies to get your retriever comfortable, confident, and steady in these challenging conditions
A look back at the fascinating origins of the duck dog
Here's how to get peak performance from your duck dog in the field
Preparation, intuition, and a well-stocked first-aid kit can go a long way toward protecting your dog in the field
Follow these nutrition tips to keep your duck dog healthy and primed for performance year-round
This formative period is often the most crucial time in a retriever's life
Do your homework before starting your search for a new retriever
These training exercises will help you get your dog ready for hunting season
A selection of new products for trainers and duck dogs
Special care should be taken when bringing a puppy into a home with a veteran retriever
Try using creativity to come up with the perfect handle for your retriever pup
All retrievers must learn the ins and outs of hunting in close quarters
The cost of owning a retriever can be great, but then so can the rewards
Retrievers rely heavily on their acute sense of smell to find birds in dense cover
Prevention and preparation are the keys to keeping your duck dog healthy and safe in the great outdoors
Special care should be taken as your retriever nears the end of his waterfowling career
Follow this advice to become the kind of take-charge owner your retriever deserves
During the dog days of summer, swimming is the coolest way to get your retriever ready for duck season
Every retriever picks up bad habits during duck season – now is the time to make corrections
Train your dog to find birds above the ground
Retriever Trainer Mike Stewart explains the importance of tone of voice and body position when communicating with your dog
Retriever trainer Mike Stewart discusses how to prepare your dog for his first hunt
Mix up your duck dog's workout regimen to keep him in top form year-round
The ability to fetch "unseens" is the hallmark of a finished duck dog
Helpful tips on how to raise a well-behaved retriever
Waterfowling is a high-energy sport – especially for retrievers
Proper communication is the key to all retriever training
Retriever training tips from Mike Stewart of Wildrose Kennels
Wildrose Kennels Nutrition Essentials
Pack these items when planning a hunting trip with your dog
5 Tips to introduce a young retriever to waterfowling basics
Restore an older dog to top retrieving form
Golden retrievers have a long history as splendid gun dogs
Advance preparation is the best way to keep your retriever from mangling birds
With Mike Stewart of Wildrose Kennels and Deke the DU Dog
Mike Stewart, Wildrose Kennels
The ability to direct your retriever with hand signals is invaluable in the field
The Chesapeake Bay retriever is among a handful of sporting dogs made in the USA
Introduce your dog to decoys before the first hunt
Tips for keeping your dog cool this summer
Reinforce retrieving indoors in the spring and summer
Retrievers may confront any number of potentially dangerous situations
Train your retriever to work from this position
Tips to keep your retriever focused
Be prepared for retriever injuries
Mike Stewart with Deke, the DU Dog
It's up to you to get your retriever into shape
Summer retriever training tips with Deke, the DU dog
Developing a sensible routine will help keep your retriever in top condition
Timing is everything in retriever training
A photographic tribute to our favorite hunting companions
Consider these helpful hints before selecting your next duck dog
Have your retriever prepared for the long-retrieves diving ducks tend to offer
Canine first aid tips for the field
Many dog handlers and even veterinarians have never heard of limber tail. Read on to learn how to recognize, treat and prevent this painful tail injury affecting many sporting dogs.
What to know before you leave for the airport
With a little preparation, your retriever can perform well in the uplands, too
Plan and build the right kennel
Achieve peak performance from your retriever
A river dog is a canine companion for adventure
Gun-shyness is best avoided through common-sense training
Field trials and hunt tests have much to offer waterfowlers and their dogs
What to do if your retriever won’t stop whining or can’t sit still
Prepare your retriever for the special challenges of goose hunting
Prepare your dog for waterfowl hunting’s most challenging retrieves
A dog's drive can be measured only by performance
Simple drills will help keep your dog safe and inconspicuous during a hunt
What to do if your dog gets sprayed, quilled or bitten
Instilling confidence in your dog during training will result in top performance in the field.
Whether in the duck blind, field-trialing, or competing in hunt tests, this breed is more than capable of holding its own
One trainer insists that straight lines are essential
Make Your Dog Part of the DU Family!