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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 10:39:24 PM
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There have been countless posts about what training materials to buy/use to train your puppies/dogs. Don, Ricky, myself and a few others offer advice here regularly. I enjoy doing it but it gets a little redundant telling people to buy Sound Beginnings over and over. While reading a thread today where this happened AGAIN I thought I would put my opinions down on a separate thread re training materials so I (and others if they agree) can simply refer people to this thread when they ask what to buy.
Here goes:
Puppy training. Jackie Merten's Sound Beginnings video is the best puppy video out there. Forget that I like it, it's recommended my Mike Lardy...enough said. It does not come with a manual. My recommendation is you watch it and take detailed notes stating age of dogs doing the drills, names of drills, etc. This will ensure you do not skip any steps. Jackie's video is easily understood by the first time trainer and trains your puppy from the day you pick it up until about 5-6 months when it's ready for formal obedience
Purchase the video here:
http://www.ybsmedia.com/jackiemertens.html
http://www.dogsafield.com/prodinfo.asp?number=R090-001
Basics thru advanced training
Smartwork by Evan Graham is a great book for a trainer new to advanced type retriever training. He gives excellent descriptions and drills which can be understood by a newbie. It's not expensive and can be found here:
http://www.dogsafield.com/prodinfo.asp?number=R240-001
SmartFetch is another detailed source reviewing force fetch which can be found here: http://www.dogsafield.com/prodinfo.asp?number=R240-003
Mike Lardy's Total Retriever Training is the best video set out there. This video along with Total Retriever Marking will give you information you can use forever to train your dogs. It's expensive but I've yet to hear someone say you didn't get what you pay for.
Videos can be purchased here:
http://www.ybsmedia.com/mikelardy.html
In addition, he has tips http://totalretriever.com/
and a invaluable tool, his flowchart, on his website:
http://www.totalretriever.com/flowchart.htm
My choosing Lardy first is no slam on Evan's product as it's a great resource and is very comprehensive. I simply believe the Lardy videos are the standard in retriever training and have changed the way retrievers are trained. Both programs are Carr-based in theory so will not contradict each other. As a result I actually have used both, i.e. I use the drills in Smartwork that are not included in Lardy's stuff to supplement my training.
Handling your dog
A new video by pro Dave Rorem The Art and Science of Handling Retrievers is a great video that explains many little things that people don't know about handling dogs at field trials and hunt tests. If you want to improve your handling skills, this is a video you need.
Buy it here:
http://www.ybsmedia.com/daverorem.html
Problem Solving
Problems and Solutions by Danny Farmer and Judy Aycock is a nice video on how to train to fix/avoid specific common problems most people run into eventually with retrievers.
Can be purchased here:
http://www.dogsafield.com/prodinfo.asp?number=R044-301
My personal opinion is use Sound Beginnings for puppy work. If money isn't an issue, purchase Total Retriever Training for Basics and beyond. I would also advise getting Smartwork and supplementing Lardy's stuff with drills from Smartwork. If money is an issue, go with Smartwork and follow it exclusively. I'm no expert by any means but these resources have been great for me and countless others. I hope this post helps.
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Post #473949
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/9/2010 4:58:51 PM
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Tim,
Thanks for spelling it out so well. What would you suggest with Lardy's videos as far as which to by? I would rather not buy both. I have a relatively good understanding of dog training and my family has had 4 professionally trained labs. My soon to be companion will be the first that I train on my own. I plan on getting Sound Beginnings, but as everyone knows it can add up quick.
Jefferson
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Post #589273
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2/10/2011 7:34:54 AM
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Moved up to help newbies.
If your early, your on time. On time, your late. Late, your LEFT!
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Post #609978
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2/20/2008 9:20:56 AM
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I like both Farmer and Aycock videos Basics and problems and Solutions. Also within the next few months Team Waterdog is going to have a basics video coming out.
Just my two cents.
Cory
If you ain't got a lab....I am terribly sorry for you!!
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Post #610389
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/31/2010 3:17:22 PM
Posts: 1,459,
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bump
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Success of the hunt is judged not by the weight of the game strap but rather by the quality of the experience.
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Post #613110
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/31/2010 3:17:22 PM
Posts: 1,459,
Visits: 1,571
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Needs bumped again.
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Success of the hunt is judged not by the weight of the game strap but rather by the quality of the experience.
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Post #632529
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/31/2010 3:17:22 PM
Posts: 1,459,
Visits: 1,571
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TTT
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Success of the hunt is judged not by the weight of the game strap but rather by the quality of the experience.
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Post #634412
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 10/30/2009 11:15:17 AM
Posts: 89,
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RioDecoy 12/18/2007
I like both Farmer and Aycock videos Basics and problems and Solutions. Also within the next few months Team Waterdog is going to have a basics video coming out.
Just my two cents.
Cory
I agree, Farmer/Aycock's "Basics" for both the beginning handler and dog. I don't think this video was out when Tim first posted this.
Can we make this thread a "sticky"?
_____________________________________
Tommy
HR Duke of Kingsridge
HR King's Ridge Diablo of Tallgrass
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Post #634430
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/13/2009 2:13:26 PM
Posts: 40,
Visits: 696
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well has anyone heard good reviews on The Wildrose Way with Mike Stewart?
Legacy Outdoor Sports Pro-staff
Blackwater Chapter (Johnson Co. MO)
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Post #634431
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/1/2008 9:36:30 AM
Posts: 24,
Visits: 15
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another good book on training gundogs is one from Robert Milner "Gundog Training" its xalent my father bought a female chocy from him back in 1980 best dog i've ever owned but really check it out
"We walk where the devil dances"
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Post #634804
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