Training the Pointing Labrador Julianne Knutson

In this episode, we go beyond young pups and bird exposure.  It takes continued exposure to allow the young dog to learn the upland game and all its' nuances.  Upland dogs can and should be expected to understand their role in the upland hunt, and willingly work with you.  No screaming, loud and repeated whistles or constant instruction.  This is actually accomplished in undertaking a similar approach to that you took in teaching your dog to run land and water blinds.  You teach them what their job is in a way they understand, and then hold them accountable.  It isn't a hard thing to do, but it takes a little time and understanding.

In today's episode, we break down the elements to developing the natural pointing response in a pup.  It isn't a series of steps you go through; it is a development of what is happening the mind of that baby as it learns the magic of the world of upland hunting. Pups have to figure out the game in their own way and on their own time.  It is important to provide the opportunities for the pup to do this, without correcting or intervening where it doesn't help.

With at least 300 Certified Pointing Retrievers, 90 GMPR's and over 30 4X's, I want on an unofficial basis to weigh in on effective judging in the APLA testing arena.  It isn't a glamorous or even fun thing to do.  It requires constant attention and focus, awareness of organization standards and an ability to set up tests which represent the standard, across the country. Just wanted to take my own format to discuss what judging in the American Pointing Labrador Association is really all about..

In today's episode, we talk about the difference between where you are and where you could be.  If you're happy, keep doing what you're doing.  If you'd like to get a little better, there are ways to do that.  It just has to matter, and you have to be willing to put in the extra mental and emotional effort.  But what does that look like?   Listen in....

In this episode, we discuss dealing with problems in dog behavior, response, attitude, etc.  Generally, when there is a problem area in your training, it started earlier on and remained unidentified for a little while.  Then addressing these problems can make things worse if the cause of the issue isn't isolated and a plan for going back in front of where it started isn't built.  Usually people are looking for "corrections" when the real correction belongs in the trainers' actions, not the dog.  It's always easier to prevent a problem than to solve one, but that requires paying a lot of attention....

It takes a little more than a big truck and trailer and a cool hat to be a trainer worthy of sending your dog and your money to.   There are qualities a person must possess that let you know your dog MATTERS and even more so than your money.  Whether deciding if you want to become a professional trainer, or trying to pick one, there are important things you want to examine fairly closely before handing over a precious member of your family or deciding to take that responsibility on yourself.  There have been many disturbing stories out there about the wrong person handling dogs.  Just some food for thought by someone who believes in integrity more than just about anything else.