Wichita Retriever Training Examiner Ken McNutt

"Moose" Photo by Ken McNutt

Last time, we looked at how you can organize a group to train your retrievers.  Now, to make sure you get the most from your group, there need to be some ground rules.  

In the last article we mentioned setting goals for what you want to accomplish, in the training session.  We also talked about training in a productive manner, rather than just setting up tests to see who’s dog can do it and who’s dog can’t.  Training goals should consist of either working out problems in performance or teaching new skills.  Realistic tests can be set up along the way, to see if prior training has been successful and to uncover flaws in performance that need to be corrected.   

Another important factor in having a successful training group is cooperation.  It’s important that everyone contribute to the group effort, whether that is throwing marks or setting blinds.  Also, it is highly inconsiderate for one person to monopolize the training group’s time by bringing five or six dogs and expecting to run them all on multiple marks or 300 yard blinds.

Finally,  it’s just common sense to exercise good manners by not criticizing someone else’s dog because it can’t perform as good as yours.  Not every dog is equal, nor is every handler’s experience. On the other end, approach training with an open mind.  It is much easier for others to stand back and see things in your training that may need attention.  You don’t have to take everyone’s advice, but you can often gain from observations you are too close to make.  Someone else may just have the solution to a problem that has previously eluded you.

Whether you are training with your best friend, with a group, or even just alone, the most important thing is the dog, and doing what is genuinely in the dog’s best interest.  If you are having fun and the dog is having fun, it doesn’t matter if you have a national field champion or a “meat dog” that is your best hunting companion, the enjoyment of the interaction is what’s most important.

If you live in the Wichita, Ks area and are interested in training your retriever for hunting, hunt tests, or field trials, feel free to contact the author at Kmandmoose@yahoo.com, for more information.  A local training group made up of members of the Sunflower Retriever Club usually trains on the grounds on the west side of the Kansas Coliseum, Wednesday evenings, from 6:30pm until dusk, weather permitting.

The next article will address what can be referred to as the “commandments” of dog training.  Upcoming articles will include training tips, diagrammed test and training set-ups, how to prepare for AKC hunt tests, health and nutrition tips, information on upcoming retriever events, and about anything that might apply to field retrievers.

The author invites your comments and any suggestions or inquiries you may have.  Thank you for visiting this site.

For the previous article, in this series go to: 

 www.examiner.com/x-19899-Wichita-Retriever-Training-Examiner~y2009m8d10-Training-Groups