Rational Retriever Training

Bulldogs, Dry Shot Pops, and Other Diversions

Diversions are required at Senior or Master AKC Hunt Tests.
In this podcast, we discuss how diversions can be easy or 
difficult from your retriever's perspective.

Contrasting Marks

In this podcast, we look at why contrasting marks can be difficult to untrained retrievers.
A contrasting mark is conceptually very different than a previous mark.  Contrasting marks could be back to back singles in a Junior hunt test, or a memory mark in Senior or Master hunt tests. 
Sometimes a hunt test setup looks like it will be easy.  Yet it turns out to be difficult to inexperienced retrievers due to contrasting marks.

Improving Your Retriever’s Memory Marking

In this podcast we discuss how you can improve your pup's memory for multiple marks such as doubles, triples, and quads.  
Here is an example of a simple yard application where the retriever has 6 hand-thrown marks to retrieve from 6 new locations:  Marking Mechanics: 6 Marks

Training Alone Compared To Group Training

In this podcast, we discuss advantages of training your retriever alone, just you and your dog and training with a group of other trainers.  There are advantages of training alone and there are advantages of training with a group.  Ideally you should balance training alone with group training.

Double Marks and the AKC Senior Hunt Test

Double marks and the Senior Hunt Test are a big step from single marks and the Junior Hunt test.  No longer do you "turn him loose and see what happens".  Now you as the at-the line handler you need to develop a marking routine that 1) prevents head-swinging, 2) prevents switching, and 3) help pup focus on each mark and properly align and cue pup on that memory mark.

Teaching Silent Heeling, Backwards Heeling and 2-Sided Heeling

Heeling is an important part of retriever hunt tests.  It is also important for everyday dog walks, and some hunting applications like jump shooting.  In this podcast, we discuss training your pup 3 aspects of heeling:  Silent Heeling, Backwards Heeling, 2-Sided Heeling.

Whistle Factors in Handling Retrievers

In this podcast we discuss how the use of the whistle in terms of timing, loudness, duration, environmental conditions, and your dog's expectations. These  whistle factors can be important in training and handling retrievers for hunt test blinds.

”Hunt Mode” on Blind Retrieves

In this podcast, we discuss 4 reasons why some retrievers go into "hunt mode" while running a blind retrieve.  These include 1) Training  blind distance and canine expectations, 2) Scent down the line to the planted blinds, 3) Come-in whistle conditioning "hunt-mode" near the end of the blind, 4) Lack of training exposure to sudden bird scent at the middle of a blind .

Timing in Retriever Training

Timing is a key aspect of retriever training that is sometimes under-appreciated.  
In this podcast we discuss why timing can be important for all levels of retrievers ranging from effective timing teaching a puppy sit to effective timing for sending a dog on a memory mark to effective timing for a critical cast, or for a good initial line in blind retrieves.

A Dozen Marking Tips

In this podcast we go over a dozen tips to teach and maintain good marking in retrievers for AKC hunt tests, ranging from puppy tips to advanced retriever marking tips.