RETRIEVER TRAINING
"Head Start" Puppy Program
The first few weeks and months of your retriever’s life will have life long impacts on the intelligence and drive of your dog. Specifically, the period between 16 and 24 weeks of age is especially critical. This is a time in your young dogs mental development when imprinting is at a pivotal juncture. If we can make the pup bird crazy at this stage, we can maximize their prey drive and bring them to the height of their genetic potential.
These early lessons are absolutely critical in establishing a strong foundation, upon which all future training is built. Our retriever puppy program is designed to properly introduce your young star to birds, water, boats, decoys, crates, and other dogs. Puppies as young as 16 weeks old are accepted for this program. Training objectives can usually be reached in 1 month, and will pay lifelong dividends. None of the above described objectives are rocket science, however if not done properly and with care, can result in problems such as water aversion, poor socialization, fear of gunfire, etc.
Basic Retriever Training
(Started, HRC), (Junior-AKC)
A dog that completes our basic retriever training program will be a dog that will be a productive partner in the field. This dog should be capable of quartering for the gun in the uplands, proficient at trailing cripples, and should deliver game to your hand without delay. This dog should be capable of marking and retrieving single birds down for the duck hunter. In addition he/she should be obedience trained and obey the commands Sit, Kennel, Here, Quiet, Down, and Leave It. The dog will be properly introduced to the electronic collar during obedience training and will accordingly obey commands quickly, but at the same time retain a good working attitude. This level of training usually takes 3-4 months to complete, depending on the dogs natural ability.
Intermediate Retriever Training
(Seasoned-UKC), (Senior-AKC)
Retriever breeds are eligible for our Advanced Retriever Training Program upon completion of our Basic Retriever Program. A dog at this level should be capable of completing double retrieves on land and water and should be fully steady. At this time handling and lining drills are introduced, as well as more advanced marking concepts. Dogs that complete this program will be able to run simple cold blinds and compete in mid level UKC and AKC hunt tests. If the dog is to be used for upland hunting, steady to flush and shot can also be completed at this point. A dog that completes this level of training is a true hunting companion and is a dog that anyone would be proud to own. This training usually takes 4-6 months to complete.
Advanced Retriever Training
(Finished-UKC), (Master-AKC), (QAA)
A dog that completes this program is an elite hunting machine. This dog has all of the skills of an intermediate retriever plus the ability to complete complicated triple marks, blinds with hazards and poison birds, honoring, and advanced water concepts. This dog should also be steady to flush and shot in the uplands and be adept at trailing cripples. Dogs that complete this program are usually 2-3 years of age and would compete in the Finished/Master/QAA level. Not all dogs have the natural skills to complete this level of training. Total training time required to achieve this level of performance is usually 12-18 months. Dogs at this level should possess exceptional intelligence, bidability, drive, and water attitude.
