Training a Lab...part 2

Training Books or Videos....which work better for you?? What makes them better?

Fowl Dawgs - All Of Them, Step by Step process from start to finish. A lot of videos, especially older material use already trained dogs for their examples. Fowl Dawgs Day 1 of a new concept is actually day one for that dog with that new concept.

Bill Hillman - Great visual step by step also

Sound Beginnings

10 Minute Retriever - Great Book

DVD's beat Books, Training seminars are best. No one likes the Farmer Aycock DVD's? That's interesting-probably the 2 most successful FT trainers in history.

Robby

I love both of their videos and even the few articles on Vinwoods website. I don't normally recommend them as an all inclusive program though due to the fact that they only go through basics and not into transitional work. Also although I do like some of the principals mentioned in the FF DVD I feel that smartfetch is the most step by step and information laden video out there. Given the fact that FF and CC are the hardest for the new trainer to grasp and are incidentally some of the most important fundamentals, I recommend what I feel is the most thorough and easy to understand for the new trainer which, in my opinion, is Smartworks.

I also feel after looking at both that Farmers basics almost mirrors Lardys. The only real difference is that Farmer doesn't go to pattern blinds after TT he goes straight to cold walkout blinds. Of course the DVD doesn't go that far.

As far as Fowl Dogs, I do like Stawski and feel it is a very good program for the beginner but again don't feel that there is as much detail about FF and that is a key element for the beginning trainer.

They all have great things and things I don't like so much. I wish I could create a "Super Video" by blending them all together. Unfortunately I can't so I go with what I feel is best for the new guy.

Thanks Tony

Birdhunter61, you are taking me back with the mention of Danny farmer and Judy Aycock. Their dogs were so great!! Trumarc and Candlewood blood runs deep!!!

I'm shopping my third Lab, I may run some hunt tests. I don't think I'm committed, or young enough to go full bore as I did with my first two dogs. I just want my new pup to be obedient and love to retrieve as I will teach her the basics drills to get her to handle short blinds.

A alternative since you live close to good retriever trainers in your area would be to throw birds for them in exchange to get one on one tutoring(yard work) and a set of marks that day you throw for them.you might be pleasantly surprised how many will take you up on that

I used the Water Dog program on two of my own and helped a friend with his dog as well. We had good luck with it and it was easy to follow. Just takes time and patience. It keeps your dog at home and builds the bond with you and not an impersonal trainer who is working several dogs and yours spends most of the time in a box. I knew very little about training a lab until I read the book and used the program. Not saying I'm any expert now but both of my dogs were good hunting companions and often complimented in the dove fields and duck blinds. I never field trialed dogs, just hunted.

The key is time. Get up early, make time in the evening. Time and consistency.

How many still use a rope both on force to pile, and sit on the t. Versus using the collar right away.


Robby

Dead on!

I do. I use it all the way up until the dog is sitting well on single T.

Me 3!! Some dogs are not ready to have the collar used to get the sit. My FTP/STP is what I learned from VanEngen. Lots of stuff is happening in this drill and many times ropes are needed to get the dog static in the process of learning the drill.

Angie