wondering what yall thought about the bill hillmann videos I got a new pup and would like to put him on the right path your thought are appreciated
I also would like to teach him to shed hunt and maybe a little blood tracking

I'm borrowing a copy from a friend. I liked it and plan to follow it with my pup. I'm not sure if it is worth the $130 price, but from my understanding, it is easy to resale and sometimes you can find it used for $100 or so.

Keep in mind before reading my review, I haven't applied much of the training yet. Plus, there are a ton of positive reviews out there, and I haven't seen any other puppy (2-6 months) specific programs to compare it with.

I've been doing the first couple training session with my pup so far, but I think at 9 weeks, he still isn't ready to progress past "day 2." I will step it up a little more the next few weeks, according to my pup's progress. I believe the puppy in the video is 11 weeks when he starts "day 1." Also, the "days" should be changed to "sessions." The training is set up to where you only move forward when the pup gets the hang of that session. Which Hillmann does with the pup in the video too. It is obvious, and no secret, pup spent longer than one day before moving forward with some of the sessions.

I like how he stresses having a happy puppy that is wild to retrieve. I also like how he stresses the importance of sit, and incorporates various training exercises into many sessions that lay a foundation to advanced training. I do wish he explained a few more things in depth (collar conditioning) less narrative, and more of what he is actually saying to the dog.

Overall, I think it is lacking in some aspects, but I would recommend it and have confidence it will lay a solid foundation to a retriever with good line/blind manners.

I followed the Hillmann puppy dvd with my pup and cant say enough good things about it. I recommend it to anyone I know with a new pup. Probably the most highly regarded puppy program out there. Prepares them very well for "formal" training and it's a lot of fun.

It's a great foundation. My Dad used it on his little dog and she got to the trainer ready to roll. She needed to be help a little more accountable that my dad was doing, but she knew what she needed to be doing. There may be some out there that are as good, but none are better. Plus, if you send the Hillman's an email with questions of any sort, they get back to you very quickly. They're awesome people, or at least have been when I've dealt with them.

The best money you can spend on your pup.

For those that are interested, I noticed there is a Bill Hillmann seminar in Caldwell, TX

March 8-9 2014

Here is more info:

Bill Hillmann Seminar

That seminar will be well worth the money!

I haven't seen the DVD , but I know Bill and he is an excellent trainer