Forgive me for my naivety on this, but I am brand new to this and am looking for some help and or suggestions.

I have a 7 month old male who has just finished very basic behavior obedience and I am curious as to what all of you experts think should be the next training.

A little background, I know nothing about these trials, I have read a little and talked to my breeder who does obedience trials. I am located in SoCal so training year round is not a problem. I am just looking for direction on a starting point.

The dog is fixed and a limited registration with AKC (I don't know if that matters). Any help as to what to expect, contacts, tips to start with the dog, books, anything would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Charlie

This message has been edited. Last edited by: charlier,

What is your goal for the dog?

The next would probley be getting the dog force fetched and get on a training program. Alot of people are using Smartwork by Evan Graham.


Your best bet might be to find a retrieving club in your area.

Some pro trainers will help you train the dog if you throw birds for them.

If you send you dog to a trained make sire they are good with chessie. I spent 2 grand at the trainer and my dog wasnt even finished force fetched.

Thanks for the quick response. My goal for the dog is really simple, give him a job and keep him happy and create a new outdoor hobby for myself. I bought the dog as a companion and have no desire to truly "hunt" the dog.

But, these competitions, from everything I've read seem like a great way to keep the dog satisfied and constantly learning. Moving into this seems like a natural progession. Thanks for the help.

Charlie

Look into the Smartwork by Evan Graham.

However, IMO, you can not train chessies the same as labs or goldens. Takes some modification in training techniques, I have heard that Brain Szczech Gold-Plated Gundogs Chesapeake Success is good.

With my first chessie I used Robert Milners book as a guide, then multiple other books. I believe it is called "Back To Basics Approach".

Good luck, you will enjoy your trip.
.

Charlie.........

You might want to get a hold of one of the American Chesapeake Club Reginal Directors for California........There are four listed on the following page of the ACC Website:
California Reginal Directors

I believe at least one or two of these people Field Trial and/or do the AKC Hunt Tests. They may be able to suggest a local club to join, or maybe put you in touch with some people to train with or just answer questions you may have about Chesapeake events in your area!

I also recommend Smartwork by Evan Graham......I think his books are great for beginners or people in the know........

Good Luck with your pup and have fun training in whatever direction you choose.....

Norene S.

Great advice about smartworks material and finding a club to get involved with.

DO NOT waste your money on the Gold Plated video. Could be the biggest waste of a video tape/DVD on the market!


Paul

Charlie,

Recommend that you go to one (or more) of the hunt tests in your area and see if this is really the game that you want to play. Make sure that you watch each of the three levels so that you can see the progression of expectations for the dogs.

If this looks like it might be your cup of tea, then introduce yourself to some of the owner/handlers (after they have run their dogs) and see if they are members of local clubs and training groups. Clubs are always looking for new members to help work their events! In exchange they do provide you with a foot in the door in finding training groups, trainers, training grounds, etc.

There are several tests coming up in So Cal.
Labrador Retriever Club of Southern California
Chino, CA HT Mar 24, 2007

Great Western Flat Coated Retriever Club
Chino, CA HT Apr 14, 2007

Inland Valley Retriever Club
Wasco, CA HT Apr 21, 2007

T. Mac

I second TMac's suggestion to go watch a hunt test. Definitely watch all 3 levels, Junior, Senior and Master. At the hunt tests, most of the dogs will be Labs but hopefully you'll see a few CBRs.
Also FYI he can compete in hunt tests with a limited registration.

Thanks for the help everybody. I will keep you posted on the progress. I ordered Evan's book today and I am going to check out the hunt test.

Thanks again,
Charlie

why is your dog on limited registration??

NAHRA is another game you might want to check out also.