I started off coming to this site because I was confused about the training of my pup, and I was a little frustrated. I got a ton of good advice from some great trainers, but as with anything in life there was a few know it alls hasseling me! I used a lot of the good advice, and I am very appreciative for that advice!! Here is a pic of gauge and the first goose he "Dragged" back to me over the ice of willow slough. He just turned 6 months!!!! I am so happy that I trained this dog without taking him to a pro trainer, it is such a feeling of accomplishment!!

Thanks to all of you that helped!

Josh

Glad everything is working out for you. Sounds like Gauge had fun. Congrats on your first hunt. Charlie

Doc,

Its not his first hunt. To date he has retrieved 3 wood ducks, 4 pheasant, and 2 mallards. This is just his first goose hunt! And his first hefty honker. He seemed a little confused by it at first, but once he got a good grip on the neck he was fine!

LOL, I had a lot of doubters! I even had a pro tell me to get rid of him, but I had a chance to show him off at a bass pro shop event with that pro there! The only regret I have is giving that fool 35 dollars for that opinion!

Its funny because I joined a local retriever club, and they gave me some great fine tuning hints! That pro happens to be a member of that club too, but he doesn't seem to show up at monthly meetings or training events. He must have just joined to attach the logo to his web page, and try to sell a few more pups! As it turns out, he is pretty much a joke around here.

I watched two of his labs run, and i noticed that their tails were always between their legs during retrieves. Though they followed all of his commands, they didn't seem to actually enjoy the retrieve. My guess is he is way to heavy handed to train a chessie anyway!

Thanks for post,

Josh

Good going. Don't feel bad When my oldest chessie was a puppy I was told to put him down. That person's dogs didn't come close to my boys accomplishments. Get smartworks a good guideline to work with. Also, try to get to some training seminars. My young chessie the first time on a goose would not pick it up. He just couldn't figure it out at first. He was very young. the best advice I was ever given was "learn to read your dog and dogs don't lie you just read him wrong." Makes sense dogs don't know how to lie. They know what they want it's just that you as a handler can't read it. Good luck and great job.

Moscowitz,

Thanks for the advice. You one time gave me advice to work on doubles, and I have practiced it daily since. Now I can put as many bumpers as i want out, and my pup will consistently "hunt'em up" and retrieve them to hand. I couldn't be happier with him!

Josh

Congrats Josh!

Great job...it's awesome when you can watch your training work translate in the field/water...especially ice - goose - and your own dog and hard work! ; )!!!

All the best

Wayne

Josh, which one are you in the pic you posted?

I learned a long time ago that when my dog isn't doing something right, I ask myself what "I" am doing wrong! It's rarely ever the dog's fault!

Glad to hear Gauge is doing so well for you!

Kathy Miller

Kathy,

Im the guy with glasses, and that is my soon to be brother-in-law with his arm around gauge!

I work gauge twice a day for about a 1/2 hour each time. Typically I do obedience drills for 10-15 minutes each session, and the rest retrieving.

I just keep plugging away at it, and he seems to get better every week. He is a ton better since I collar conditioned him!!!

Josh

Thats great Josh, Since all i do is hunt cause i dont think i would have time for field trials, i train my own dog also. The collar helps as well as understanding YOUR dog so YOU can adjust to the dog. Much of what Kathy said. The pup wants nothing more than to please you!!

Does anyone know of a decent book or video I could get to help me understand hunt tests?

While there may be books or videos detailing HT requirements, you can pick up most all you'll need to know to be off to a good start by just reading the rules on the AKC and Hunting Retriever Club sites.

I also highly recommend finding some upcoming hunt tests in your area and attending to watch the stakes you wish to run your dog in. You can join the gallery and ask questions. Also, when the judge gathers all the participants together before the test starts, try to join in and listen to what he tells them.

Even if you've read the rule book, going to a hunt test to run your dog cold turkey can be a rude awakening!

Kathy

Rather than join the gallery where more bullshit takes place than valuable information go out and throw. Best seat in the house. Or even take the birds from the judges.

I am going to have to give it a shot. I am researching the rules, and I found an event in the end of Feb to attend!

Thanks,

Josh

A great book to pick up is "Retriever Hunt Tests: A Handler's Guide To Success" by James B. Spencer.

It is a paperback, not very expensive at all, and gives a great overview of AKC, CKC, UKC and NAHRA hunt tests, along with some history on the development of hunt tests, how to prepare for a hunt test, tips on handling your dog etc.

Retriever Hunt Tests book

quote:

Originally posted by gauge:
I am going to have to give it a shot. I am researching the rules, and I found an event in the end of Feb to attend!

Thanks,

Josh

Josh,
Attending a HT and observing is a great way to learn as well....especially if you have read the rules prior, it will give more meaning to what is going on.

Sounds like there will be fun times ahead for you and Gauge. Good-Luck

Norene S.
Nordom Chesapeakes

Get Butch Goodwin's "Retrievers from the Inside Out"

Great book and video dedicated to CBR's
Perfect book for the beginner!!


www.northernflight.com for more info!

Good luck,

Malcolm