- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Coaching Changes
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Retreiver training book
Posted on 2/12/15 at 10:23 pm
Posted on 2/12/15 at 10:23 pm
Currently have a black lab pup and about time to start some obedience. I plan to use him as a duck dog and looking to see what book you guys recommend to get a good grasp on how to do this. My dad used water dog back in the day but didn't know if yall found one more helpful. Thanks in advance.
This post was edited on 2/12/15 at 10:24 pm
12
Posted on 2/12/15 at 10:35 pm to twoboots
Water Dog is the bible of training dogs for duck hunting. Maybe there are some other ones out there but there's a reason it is still the #1 selling dog training book on Amazon.
Posted on 2/13/15 at 12:19 am to twoboots
Get the smartwork program by evan graham. Waterdog is good but there are better options these days
Smartwork seem expensive but trust me you would pay big money to have trained retriever if you go halfass and dont do it the right way the first time
when you buy the best you only cry once
Smartwork seem expensive but trust me you would pay big money to have trained retriever if you go halfass and dont do it the right way the first time
when you buy the best you only cry once
Posted on 2/13/15 at 2:19 am to Fat Neck
Never known anyone that has used Smartworks. Can you explain what makes it better than Waterdog?
I am looking at getting a new retriever soon (most likely a boykin) and I am curious about this Smartworks.
I am looking at getting a new retriever soon (most likely a boykin) and I am curious about this Smartworks.
Posted on 2/13/15 at 5:14 am to twoboots
Evan Graham's program is a fine program as is mike lardy's program. You may want to check bill hillman's program also as it is not heavy on forcing but gets very good results. I have seen training evolve very much in the 20 years I have done it and bill hillman's program is geared to the young dog that is eager to retrieve. Waterdog is an ok book but there is much newer and better info out there. If you are in lafayette area I would be glad to help you if needed.
Posted on 2/13/15 at 10:48 am to twoboots
Water Dog is great but pretty outdated. I'd recommend 10 Minute Retriever, Finished Dog by Charlie Jurney (basically an updated water dog with much more detail), and the Fowl Dawgs DVD series by Stawski. The combination of those should give you the confidence and the ability to train to a high level. I find that the DVDs are nice because it's really helpful for a new trainer to actually see things instead of just reading.
Hillman's stuff is good, but it's geared towards younger dogs, and there's not a lot of room for not following his program. In other words, if that's what you go with, you need to stick with his program.
Hillman's stuff is good, but it's geared towards younger dogs, and there's not a lot of room for not following his program. In other words, if that's what you go with, you need to stick with his program.
Posted on 2/13/15 at 11:02 am to Fat Neck
Got a pretty awesome Drahthaar manual recently
Posted on 2/13/15 at 11:20 am to PapaPogey
Which one BOURG? Ive read couple
Good luck with your pup keep updates going
Good luck with your pup keep updates going
Posted on 2/13/15 at 11:24 am to Fat Neck
The puppy manual from Roger Smith and Nancy Bohs. Pup will be here in approx 3 weeks.
Posted on 2/13/15 at 12:08 pm to twoboots
Read water dog (the bible) and Dokken's Retriever training a few months before I got my pup. Good to see a couple points of view to try new things. Dokken's is a quick easy read with lots of pictures and goes from selecting a puppy to advanced retriever training. Trick is to keep reading while training your dog. Dont just read it once and put it on th shelf. Following these books and working your dog 10-20 min/day should treat you and your pup well.
FWIW my lab made his first retrieve at 4 mths and was making blind retrieves and handling at 10 mths. He's almost 2 and had a great season this year.
Good Luck. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
FWIW my lab made his first retrieve at 4 mths and was making blind retrieves and handling at 10 mths. He's almost 2 and had a great season this year.
Good Luck. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Posted on 2/13/15 at 12:13 pm to Ppro
quote:
If you are in lafayette area I would be glad to help you if needed.
Same here for BR
Posted on 2/13/15 at 12:50 pm to twoboots
I used the Fowl Dog dvds by Rick Stranski (sp?). Very easy to follow and very inclusive.
Evan Graham and Mike Lardy have good programs too
I'd read Water Dog as a background because it provides some decent info, but for actual training purposes, I'd follow one of the three programs above
Evan Graham and Mike Lardy have good programs too
I'd read Water Dog as a background because it provides some decent info, but for actual training purposes, I'd follow one of the three programs above
Posted on 2/13/15 at 1:11 pm to fillmoregandt
I am considering smartworks or 10 minute retriever. I have heard great things about both but everyone I've talked to swear by water dog. I lucked out with a good pup doing 15-20 yard retrieves at 12 weeks. He is learning quick and want to keep his progress moving forward. I appreciate all the advice. Also is anyone a member of amite retriever club? Someone recommended joining just to stay involved and learn from some of these other guys. Thanks in advance.
Posted on 2/13/15 at 1:14 pm to twoboots
I have wanted to join for while. Last time I tried their site was down. And I work out of town now so I wouldn't be able to make the meetings.
A lot of ppl suggested joining it. Good to get advice from old timers who have been working dogs since nam...
A lot of ppl suggested joining it. Good to get advice from old timers who have been working dogs since nam...
This post was edited on 2/13/15 at 1:16 pm
Posted on 2/13/15 at 1:18 pm to twoboots
Wildrose Kennels in Oxford, MS puts out some phenomenal dogs and some pretty good literature. Look up "The Wildrose Way-Retriever Training" and "Sporting Dog and Retriever Training-The Wildrose Way."
Posted on 2/13/15 at 2:19 pm to DownSouthJukin
Posted on 2/13/15 at 3:05 pm to bbvdd
I used "Hey pup, Fetch It up". By Bill Tarrant.
Posted on 2/13/15 at 3:07 pm to twoboots
Waterdog is very old school (read: antiquated) in its approach and basically relies on the dog being a natural retrieving whiz.
The modern programs (Graham, Lardy, Stransky) are much more structured in teaching the steps, including force fetch.
Like I said, I would read Waterdog just to get some background info because it does have good basic philosophies, but I'd stick to the modern programs for actual training
The modern programs (Graham, Lardy, Stransky) are much more structured in teaching the steps, including force fetch.
Like I said, I would read Waterdog just to get some background info because it does have good basic philosophies, but I'd stick to the modern programs for actual training
Posted on 2/13/15 at 3:53 pm to DownSouthJukin
quote:
Wildrose Kennels
Have yet to be impressed by a dog I have seen from here
Posted on 2/13/15 at 3:58 pm to twoboots
I have found nothing more helpful than Water dog
Page 1 of 2
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News