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  1. #1
    Puppy clcbear's Avatar
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    Possible to be successful without sending away to a trainer?

    Hello! Is it possible for a total amateur to successfully compete in hunt tests and field trials without sending the dog away to a trainer? We just brought home a new pup last week that is very nicely field bred and I'd like to give it a shot. But, our dogs are part of the family and I really have no interest in shipping him off to someone else for months. After doing some reading here, I was checking out the Evan Graham programs. The Puppy Program is out of stock until January, but I plan on ordering it as soon as it is in stock. I also have his sire's owner working on trying to find any contacts in my area that could be a good mentor. So...if I find a training program and a good mentor, is it possible for me to title our dog without sending him away? It just seems like a lot of reading that I've been doing suggests that sending away is pretty much a necessity to be successful.

    Thanks!
    Carrie

  2. #2
    Senior Dog Maxx&Emma's Avatar
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    It is absolutely possible! Joining your local Labrador club would also be helpful. Best of luck to you!
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    Maxx and Emma Jean

    Ozzy - 10/2002 - 06/2011 - Rest well my sweet boy. You are forever remembered, forever missed, forever in my heart.

  3. #3
    Senior Dog IRISHWISTLER's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by clcbear View Post
    Hello! Is it possible for a total amateur to successfully compete in hunt tests and field trials without sending the dog away to a trainer? We just brought home a new pup last week that is very nicely field bred and I'd like to give it a shot. But, our dogs are part of the family and I really have no interest in shipping him off to someone else for months. After doing some reading here, I was checking out the Evan Graham programs. The Puppy Program is out of stock until January, but I plan on ordering it as soon as it is in stock. I also have his sire's owner working on trying to find any contacts in my area that could be a good mentor. So...if I find a training program and a good mentor, is it possible for me to title our dog without sending him away? It just seems like a lot of reading that I've been doing suggests that sending away is pretty much a necessity to be successful.

    Thanks!
    Carrie
    Carrie,
    All "PRO TRAINERS" were once amateur trainers (and there are some very competent folks in the latter grouping). Find yourself a good training program such as Evan Graham's Smartworks and stick with it. it would be good to align yourself as a member of an HRC and training group if you want to participate in hunt tests.

    Your ability to competently train a competitive dog for HT's will be largely determined by your dedication to following a good program, your dedication to training time, availability of training grounds, equipment, bird boys or launchers to throw marks, etc. A good Pro has ample access to all of these critical components of training, and is further enhanced by a trainer that knows how to "read" canine behavior based on many years spent observing such behavior while training, hunting, competing, etc.

    Be honest in your own self - assessment with regard to your being able to dediate the time, energy, and resources needed to fulfill your aspirations.

    Cheers,
    THE DOG WHISTLER

    When
    TEAM TRAD PRO STAFF
    DUBLIN DUCK DYNASTY

    Joanie Madden, Mary Bergin, Adrea Coor, and Nuala Kennedy, each an Irish whistle goddess in her own right.

  4. The Following User Says Thank You to IRISHWISTLER For This Useful Post:

    clcbear (12-18-2014)

  5. #4
    House Broken EvanG's Avatar
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    Gundog Supply should have all Smartwork materials in stock currently. Here is a link to testimonials of people all of whom have been successful as amateurs, having done all their own training. Testimonials---Endorsements

    EvanG

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    clcbear (12-18-2014)

  7. #5
    Puppy clcbear's Avatar
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    EvanG - They show that the Puppy Program is out of stock until January "Temporarily sold out. Expected to be back in stock by early January, 2014." Would that be the first DVD I should be looking at purchasing? Or, what others would you recommend for this stage of puppydom? Our pup is only 9 1/2 weeks old now.

    IrishWhistler - Thanks for the feedback! I've had dogs (and a menagerie of other animals) my whole life. I've competed in obedience, done agility, puppy raised for the Guiding Eyes for the Blind organization, etc., but I've never had any real field training experience. So, it would definitely all be new to me. We have 10 acres with a pond at our home and are close to many areas that could be good training grounds. Gun fire is an easy one, as my husband and I both shoot. Everything else would require a lot of learning. I'm working on trying to find a local retriever club to join up with and am hoping the stud owner may come up with some nearby recommendations for me too.

    Our 14-year old Lab that we put to sleep in July was bred for and had the drive to retrieve. I think he would have been incredible at the hunt tests and field trails and I regret that we never gave it a try. I think he would have absolutely loved it! He was all about having a job and was a retrieving machine. So....this pup is definitely bred for it and is naturally retrieving to hand currently, so I don't want to regret not giving it a shot later on down the road. I'm just glad to hear a couple people say that it is at least possible because I was getting the feeling from people that it wasn't. Even if we never get a title, I suppose there could be worse things than getting to spend lots of time with the 4-legged kid.

  8. #6
    Puppy
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    This is what a totally amature trained dog can be. Our pup is as much family as he is a competitive retriever and hunting dog. Our pup has never seen a pro in his life and from basics to his present post transition training has been only trained and handled by the two humans he lives with. He finished up as number 2 high point junior field trial dog in Canada. (He is our first dog ever by the way)

    The ribbons and titles are a bonus. Spending time with your best four legged friend and giving them your best to help them be their best is priceless. If you have never been around a field trial or dedicated training group you will be amazed at not only what these amazing creatures are capable of but the joy they get from doing it.

    Best of luck and enjoy the journey.

  9. #7
    Senior Dog IRISHWISTLER's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by clcbear View Post
    EvanG - They show that the Puppy Program is out of stock until January "Temporarily sold out. Expected to be back in stock by early January, 2014." Would that be the first DVD I should be looking at purchasing? Or, what others would you recommend for this stage of puppydom? Our pup is only 9 1/2 weeks old now.

    IrishWhistler - Thanks for the feedback! I've had dogs (and a menagerie of other animals) my whole life. I've competed in obedience, done agility, puppy raised for the Guiding Eyes for the Blind organization, etc., but I've never had any real field training experience. So, it would definitely all be new to me. We have 10 acres with a pond at our home and are close to many areas that could be good training grounds. Gun fire is an easy one, as my husband and I both shoot. Everything else would require a lot of learning. I'm working on trying to find a local retriever club to join up with and am hoping the stud owner may come up with some nearby recommendations for me too.

    Our 14-year old Lab that we put to sleep in July was bred for and had the drive to retrieve. I think he would have been incredible at the hunt tests and field trails and I regret that we never gave it a try. I think he would have absolutely loved it! He was all about having a job and was a retrieving machine. So....this pup is definitely bred for it and is naturally retrieving to hand currently, so I don't want to regret not giving it a shot later on down the road. I'm just glad to hear a couple people say that it is at least possible because I was getting the feeling from people that it wasn't. Even if we never get a title, I suppose there could be worse things than getting to spend lots of time with the 4-legged kid.

    Good luck to ye. Get yeself a competent and recognized training program like Evan Graham's Smartworks, follow it, be diligent, and enjoy the journey with your retriever and you will do fine. I look forward to your first qualifying score ribbon photo toward ye JH Title.

    Cheers Mate,
    IRISHWHISTLER
    TEAM TRAD PRO STAFF
    DUBLIN DUCK DYNASTY

    Joanie Madden, Mary Bergin, Adrea Coor, and Nuala Kennedy, each an Irish whistle goddess in her own right.

  10. #8
    Real Retriever Coalman's Avatar
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    Very difficult decision clcbear. I tried with my first lab Bay. But life got in the way.

    After considerable research into purchasing an upland bred lab and a 3,000 mile road trip to pick her up, this time I wanted to get it right.

    Belle spent last summer with Irishwhistler at "Summer Camp for Gundogs". Best investment I made in her future.

    If anyone is considering sending your dog out for training I HIGHLY recommend Irishwhistler and Quail Ridge Kennels. And so does Belle!



    The proof is in the picture.


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    clcbear (12-21-2014)

 



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