FIELD TRIAL TRAINING AND HANDLING

Training and handling for the AKC Field Trial Program is one of the greatest challenges of the retriever games and competitions. The competitive nature of field trials challenges the trainer and handler to continually improve his or her skills. Field Trial Training is the focus at Dynamic Retrievers. This style of training is very beneficial to almost any retriever, especially true for young dogs, even if it will never run a field trial. The philosophy of our training program teaches skills and concepts, but also encourages a correct mindset and "balance" in your dog. We work hard at making sure dogs are obedient, calm, focused, stylish, and try their best. It is a thing of beauty to watch a dog sitting still next to its handler, watching the birds fall, and then on command retrieve them with style and purpose. That concept is valid whether competing at the National Championship or sitting in a duck blind, and everything in between.

Dogs are trained to mark off white coats. This teaches the dog to use all his senses when retrieving a mark, but especially teaches the correct combination of using his eyes, nose, and brain. Blind retrieve training closely follows the step-by-step flow chart of Mike Lardy's Total Retriever Training Program. This is where your retriever learns to go when sent, even if it has not seen a bird fall, then stop on a whistle and take casts (hand signals) to get the bird. Completing a long tough blind retrieve is, to me, exhilarating. It's a toss up whether I get a bigger thrill at a field trial or in the duck blind when my dog and I complete a difficult blind retrieve!

Field Trial Training at Dynamic Retrievers is beneficial for young field trial dogs through the Derby and Qualifying, and to the point they are close to or are ready for the Open and Amateur All-Age stakes. Young dogs with Hunt Tests in their future will gain solid skills that will serve them well in any of the Hunt Test Venues. Exposure to the window dressings of a hunt test will be needed before they run one however, such as duck calls, large numbers of decoys, very close marks, shooting from the line, etc. Hunt Test dogs with owners who want to try field trials as well would be good candidates for training at Dynamic Retrievers. Our experiences with training for and handling dogs in both types of tests allow us to transition those dogs successfully. An example might be someone with a strong Master Hunter wanting to run the Qualifying. Having said that, it is easier to transition a dog from field trial training to hunt test training then the other way around. So even if you never want to run a field trial please start your dog out that way, it will be a better dog in the long run and will learn in training, not be tested during training.

HUNT TEST PROGRAM

Here at Dynamic Retrievers we have a strong desire to see the Hunt Test Programs continue to grow and flourish. Hunt Tests are the best place for new people to get their start. Training and handling your own dog for Hunt Tests is still a doable option for the average Joe hunter or huntress, and it will keep you and your dog mentally and physically sharp for hunting season.

Lauren began handling dogs in Hunt Tests in 2011. So far her success rate is very good and she plans to run a few throughout the year. Starting in 2012 Tim will no longer be handling dogs on a regular basis in Hunt Tests.

PUPPY SOCIALIZATION PROGRAM

Puppy socialization is available at Dynamic Retrievers. We can only take one puppy between the age of 7 weeks to 5 months old for socialization. Puppy will live inside, taken into the community for social outings, socialized to the training environment and trailer, introduced to birds, fun retrieves, fun obedience games, and thinking games meant to take advantage and optimize this vital time of brain development. Puppy training most closely follows Bill Hillmann's philosophy of encouraging "balance" from the beginning. We absolutely recommend the Hillmann puppy training DVD for those working with their own pup. Go to WWW.HAWKEYEMEDIA.NET for more info.

GUN DOG/HUNTING DOG PROGRAM

Initially the same as the Field Trial and Hunt Test Programs concerning obedience, conditioned retrieve, and e-collar conditioning. Those dogs that will not run hunt tests or field trials get less work with technical aspects and more work with finding birds, dead and alive. Training will be done to match your style of hunting. Dogs may be trained to flush birds, chase down a live running rooster pheasant or a diving duck. We do our best to bring out the birdiness while maintaining obedience at the same time. We strive to have our trained gun dogs be pleasant to be around when at home, or in the field.

Our program has been especially popular with those hunters wanting a "handling" dog for waterfowl hunting. Being able to run a basic blind retrieve (whistle and hand signals) out to 300 yards or so is a valuable tool when a long retrieve is necessary.

A basic gun dog should be well-trained in 2-3 months. A basic handling dog takes 4-6 months. Much depends on the natural talent of the dog which brings up a point. Buy a well-bred dog and you will get much more out of your training dollars and time spent!

Seminars

"What the Books Don't Tell You," seminars have been gaining in popularity. The seminar is a thought-provoking combination of classroom and field work with handlers and dogs. Meant to compliment any training program, we discuss core and basic principles that underlie any solid training approach. Topics include a dog's mentality, understanding dominance and submissiveness in a pack, the tools of pressure and exactly how much pressure is ok to use and when to use it, and how to maximize your dog's learning. Contact Tim or Lauren for more info. Typically a 2 or 3 day seminar.

Private Lessons

Although very popular, private lessons are currently discontinued.

Day Training

Clients and non-clients are invited to join in on regular training days as scheduled with Tim and/or Lauren. Everyone will be expected to pitch in, this may include throwing birds, planting a blind, filling water bowls, or bringing drinks and snacks. Not everyone is physically capable of throwing a dead duck well but everyone is capable of contributing in some way! Our training sessions are fast-paced and efficient, please be efficient yourself and respect the time we owe to each dog. Discussion will occur incidentally during the training day but mostly at the end of the last set-up.

Boarding and breeding

We do not board or breed dogs, we are strictly a training facility.

Rates

Please contact contact Tim or Lauren for rate information.

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