Some of our most frequently asked questions

Q. How do I get my 7wk old pup to start to retrieve?

A. I like to toss an old sock across the kitchen floor to entice the pup into making his first retrieves. This great, early training session takes all of five minutes.

Q. When should I send my pup to a pro trainer?

A. The best time to consider consulting a professional is when your retriever is a pup, and has not yet developed bad habits. Ideally, we like to get dogs in for training at the ages between four and six months for our puppy head start program, and at six to seven months for regular training. 

Q. I have an older dog that will not retrieve, what can I do?

A. If you have tried socks, bumpers, balls, Try going to a dead bird to see if there is any hunting instincts that come out. Sometimes you can make a game out of it with another dog retrieving the same bumper. A little competition may just be the trick.

Q. My dog is six months’ old, likes to retrieve, but would not go pick up a duck from the duck blind. What’s wrong?

A. We understand the transition from throwing bumpers to duck hunting; however, in young dogs they may have missed a step. It’s just a matter of communication. You are right to encourage your dog to retrieve by throwing a bumper on land or in water. He is used to you throwing, the bird coming from you. Point A to Point B. Birds originate from Point C. Has anyone else thrown bumpers/birds for you? Try this. Have your friend 50 yards away from you throw the bumper. He may have to say “hey, hey, hey” to get your dogs attention and be excited to see the bumper. You send your dog. The dog needs to be successful and told ‘good dog’. Then go to a small pond. Have your friend throw the bumper in the pond. Short retrieving distance first. Again the dog needs to be successful. Then have your friend throw a duck in the pond. Short distance first, then increase this distance, success is the key. Sometimes we have to break it down and show our dog what is expected.

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Presented by Barry & Becky Lyons