ADVANCED RETRIEVER TRAINING
Take the Foundation Further
ENTRY STANDARD
Dogs must have completed our basics program or have an evaluation before beginning advanced work.
A dog that is still weak in obedience, force fetch, delivery, or steadiness may need those areas repaired before moving forward.
Advanced work does not cover up weak basics. It exposes them.
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Multiple marks
Memory marks
Retired or hidden guns
Longer marks
Cover and terrain changes
Angle entries
Tight marks
Diversions
Old falls
Honoring another working dog
More difficult hunting pictures
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Whistle sits
Lining
Casting
Land blinds
Water blinds
Pattern blinds
Cold blinds
Handling through cover
Handling across terrain changes
Points and shorelines
Obstacles
Technical water concepts
Maintaining momentum while under control
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Depending on the owner’s goals, training may also include:
Boats
Dog stands
Layout or pit-style setups
Decoys
Multiple guns
Walk-ups
Diversion birds or shots
Honoring
Hunt-test concepts
Field-trial preparation where appropriate
Most client dogs come here to become hunting dogs. Hunt-test preparation is available when that is part of the owner’s goal.
WHAT “FINISHED” MEANS
A truly finished retriever should remain steady, pick up multiple marks, and run blind retrieves on both land and water.
It should also be a dog a capable handler can take hunting anywhere without struggling through the entire hunt.
That level takes time. Not every dog has the same natural ability, maturity, or ceiling.
We train the dog in front of us and remain honest about what that dog is capable of becoming.