Did you know that HPRs in the UK are expected to handle? That means: To hold straight lines. To be cast left, right and back. Essentially, to 'be' Retrievers. Some of you might thing that sounds insane....

Episode 102 - aversives and listener questions

Feb 22nd, 2024 56m 23s

In this episode, I answer listener questions about in-a-row blinds, dealing with frustration in blinds and the use of aversives.

Episode 101 - in 15mins "my dog pulls on the leash"

Jan 1st, 2024 17m 30s

Check out episodes 16, 17 And take a look at my online course, Heel.

Episode 100 - in 15mins "my dog has problems with blind retrieves"

Dec 31st, 2023 17m 28s

Episodes to check out are:30, 33, 34, 36, 41, 47, 48, 62, 64, 66, 85, 88Online courses covering blind retrieves are:Blind RetrievesRemote StopFirst Steps in 3HCTraining the T Drill

Episode 99 - in 15mins "my dog doesn't recall in certain situations"

Dec 30th, 2023 17m 48s

For more help on this one, check out episodes:82, 87See the Reliable Recall course, on my website forcefreegundog.comOr check out the chapter on the Reliable Recall in my book, Force-Free Gundog Training: The Fundamentals for Success, available

Episode 98 - in 15mins 'my dog hunts too far' or 'my dog doesn't hunt far enough'

Dec 29th, 2023 13m 51s

Check out podcast episodes:57, 58, 78

Episode 97 - in 15mins 'my dog gets over-excited'

Dec 28th, 2023 17m 50s

For more help on this subject, see podcast episodes:8, 33, 78And online courses:Marking Focus and Attention

Episode 96 - in 15mins 'my dog won't deliver to hand'

Dec 27th, 2023 20m 40s

For more help on this subject, see podcast episodes:10, 11, 13, 14, 19, 23, 26For an online course, see the Clicker Retrieve course

Episode 95 - in 15mins 'my dog chases game'

Dec 26th, 2023 17m 39s

For more help on this subject, see podcast episodes:5, 23, 49, 51, 57, 58, 62, 76, 87, 89And check out my online courses:Remote StopSteadyIn brief:Build an alternative reinforcerTeach the dog to recall off game before stopping/sittingTeach the

Episode 94 - in 15 minutes: 'my dog doesn't give me focus or attention outdoors'

Dec 25th, 2023 19m 22s

For more help on this subject, see podcast episodes:61, 85, 86 and 88For food motivation help, see episodes 54 and 72

Episode 93 - NEW Marking course

Nov 17th, 2023 30m

In this episode I talk about Marking, as my new Marking course is now available! I also talk about some differences with blind retrieves when it comes to working vs competing with a dog.

Episode 92 - the future of gundog stuff, hard mouth, switching from aversives and daily routines

Oct 4th, 2023 46m 23s

In this episode I talk about:the future of gundog training and breeding in today's worldhard mouth - what causes it, what to do about it, whether you can assess for itswitching from the use of aversivesdaily routines

Episode 91 - many diverse listener questions!

Aug 29th, 2023 47m 12s

Answering many super-interesting listener questions :)

Episode 90 - behind the scenes of training and water deliveries

Aug 1st, 2023 36m 50s

I cover a few bits and pieces related not to training itself (how to train a specific behaviour) but how to conceive of various training-related issues in a broader way. Does that sound vague? Well, you'll just have to give it a go. PS I also c

Episode 89 - 'cigar'-ing bumpers, Recall to Flush and training multiple dogs

Jul 3rd, 2023 36m 59s

In this episode I waffle. About random questions I've been sent. Have a listen!

Episode 88 - free-running, marking and lining

Jun 4th, 2023 31m 16s

I talk about whether we should allow dogs free access to the environment or not and also chat about marking problems and lining skills.

Episode 87 - Recall to Flush

May 17th, 2023 16m 13s

I talk freely (extremely freely), about training a recall to flush before a sit to flush behaviour.

Episode 86 - getting focus from your dog, outdoors

Apr 15th, 2023 34m 45s

In this episode, I talk about how to get your dog to offer you focus and attention in distracting environments.

Episode 85 - the T-Drill, accessing birds, distracted dogs

Mar 29th, 2023 31m 2s

I chat about the T-Drill and a few tricky corners to consider when training this drill. I also answer listener questions about accessing birds and what to do if your dog is distracted at a working test.

Episode 84 - birds as reinforcers, puppy food motivation and joint problems

Mar 20th, 2023 37m 20s

Listener questions about how to encourage a dog to hunt wider/more confidently; how to increase food motivation in a puppy; and how much retrieving is too much (physically).

Episode 83 - cold game and questions about aversives

Feb 7th, 2023 29m 14s

Probs with cold game retrieves and a couple of questions about aversives

Episode 82 - the unedited one, mostly clicker retrieve and recall questions

Jan 15th, 2023 25m 56s

In this highly unusual episode(!), I waffle (because usually I don't, right?) about the clicker retrieve and recalls and long-lines.

Episode 81 - the one with holiday gift ideas and product recommendations

Nov 30th, 2022 1h 7m

In this episode, I recommend my favourite wellies, boots, coats, training vests, dummies, leashes, treat pouches and more.I also answer listener questions about pointing, marker cues and the 'Go Sniff' exercise in my book.

Episode 80 - the one about how you put the HPR sequence together

Nov 2nd, 2022 39m 2s

In this episode, I waffle freely (extremely freely) about training the HPR sequence - with an attempt to give something of an overview, instead of getting lost in how to train any one behaviour in detail.

Episode 79 - over-population and the impact on quality of life for dogs

Oct 16th, 2022 51m 33s

This episode takes a look at the issue of over-population and the increasing amount of restrictions that dogs face as a result. I offer some solutions. I'm not very hopeful anything will be implemented in time to avoid the blanket 'all dogs mus