Why is there no training material available?

[thelast2]

So I ask why is there no training material available for common problems for the begining retriever trainer? Have all the Pros out there always been enlightened so much that they never encountered problems? After awhile anyone who does training for a living or a better portion of their life I imagine the problems become easy to deal with. But for those just starting out, those same problems can cause great harm to the dog and someone leaving the sport all together. To me neither is desirable. I ask this because as usual I get to reading something that strikes a chord with no resolution to the problem and I quote "A proper introduction to the gun should last a lifetime. If, however, a dog gets gun shy subsequent to the proper gun introduction, then it is probably because he had his ears "rung" by muzzle blast. If pup gets
out in front the muzzle blast from your shotgun, it will hurt him and will certainly contribute to early deafness." R. Milner. That phrase ended the discussion. So how does that help someone dealing with a gun dog who had proper introduction to the gun get through with a dog that devolps a case of being gun-shy? And let it be known im not picking on the author just simply asking the question? If material is out there that covers common problems someone please let it be known, as I have not come across it as of yet.

[john fallon]

Have you tried to use the search function at the top of the page? For instance type Gun shy. hit the Q and read away............

john

[Wayne Nutt]

There is more information available than you can possibly absord. Like John said above try searching a topic on this forum. Or if you like print material subscribe to Retrievers Online by Dennis Voigt. You can purchase back issues that cover just about any problem imagable. Or buy Mike Lardy's compliation of Retriever Journal articles at only $25 per Volume. Volume I covers the basics. They are available at YBS Media.

It goes on and on. Maybe you haven't been looking in all the right places.

[RJW]

Are you having a problem or anticipating one and/or just want to be prepared if one happens?

[steve schreiner]

There is plenty of info for beginners out there as mentioned ...You just have to ask specific questions or use the search if too bashful to ask...There is no book listing all the possible problems that can arise in training dogs...Some programs do a better job of covering some of the possible ones better than others...Steve S

[thelast2]

I wasnt trying to be critical of any author, just seems that all the books and videos I have they hint at problems that might arise during training but dont actually discuss how to go about solving them. And while I realize the list of problems that can arise during training is a long one. I just wanted to know if there were sources that discuss some of the more common problems not just for myself but anyone else who may have the same question. Thanks, Wayne I will look into the Lardy Retriever Journals. And as always there is always searching this forum just have to navigate thru it.

[FOM]

The issue is most problems are situational and not so black and white...you are dealing with a living, thinking creature so you have to read the dog and adjust accordingly. To try and put every training issue into written form would take a highly skilled trainer so much time that they would not be gaining the necessary hands on experience to solve such problems...

[jollydog]

Danny Farmer and Judy Aycock have a training DVD called Problems & Solutions available on his website:
dannyfarmer.com

[Criquetpas]

Most of the material about training retrievers is about the perfect world. Follow this program you won't have any problems. I attended a seminar years back and that was the pat answer to your question of what if's. The answer, if you follow our program to the letter,well no problems. Now conventional wisdom even for a newbie, it sounds absurb I think. This forum tries to remedy the what if's you have search for it or ask very specific questions. The sometimes answer you will get is a what program are you ?. You might have to seek out some of the older conventional training to solve the what if's . Some older material , pre-classic e-collar might be Training Retrievers to Handle by D L Walters as an example, not promoting the book, rather as example with problem solving. Something as simple as going to the library , look up retriever training etc. Then come back on the forum and discuss what you read about a specific problem. Keep a thick skin as there will always be a few 90 day wonders and smart answers ,but, sort through them and I am sure you will get what you are looking for. There is a wealth of experience on this forum and many more then willing to share with you.

[Rnd]

"I wasnt trying to be critical of any author, just seems that all the books and videos I have they hint at problems that might arise during training but dont actually discuss how to go about solving them"

Most of the training material out there focuses on "avoiding" problems rather than correcting them.

That is for a reason: By following certain procedures and sequences you should not encounter most of the problems they mention.

Examples:

If Properly introduced ​to gun fire the dog will most likely not be gun shy. Proper introduction to gun fire is not a 1 or 2 day event.

If properly socialized pup should be comfortable with crate,kids,vehicles,noises,walks etc.etc.

If properly force fetched pup should not have a hard mouth & should not have no-goes and so on.

You can see where I'm going with this. The materials will teach you to avoid, or at the very least reduce you chances of incurring said problems.



To answer your question more directly you may try:

Problems and solutions ​By Danny Farmer and Judy Aycock