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Late start Boykin

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ahud

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hello,

I have a Four-month-old Boykin spaniel and we are currently going through Bill Hillman's puppy program. I did not get my puppy started until late, so we are just starting Hillman's program. I will be behind due to the late start. I'm training my pup like a lab. I don't really have much of choice beyond training alone because of work(weekends and second shift) and school. I'm off work on Monday-Wednesday, but I doubt those are popular training days. My schedule may change next year, but training alone will be the norm for now. I know this limits me, but life is life.

I don't know what program I want to move forward with after we complete Hillman. I really like Hillman's philosophy. The three contenders are Lardy, Graham, and Stawski. Is there any particular program you think would give me the best chance of success? I know the deck is stacked against me since I will be training alone. I will need instruction on the basic OB (heel, here, etc). I want to pick one program. I am having enough trouble picking one, I don't want to stress over which one to follow on individual topics.

My goals are to train the best dog I can. If we can do hunt tests down the road then I would consider myself a success. Especially if I can get to Senior Hunter. I dove hunt as well. Mostly, this pup is a pet. So far, he is up for anything and is a bold energetic pump. I want to keep him that way.

Any and all advice is appreciated.
 
#6 ·
ahud said:
Hi Blaine,


I honestly did not realize Bill had come out with material. I'll read up Fundamentals 1 and 2. I can't see why that would not work. A little pricey!

Is that what you would recommend over the other three programs for a boykin?
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Not necessarily. Though I have a couple days trainers and clients with a 2nd dog that are using it with good results. They all loves the puppy video and are gonna transition with the rest of the program.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
BlaineT said:
Not necessarily. Though I have a couple days trainers and clients with a 2nd dog that are using it with good results. They all loves the puppy video and are gonna transition with the rest of the program.
Click to expand...
BlaineT said:
Not necessarily. Though I have a couple days trainers and clients with a 2nd dog that are using it with good results. They all loves the puppy video and are gonna transition with the rest of the program.
Click to expand...

I understand. So sticking with Hillman vs transitioning to one of the other three would be my preference in your opinion? I went to school just down the road from you, at Clemson. Nice looking dogs on your site! You are training boykins to a level I would love to achieve. So your opinion has some weight. I know the whole program debate gets old, but I can't help but wonder if one suits a boykin better.

Just wanted to clarify as well. I am training alone out of necessity. If I can find someone that could let me tag along on my off days, I would love that. Working weekends, I miss most things.
 
#8 ·
I think if you like the process hillman has then go with it . You can train them with all the programs mentioned. They can do it fine. Since you haven't used any of them i don't think it matters, cause you don't t have any preconceived thoughts or notions on them. The one you connect with most will work fine if you follow it to a T.
 
#13 ·
BlaineT said:
We're running a field trial this weekend at Bill Clark's grounds. Come out and see us. It's pretty close to you.
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Couple questions:

1) Running a FT with a Boykin? Don't laugh, someday it'll happen, and you might be the person who breaks through for them mud poodles.
2) Can y'all help ahud here with some training guidance for his pup via the usual sweat equity (bird-throwing) route? He's too polite of a S'C'linian gentleman to ask directly...;)

MG
 
#14 ·
crackerd said:
Couple questions:

1) Running a FT with a Boykin? Don't laugh, someday it'll happen, and you might be the person who breaks through for them mud poodles.
2) Can y'all help ahud here with some training guidance for his pup via the usual sweat equity (bird-throwing) route? He's too polite of a S'C'linian gentleman to ask directly...;)

MG
Click to expand...
They are "club trials"...run in a ft format with winners, placements, and jams across all levels. They are put in by Carolina Boykin Spaniel Retriever Club...to the boykin folk, they are a BIG deal.
 
#19 ·
Four months is not a late start. Take your time, get with some good people (like Blaine... he's handled hundred of those muskrats), and do it right the first time. I rushed through some stuff and realized it around 6 months. Started from square one, took my time, and things went much smoother.

Hillman puppy is a great start. 100% recommend. I did transition to Graham following FF. I did try Hillman fetch but failed to understand Bill Hillman's methods when being a completely new trainer... I probably still don't but I have a much better understanding of the process now.

Getting another pup within the next year... really kicking around trying the full Hillman program.

Good luck and have fun!
 
#20 ·
The full hillman fetch series is not a bad deal Brett. I did it with 2 client dogs that weren't in a rush and didn't mind me trying some new things with them. One won 1st in nationals at puppy last year, the other came in 3rd. They are both running Seasoned/senior work now, through the hillman process.


And to the OP, if you ever want to come spend a day or 2 down here you're more than welcome.
 
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ahud
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