I'am new to the retriever world and as many newbies do, I have questions. I have questions about the lingo and meanings of different things. Does anyone have any good websites for beginners that explains hunt test/field trials and how they work and what's required? I know some of you older members will get a laugh but I'm not even sure what "marks" mean. Lol!! Anything anyone has to offer I will GREATLY appreciate it! I love to watch the dogs work and I want to get involved!
New to Hunt Test/Trials....Have questions?!?!
Quackhead035
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I'am new to the retriever world and as many newbies do, I have questions. I have questions about the lingo and meanings of different things. Does anyone have any good websites for beginners that explains hunt test/field trials and how they work and what's required? I know some of you older members will get a laugh but I'm not even sure what "marks" mean. Lol!! Anything anyone has to offer I will GREATLY appreciate it! I love to watch the dogs work and I want to get involved!
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397 Posts
This site's search function is your friend.
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14,806 Posts
hi quack
start here with the RTF G.O.T. from the RTF home page most of us skip over.
click - http://www.retrievertraining.net/got.htm
.
start here with the RTF G.O.T. from the RTF home page most of us skip over.
click - http://www.retrievertraining.net/got.htm
.
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Ken Bora,
Thank you sir! I looked right over it!
Thank you sir! I looked right over it!
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14,806 Posts
you are welcome
no worries, many skip past the home page.
I wonder what the kid and the pup he is holding look like now?
must be a 12 year old photo.
Welcome to RTF quack.
.
no worries, many skip past the home page.
I wonder what the kid and the pup he is holding look like now?
must be a 12 year old photo.
Welcome to RTF quack.
.
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716 Posts
I would love to answer any question you have! When I got started I had more questions than there were answers,lol, I still have lots of questions but have a few answers now. I like you love to watch retrievers work, thats what got me into this wonderful game we call FT's. So....marks are birds that the dog watches to the ground and marks the spot the bird is at, at least in theory they watch the birds to the ground,lol, and blind retrieves are retrieves where the dog has no preconceived notion to where the bird is, ie blind retrieve. The dog has to sit on a whistle and take casts, or hand gestures that will get the dog to where the bird is, of course you have to know where the bird is to get them there,lol! Any how if you have more questions shoot me a PM or you can use the search feature and can probably answer your questions better than I can. Good on!
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180 Posts
Check the HRC website for some retriever clubs that are in your area. I can't tell you how much it helps to be around a group of people that love the sport as much as you do, and they love to help new members. It also is really nice to have your club members at the same hunt test as you. Good luck with your new pup! And welcome to the RTF!
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977 Posts
Welcome to the forum! Another good source of information is the AKC hunt test manual. You can read and download it from the AKC web site.
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2,375 Posts
I would suggest two things. 1. Go watch the different events in your area. This is a good place to find them- https://www.entryexpress.net/loggedIn/events.aspx?tab=true&clearResults=1
2. Join a local club, meet some people and learn the basics.
2. Join a local club, meet some people and learn the basics.
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Do you guys think a amateur can train a field trial dog? I have never done this before. Thanks for all the input thus far.
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7,657 Posts
Yes, although you might be surprised at how much time and effort goes into making a top notch trial dog. It takes dedication, access to grounds, and a very good dog. You don't have to be rich but you do need a certain amount of $ also.
Don't be scared to try.
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I'm going to try! If you were me where would you start? I bought 2 books. Tom Dokkens and 10 minute retriever. I have the dog sitting, staying, heeling, and coming on command. Where should I go from here?
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2,045 Posts
What Howard said.
Wish you luck in whatever you do!! I started in hunt tests, but dabble in both trials and hunt tests now. I will say field trials are not for the undedicated and take not only good training, but a great dog to be competitive.
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34 Posts
I am new to retriever training also (although in a very short time, it seems to have become an obsession)! I posted a similar question on here a few months ago, and the best advice that was given to me was find someone or a group of people that are willing to help you especially tell you when you are making training mistakes and will show you how to correct them. Found a couple of guys that knew what they are doing and went from struggling to showing improvements daily (Both handler and dog of course
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7,657 Posts
Go to the top of this page and click on the Mike Lardy add. Read his site. Buy his Total Retriever Training DVD set. You might as well buy his Total Retriever Marking now also. Watch them. Do what he says! Follow his program as closely as you can. Do it his way.
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372 Posts
If you have not purchased your dog yet, be sure to get a pup from a breeder that has proven competition lines. The pedigree of parents and ancestor's should have titles, there is a huge difference in retrievers being able to compete in hunt test/field trials and retrieving the morning slippers. A well bred pup can sell from $800 on up. Spending the money for a good pup is going to be the cheapest part of your investment and the least amount of frustration training.
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Can't believe someone actually admits they are from Cullowhee, NC.!!!!!!I am new to retriever training also (although in a very short time, it seems to have become an obsession)! I posted a similar question on here a few months ago, and the best advice that was given to me was find someone or a group of people that are willing to help you especially tell you when you are making training mistakes and will show you how to correct them. Found a couple of guys that knew what they are doing and went from struggling to showing improvements daily (Both handler and dog of course
Spent 3 years there at that crazy school, but that was a long time ago!!!!
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1,803 Posts
Find and join a local retriever club. If its a good club, there will be members there who have trained multiple dogs to high levels and will be able to provide invaluable amounts of advice to deal with your training issues.
You can read all the books and watch all the dvds you can buy, but you'll undoubtedly encounter some obstacle or your dog will present some issue that isn't like it is in the material you buy.
Welcome to RTF and enjoy the journey!
Training groups are your best bet. Watch and learn how people interact with their dogs. Posture on the line, airing vs. "at work" how they handle. Then you can work your own style in with your dogs strengths and weaknesses.
Look up some of the local pro's. Absent signing up for monthly work with them many allow for day training. This can be a real help for something you can't get figured on your own.
Good luck- Have fun!
Look up some of the local pro's. Absent signing up for monthly work with them many allow for day training. This can be a real help for something you can't get figured on your own.
Good luck- Have fun!
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