[slzigler]

I will be purchasing a new lab pup. With the pedigree of this dog, I am very interested in running trials with it and potentially breeding it should it develop into the dog I want it to become. I have zero experience in training for trials, let alone doing trials, I want to find a GOOD, REPUTABLE trailer to help me train my pup. I have Personally trained all my hunting dogs in the past so I want to be hands on and I want a trainer who is going to support positive reinforcement over excessive use of a shock collar. (I want my dog to do something because it wants to please, and it loves doing it versus being afraid of getting shocked.) I am in the Midwest (Minnesota). And a starting point for field tests would be JH but one day I would love to try for AFC.

Any suggestions on trainers?

 

[Raymond Little]

FT doesn't begin with JH and you will never reach AFC without use of an e-collar even if you have the bestest horse out there. I am not trying to belittle your goals just inform you that they aren't realistic in today's world of FT. Best advise is to go visit Jim Van Engin at Right Start Kennels and here it from the horses mouth. Maybe he will put you on his waiting list.

 

[slzigler]

Oh I think you had me wrong I use e-collars in my own training, and think they are beneficial when used correctly. I have just seen too many of my buddies dogs trained too hard with the e-collar that the dog is just a complete mess and afraid. My neighbor just got his golden back and he was telling me you should never verbally tell a dog what to do you just shock it, and it will know by the pattern of shocks what to do.

For me I have always told the dog what I want done then if it breaks without a verbal release then you shock (just an example.)

 

[schroho]

Tim Springer and Lauren Haynes from Dynamic Retrievers have been my saving grace. They are located north of Stillwater MN in the summer and Texas in the winter. Was in the same boat as you. Trained all my dogs on my own for hunting and Hunt Test but was interested in the Field Trial Game. Tim and Lauren along with a few other people have helped me first become a better dog owner and second a better handler. Its a slow road but one worth taking.

 

[Karen Klotthor]

I think you are using the term field trails but really mean you want to run hunt test. JH is the lowerst level of AKC hunt test. Very big difference and that is what Raymond was referring to when he said it is hard to compete in trials without the collar. Yes, you are right too many abuse the use of the E-collar and can ruin a very nice dog. Join a local club so you will have a trianing group to train with. Meet up with some of the old timers and ask them for help.

 

[JusticeDog]

If you are close to Mondovi, Wi, check out Wayne Curtis and Fox Hollow kennels. Since his boys have joined him, they are running the gamit of hunt tests to field trials and can help sort out the abilities of you and your dog. No abuse going on there.

 

[DMO01]

Rick Stawski, FineLine Retreivers, Milaca, Mn. Great guy, Great trainer.

 

[rholton]

Marc Patton with Hidden Acres Retrievers in Monticello, MN. He trained here in GA last winter and I got to spend a lot of time training with him. He is who I would recommend. (717) 395-8036

 

[Backwater]

Oh I think you had me wrong I use e-collars in my own training, and think they are beneficial when used correctly. I have just seen too many of my buddies dogs trained too hard with the e-collar that the dog is just a complete mess and afraid. My neighbor just got his golden back and he was telling me you should never verbally tell a dog what to do you just shock it, and it will know by the pattern of shocks what to do.

For me I have always told the dog what I want done then if it breaks without a verbal release then you shock (just an example.)

Who are you hanging around with? My goodness, just shock them????

 

[g_fiebelkorn]

Rick Stawski, FineLine Retreivers, Milaca, Mn. Great guy, Great trainer.

I whole heartedly agree. My young Golden and I have joined Rick at his excellent winter training grounds outside Tallahassee, FL for the last three years and we will be with him again this winter.

If you want to get a good example of Rick's training methods, take a look at one of the DVDs from his four volume retriever training series "Fowl Dawgs."

Rick and his assistant Trey Bullard have excellent work ethics and I know from personal experience -- I am now in Milaca training with him, your young dog will receive an excellent foundation for your dollar.

I know Rick is already making plans for the winter 2014 trip -- give him a call or send him an email. He has a WEB site: www.finelineretrievers.com

 

[Takem_brewer]

Highly recommend Next Generation Gundogs (ngdtraining.com) and they are located right outside of Albert Lea, Mn.

 

[Ricknb7]

Where are you located? Ray Weaver is one of the best in the business. Bittersweet Kennels, Ray travels to South Carolina in the Winter Wapoolah Island Plantation, best training ground in the country. Ray has trained many MH and owned a Chessy that was a National Field Trial Champ. His kennel is located in Northern Indiana, when were not in ND chasing, ducks & geese. His cell # 574-596-9079. Ray is overly honest he will never steer you wrong. Rick Baker

 

[EdA]

Owned a Chessy that was a National Field Trial Champ.

You might want to double check your sources on that one

 

[Raymond Little]

You might want to double check your sources on that one

Mais come on

 

[Howard N]

My neighbor just got his golden back and he was telling me you should never verbally tell a dog what to do you just shock it, and it will know by the pattern of shocks what to do.

Don't send your pup the the trainer your neighbor used!

If you aspire to all age competition in field trials, don't even think of hunt tests until after basics and transition are over. At that time the dog is darn close to master hunter level, if not already there.

 

[Swampcollie]

Rick Stawski or Curtis

 

[2tall]

I am really surprised that no one has suggested that you attend a Hunt Test and a Field Trial! Go watch the dogs work at each level, see which pros are handling dogs you like, talk to the gallery, just see what is involved in each. Then you have a good idea what you are looking for. Have fun!

 

[Backwater]

Where are you located? Ray Weaver is one of the best in the business. Bittersweet Kennels, Ray travels to South Carolina in the Winter Wapoolah Island Plantation, best training ground in the country. Ray has trained many MH and owned a Chessy that was a National Field Trial Champ. His kennel is located in Northern Indiana, when were not in ND chasing, ducks & geese. His cell # 574-596-9079. Ray is overly honest he will never steer you wrong. Rick Baker

I have never, ever heard of a Chessie having NFC in front of their name?? Anyone else heard of this?

 

[Howard N]

Happened when the game was first beginning. I doubt it has happened since 1940 or so.

 

[canuckkiller]

NFC Chessie -

Absolutely Not!

W. D. Connor