[Cut em_Jack]

Im getting ready to get a new pup and I want to follow a proven program. Im down to the Lardy program and Smart Works. Which one is easier for a almost new trainer (ive got a dog trying for Sr.) to follow? Ive heard that the Lardy tapes are aimed toward more experianced trainers. Any thoughts would be great.

 

[Kyle Garris]

If at all possible, get both! I think the whole SmartWorks system is easier to understand though. Especially for a beginner. Just my .02 worth. Good luck!

 

[DL]

I don't think that Lardy's Retriever Journal Articles Volume I is aimed towards more experienced trainers. It is geared towards people with a suscription to the Retriever Journal. I am inexperienced and I enjoy the Retriever Journal just for the pictures, as well as the content.

The tapes are probally geared to more experienced trainers because it comes from a seminar. More experienced trainors go to seminars, and even more experienced trainers go to one put on by Lardy.

 

[Goldenboy]

Im getting ready to get a new pup and I want to follow a proven program. Im down to the Lardy program and Smart Works. Which one is easier for a almost new trainer (ive got a dog trying for Sr.) to follow? Ive heard that the Lardy tapes are aimed toward more experianced trainers. Any thoughts would be great.

Lardy's three sets of articles taken from the Retriever Journal are the companion piece to the tapes. Use both, refer to them often, and you should have no problem understanding his principles. And, you'll have a very well trained dog.

 

[Blklab]

Both are very good and both are proven.
I would read both and pick one to follow.

 

[Scott Adams]

Your best bet for success is to get with a knowledgable trainer. The books are great and neccessary, but they don't teach the "art" of training.
Training is alot more fun when you know how to avoid problems, which is a big part of the art. The practical side of training is best learned under the guidance of someone who has been there.

 

[Cut em_Jack]

Not a lot of pros around without driving a couple of hours. I know the pro would be best but I really want to do it myself. I trained my current dog mostly myself but she was my first and I didnt follow a program so alot of her potential my have been wasted due to me. I just want to follow a program with my next pup so I can get everything I can get out of him. I get alot of enjoyment ofwatching my dogs progression instead of sending him off and seeing him during his training and getting him back a started or finshed dog.

 

[franklauzon]

Fowl Dawgs

Well I've looked at the Lardy videos, and they are excellent ONCE you know what you are doing, they don't really show you much how-to...

I watched one of Evans, and was impressed...

I received on the week-end the Fowl Dawgs DVD, and was pretty impressed with it... I'm already passed most of what is on the DVD, but had I got that first, I would have been WAY ahead of the game!

 

[Misty Marsh]

Smartworks

 

[blind ambition]

Get; Lardy's Retriever Journal articles, Evan's Smartwork volumes and DVD's and subscribe to Online. These will give you all the drills and sequences of steps to follow to advance your dog from puppy to AA.

Study Dave Rorem's Art and Science of Handling DVD to train yourself how to put it together on the mat or at the line plus it includes some neat insider competition tips you and I might wait a lifetime to discover on our own. If you can get to seminar go, if not, think about getting your club or training buddies together to put one on with a pro who will come to your location.

Just my .03 cents (Canadian funds not accepted at par)

 

[Mike Peters-labguy23]

I think you can use both, I have. I like the way Graham FF's and the way Lardy CC's so thats what I do. Graham's materials are easier to follow and help with some problem solving.

Now, Stawski's Fowl dogs video is the first to show what FF really looks like from begining to end along with some other very valuable info and it's only $20. So for training I use a mix of Lardy,Graham,Stawski. I also really enjoyed the Rorem and Attar video's on handleing.

My view is use the best from all!

 

[ducksoup]

Lardy and Smartworks together -- both compliment each other -- Evan's work easier maybe to follow for beginners but Lardy very complete as well -- both are very complete programs -- especially if you get all DVDs etc. -- but Scott was right when he advised on working closely with pro or very experienced amateur trainer -- latter might be available to you by joining strong local training group and/or club

 

[smokeyjoe]

Track your progress and results

Whatever training process you choose I recommend you keep detailed notes on your training progress. It's a great way to keep you accountable to your training process and gives you a full record of your dog from start to finish. It will also keep you from repeating mistakes.

Good luck with your training.

 

[Cut em_Jack]

Thanks guys for all the great info. I think Im gonna look into both programs and see what I can get out of both.

 

[mjh345]

what Blindambition said!!

 

[Cut em_Jack]

Where can I find the Fowl Dawgs DVD?