Lab Training Books and Training in Seattle City Limits

[Colin]

Greetings,

I've fished here in the Puget Sound area for many years but my family was never much for hunting. This year will be my first duck season and I'm really excited.

I've always wanted a "hunting" dog and cant wait to get a new pup some time early next year. I figure I have lots of time to read up and learn as much as I can. I grew up with a family dog as a kid and now have a 12 year old shepherd-rotty mix and my GF has 2 year old Mexican terrier mutt. So I'm not new to training dogs just new to training at a level where the dog has a "job".

I've read Wolters "Gun Dog" and have a few chapters left in Dokken's "Retriever Training"(I will probably finish this tonight). I've also been watching lots of YouTube videos, mostly Chris Akin, Dave Goodison and Tom Dokken.

Books on my to read list:

Retriever Training A Basic Approach - Milner
10 Minute Retriever - J. & A. Dahl
The Labrador Shooting Dog - M. Gould

I would love to hear your opinions on:

1. Some great Retriever Training books (no DVD's yet till I get closer to picking the method or methods that I want to train with pls. $$$)

2. Are there any hunt clubs or professional trainers close to me (UW area)?

3. Are there enough training areas to properly train a retriever in Seattle (for the weekdays)?

4. Can I use a blank .22 gun in city limits? Are there alternative "bang" makers?

5. What are some other great topics that I should learn about in preparation of training a dog?

Pls no FF vs not FF discussions. I've read 5-6 threads on this and read up online about it as well as discussed it with a few of my fishing buddies that have bird dogs. I think it basically comes down to whether I think I can properly apply the FF principals, the receptiveness of my pup to non FF training and how available professional help is in my area. ATM I plan to use the general "pressure on - pressure off" methods with a leash to teach the early obedience commands. I figure that I can make the FF or non FF call when the dog is closer to 8-12 months old.

Really appreciate all your input and help!

[Bullkllr]

I'm sort of a Wolters fan (with some common sense limits. "Meat Dog" is my favorite.

I've never seen a lab worthy of the name that would need forcing.

[ghosthunter]

I'm sort of a Wolters fan (with some common sense limits. "Meat Dog" is my favorite.

I've never seen a lab worthy of the name that would need forcing.

 

Go to the used Retriever section at the used book store. And pick as many retriever training books that you can. Some are old like Charles Morgan. But they all have a good method or two. When I have a problem I often sit down and scan the old books. Trainers all have there way of handling common problems.

Start with a good breeder and research a lot. I would suggest you look at Ireland Farms face book page and web site. Very user friendly breeder.

Start up costs can be pricey for a lab pup, vet apps, bumpers, maybe a e collar. Start getting some of that now.
You can train in the city. Look for big open grass parks with less people. A light weight check cord is you friend . You can make them yourself. May be join a lab club or retriever club like Rainer or Puget Sound Labradors.
Lab pups are high e energy and chew so make plans.
Get a blank note book and make notes of info you come across.  Things to watch for, tips, breeders,etc.

Good luck

[SnowDog]

Look into a complete system like SmartWorks by Evan Graham or Total Retriever training by Mike Lardy. Makes it much easier wiith the step by step program including the videos.

Make sure to do your homework on finding the right pup. Plan ahead as most good breeders have wait lists for puppies that fill up well before the litter is born.

Cheers!
SD

[Colin]

Go to the used Retriever section at the used book store. And pick as many retriever training books that you can. Some are old like Charles Morgan. But they all have a good method or two. When I have a problem I often sit down and scan the old books. Trainers all have there way of handling common problems.

Start with a good breeder and research a lot. I would suggest you look at Ireland Farms face book page and web site. Very user friendly breeder.

Start up costs can be pricey for a lab pup, vet apps, bumpers, maybe a e collar. Start getting some of that now.
You can train in the city. Look for big open grass parks with less people. A light weight check cord is you friend . You can make them yourself. May be join a lab club or retriever club like Rainer or Puget Sound Labradors.
Lab pups are high e energy and chew so make plans.
Get a blank note book and make notes of info you come across.  Things to watch for, tips, breeders,etc.

Good luck

I actually ran by 3 different used book stores in seattle and didn't find many books related to bird dogs especially retrievers. I run up to Anacortes a lot this time of year to crab, clam and fish so I will try up there. Bound to be more hunters up that way.

I really like the idea of writing down all my notes and research in a little notebook and have stared writing down stuff already.

Appreciate the tips!!!

[Colin]

Look into a complete system like SmartWorks by Evan Graham or Total Retriever training by Mike Lardy. Makes it much easier wiith the step by step program including the videos.

Make sure to do your homework on finding the right pup. Plan ahead as most good breeders have wait lists for puppies that fill up well before the litter is born.

Cheers!
SD

I will look into both of those training systems!

Thanks!!!

[Colin]

As far a breeders go I have been looking into the following:

Ireland Farms (so many great recommendations about them on this site. Although I don't prefer the English style blocky head, my main preference is to a healthy hunting dog so they make my list)

Wind River Labs

Rattlin' Ridge Labs

Rocking "M' Labs

I really like the field style looking labs.

Anyone know of trainers that are close to my area. I assume that at some point in my training I'm going to want to have my dog evaluated and also will be seeking out a little training for my pup and myself. Would love some recommendations as well as any info in general that any of you would like to share!!!

[Holg3107]

The Labrador Shooting Dog - M. Gould

I grew up around Mike Gould and highly recommend his books. I would put this book well above Waters books personally. Let me know when you get your pup and I can tell some areas in/around Seattle for training.

[Stilly bay]

The Labrador Shooting Dog - M. Gould

I grew up around Mike Gould and highly recommend his books. I would put this book well above Waters books personally. Let me know when you get your pup and I can tell some areas in/around Seattle for training.

 
excellent book AKA the field retriever bible.

Wolter's books were barely OK for the time - but times have changed and so have training techniques and training tools. You would be doing your dog a great disservice if Wolters was the only resource you used.
He was great at promoting himself and his books - that is why you can still find copies of game dog and the rest at all your larger bookstore chains while other more comprehensive training books go largely ignored by retailers - but there were some serious holes in his training program if you could call it that.
His books are not completely without merit, but like any other dog training advice, take it with a grain of salt and think for yourself because every dog is different.

[Colin]

Will definitely let you know when I get a pup and am looking for places to work. Thanks!

[Spuddieselwwu]

I work in the city, and live in Issaquah - and found it a pain to get good training in.  I have a lease at a duck property / hunt club out in Duvall that fortunately I have access to year round to get my work in.  My wife and I are having a baby in Sept, so I sent my 10 month female chocolate over to Ryan Fortier @ Long Hollow Retrievers to have 3 months of fine tuning/gun dog training before the season.  She comes back October 1 primed for the opener.

I would recommend driving out to the Cherry Creek or stillwater unit to get your training in.  You'll realize Seattle isn't the friendliest to gun dog training.  And no, you can't shoot .22 blanks in the city, unfortunately.

[CoryTDF]

Look into a complete system like SmartWorks by Evan Graham or Total Retriever training by Mike Lardy. Makes it much easier with the step by step program including the videos.

Make sure to do your homework on finding the right pup. Plan ahead as most good breeders have wait lists for puppies that fill up well before the litter is born.

Cheers!
SD

 

Both are great and bot have reading material that you can buy and read before you get the DVD's. I have both programs on DVD and they are both great. I like the Lardy system a little better but either one will do you well. If you ever have any questions about training PM me I'm not an Expert but I have self trained my dog to the Senior level and will be running for master next season. Get into a training group. Listen to EVERYBODY and EVERYTHING and take what you like and use it and pitch out the rest. Good Luck.

Also I'm sure hippy Seattle will frown on you using blanks but you might look int a thunder 500 or something like that. They use MAPP gas and make the noise but are in no way a fire arm nor do they resemble one.

I did almost ALL my early training all by myself in school fields and parks. I would sit my dog and run out throw marks and run back and send her. A good training group is invaluable but it can be done on your own. When it was just me I hardly ever used any blank guns and the like. I just developed her eyes and her ability to mark and run blinds. When I had people to shoot and throw for me I went out of town.

[Colin]

Spud - Thanks for the tips! I was thinking of using something like a RamSet (They drive nails into concrete with a blank .22) but that might be hard to use and throw a dummy).

Cory - The Thunder 500 is awesome!!! I might try for the Thunder 100 as its a little less money. Thanks for sharing this!

I guess I'm a little over concerned about my pup getting gun shy since I wont have too many opportunities to get out and shoot over her. Probably every other weekend. Is that enough?

[CoryTDF]

Spud - Thanks for the tips! I was thinking of using something like a RamSet (They drive nails into concrete with a blank .22) but that might be hard to use and throw a dummy).

Cory - The Thunder 500 is awesome!!! I might try for the Thunder 100 as its a little less money. Thanks for sharing this!

I guess I'm a little over concerned about my pup getting gun shy since I wont have too many opportunities to get out and shoot over her. Probably every other weekend. Is that enough?

Metal dog bowl on concrete and clapping while they eat. Expose your dog to load sudden noise in a positive environment often and you will not have anything to worry about.

I have used a cap gun as well but Seattle might from on that.

Take your dog to the field of the rage andhave people shoot clays. Start like 200 yards off and just play games with your pup and work closer to the gun. Watch the dog and dot push more than it lets you. One good session of this and I have never had a dog be gun shy. I have used that method about 10 times and it works.

Gunex 209 primer pistol is what you want to get for later training. 209's are way cheaper and so much more plentiful than blanks. Trust me they are loud too.

[Stilly bay]

Spud - Thanks for the tips! I was thinking of using something like a RamSet (They drive nails into concrete with a blank .22) but that might be hard to use and throw a dummy).

Cory - The Thunder 500 is awesome!!! I might try for the Thunder 100 as its a little less money. Thanks for sharing this!

I guess I'm a little over concerned about my pup getting gun shy since I wont have too many opportunities to get out and shoot over her. Probably every other weekend. Is that enough?

Metal dog bowl on concrete and clapping while they eat. Expose your dog to load sudden noise in a positive environment often and you will not have anything to worry about.

I have used a cap gun as well but Seattle might from on that.

Take your dog to the field of the rage andhave people shoot clays. Start like 200 yards off and just play games with your pup and work closer to the gun. Watch the dog and dot push more than it lets you. One good session of this and I have never had a dog be gun shy. I have used that method about 10 times and it works.

Gunex 209 primer pistol is what you want to get for later training. 209's are way cheaper and so much more plentiful than blanks. Trust me they are loud too.

 buy a GUNX starter pistol. They cost 2.5 times as much as a cheap starter pistol but they will last a lifetime AND hold their value.

don't take your dog to a shooting range  until it has had a proper intro to gun fire at home, just too much potential for something to go wrong and scare the crap out of the dog making him gun shy for life.

the most important part of the gunfire intro is if your dog gets scared of the gun or any loud noise, ignore it. the dog will take its cues from you in new situations, if you aren't scared the dog will figure there is nothing to fear.