Any women out there who train hunting retrievers?

[weathergirl]

The husband and I have been a little "hit and miss" with the whole dog training world.  Like so many new things, it's kind of hard to figure out how to break into that world.  We could pay lots of money to hire a trainer and get our dog (golden retriever, almost 2 years old) her titles that way (and we started that route) but honestly I'd rather figure out how to do it myself.

And here we are suddenly in what seems like a more-than-halfway-done hunt test season.  I've kind of relied on the husband to take the lead in this area, but this is also his super-busy season for working (and since I'm a teacher, it's my season for all things domestic).  So I've been thinking about this and emailing people, and am now thinking I really want to take this upon myself to figure out.  Our breeder (far away, or she'd probably really mentor me) suggested a bunch of resources, joining a club, etc.  It's sort of hard figuring out where to start (not that our dog, Amber, is starting from scratch...she has had some training, and is halfway to her first UKC title).  So many breeders say AKC is the way to go because those titles matter, and other people say UKC is great.  Our dog is now registered with both.  We do plan to breed her, by the way (I'd like to next February), which makes all of this matter even more.

So... I can't help but think gee, it would sure be great if I could find a mentor-type person.  And it seems like it would be ideal if I knew a trainer who was a woman.  Maybe it is just my ignorance, but it almost feels like a "man's world" in the hunting retriever scene (?).  Or maybe that is the impression that I'm left with after talking with the trainer we had (very much a male chauvinist vibe).  I wonder if women approach training any differently than men?  Maybe not.  Anyway, I'd rather pay someone to train me to train my dog, rather than part with her for a couple of months while someone else does it.  I know many include the owner in the training, but this isn't really realistic living where we live as it is hard to travel frequently.

Anyway, if any of this sparks any thoughts, advise, or knowledge of a trainer who wants to mentor me in some way...I'd love to hear it!

[runamuk]

There used to be a gal on here with Clumber spaniels who was competitive in the ring and at trials...her handle might have been clumber even.  I used to have a few contacts in the world of dogs but have been out of the loop for a bit.   What I will say is most dog people are friendly and willing to help out owner handlers....most...there are a few jerks out there. 

[REHJWA]

Weathergirl,
Yes!, the women in my life do train dogs differently then the men.
My wife and daughter have done the initial training (not hunt test) on all of or dogs.
(Potty training, basic obedience, through marking and multiple retrieves)
They are more demanding but more patient then my son and I.
However the dogs do tend to bond with my son and I once they start hunting.

We have only ran one of our dogs in AKC hunt test. I handled the dog 3 out of the four test but my wife did the third test and he was spot on for her. She did all the research on what was required and we worked him through it.

We do not belong to any clubs due to work but we have found some hunting clubs are more about the business aspect of titles.

Don't hold the handlers personality against a dog.

Good luck.

[Colin]

Have been researching pups for a while and remembered that Rattling Ridge Labs might be a good contact to find other female HT or trainers.

I don't know them, it was just one of the many places that I had researched and was on my short list of places to research more before I get a pup.

http://rattlingridgelabs.com/About_us.html

[WRL]

Yes I do.

There are several of us.

Where are you located? There are several AKC and UKC clubs out there too.

WRL

[weathergirl]

Thanks for the info everyone.  I'm not sure if something like this officially exists, but I really want to find a trainer that can give me like 2 or 3 days of private lessons on training my dog.  I just emailed one person I found online, and I'll try some others.  Even if I have to travel to a different part of the state, I'm sure I could do that.  So if anyone knows of anyone who does this sort of thing, let me know!  I'll keep researching (I have some resources that were just recommended to me) and will try to connect with local clubs...

[ghosthunter]

Conway Kennels ?

[JBar]

Try Katie Quarles at Autumn Retrievers, she's over in the Spokane area but worth the trip.

[PointNLab]

I train with Joan at Rattlingridgelabs.com . She's  been doing this for a long time but is still an armature for now. lee is good to train with in Euphrata . Looks like you may be in the islands. I second Bucko at Conway Kennels to train with , not a woman but small in stature. There are several armature groups that train around carnation and fall icy areas.

[Widgeondeke]

There used to be a gal on here with Clumber spaniels who was competitive in the ring and at trials...her handle might have been clumber even.  I used to have a few contacts in the world of dogs but have been out of the loop for a bit.   What I will say is most dog people are friendly and willing to help out owner handlers....most...there are a few jerks out there.

Comedy Clumbers. They are still active in training and trials.