Anyone into Training/Running Labradors in Hunt Test or Field Trials?
I Love it and was just wondering if anyone else here is into it.

Calvin

 

I have two labs, they are more labrador evadors than laborador retrievers. I have always wanted to get into extensive dog training/hunting but have never had the guidance. I love labs, best dogs in the world. I am a sucker for rescue dogs.

 

Not alot of lab experience in hunt test but I am a Military working dog handler. So I gota lot in the detection and general training of dogs if you guys got ??'s

 

I'm looking into getting a belgian malinois. I have had a pit and boxers in the past and was wondering if you had any knowledge of the malinois. Thanks!

 

I'm on my 3rd lab now. I do A LOT of duck hunting in Arkansas (for the last 14years). I started with a chocolate lab, used a book called "Water Dog". This book was originally written back in the 60's and it is probably the BEST training guide ever!.

Like I said, I have now trained 3 labs (all mine) and each of these dogs have retrieved over 1000 birds annually (duck season).

The one thing I have learned more than any other, is train every day! Even if it's only for 15mins in the back yard and its simple single retrieves. I always start the session off on a "good" note and end on a "good" note; keeps the dog wanting more.

All 3 of my labs have been "inside" dogs and this really helped with the "bonding" process. My first was about 65lbs (chocolate), after him I moved to a yellow lab (120lbs), and now my current is a yellow lab (100lbs).

These are by far the best dog in the world. They live to make their "master" happy no matter what it is you ask of them!

Not sure if you have heard of the book (Water Dog), but if not, check it out!!! I haven't run any of my dogs in field trials as I feel these are not true to a hunting situation, but I have been to many. If I can train these dogs using this book, anyone can. The book walks you through sit, stay, heel, singles, doubles, triples, casting, etc...

 

I have a chocolate lab, and I have to Water Dog DVD. Very informative stuff. Field Trials and Hust test are a little different. HRC Hunt test are pretty close to real hunting scenarios. Just ran my dog in 1 this past weekend (we failed but thats a different story). I still love it though! Going to train hard and go to another test in Mississippi next month.

Bighugh54 I would love to be a handler of a working K9 just so hard to get into.

Calvin

 

I have a Chesapeake Bay Retriever who I have trained for duck and goose retrieval. "Water Dog" is indeed a great book!

 

Oh yeah...I'm actually working a Mal now(going threw certification this week). They are great dogs, just very high drive and active. As long as you can get them out of the house you can teach um anything. I could go on for days so just ask if you got anything specific.

 

No doubt one of the best books on retrieving still today! I am an avid hunter and if the economy keeps up the way it is I will be a full time hunter/provider for myself! Lets hope not!!! I grew up around hunting labs and family type dogs and they are still one of my favorite breeds! My father and I trained every dog we had till the last one which my brother has a fine male from but besides that I do not currently own a lab now but still have two hunting/family/Jeep dogs. Glad to hear this site is not full of PANSIES!!!:rotflm ao2:

 

BigHugh54, I know you are in the Military, but do you know how someone could get into traing/handling a working dog? Any type of certs one could get or something like that?

Calvin