Sponsored by: Eukanuba
It’s for good reason that gundogs get most of the preseason training attention. They have jobs to do. But sometimes we’re the ones who could use a little brush-up too. So here are seven tips from some of the top Eukanuba Pro Trainers in the country for what handlers can do to work more successfully with their dogs.
Chris Akin, Webb Footed Kennels, Arkansas “Pay attention to your dog’s needs and desires and not your own. Watching ducks circling overhead is important, but not if it comes at the expense of having dogs whimper or break. To get dogs to the next level, we owe it to them to focus on their needs and desires. Making sure that our dogs do well in the short term means we’ll have solid performers for the long haul. Put your dogs in position for success, even if it means you won’t get in as much hunting. We’re in it for the dogs.”
Al Arthur, Sandhill Kennels, Georgia “Develop your dog’s concentration. For dogs to reach advanced levels, they’ve got to have full focus. One example that requires a dog’s total concentration is when he’s running marks. When handlers throw bumpers, they watch the bumpers. Instead, throw the bumper and watch the dog. Get him to focus on that bumper from the time it’s thrown until the time it hits the water. No head-swinging is allowed, just 100-percent concentration on the bumper. When you release that dog for a retrieve, you’ll see 100-percent effort.”
Brad Arington, Mossy Pond Retrievers, Georgia “Expecting a dog that hasn’t been on a stand or in a blind to handle Opening Day like a champ isn’t realistic. Instead of wearing out your arm throwing balls in the backyard, practice like you play. If you’re a duck hunter, train for real-time situations. Instead, splash your boat in the pond, lake or river, and throw those bumpers from there. Practice those exits and entrances, and when your dog’s good, move on to a blind or a stand. While you’re there, set up decoys so your dog learns how to run around them. If you practice like you play, you’ll watch your dog’s confidence increase. When it’s go time, he’ll be ready.”
Jeremy Criscoe, Whistling Wings Kennel, Alabama “A lot of handlers run at too high of a tempo. Their dogs pick up on that fast pace, and when they do, they get keyed up. After that you’ll start to see their speed increase to a point where they run out of control. Maintaining a slower, measured pace helps keep dogs from getting emotionally wound up. They stay mentally sharp, and that really helps improve communication between the handler and dog. Keep calm and crack on, and when your dog does things right, make sure you give him some praise as well as a pat. It’ll reinforce good behavior.”
Brett Copeland, Webb Footed Kennels, Arkansas “Consistent commands are key. If a handler isn’t giving consistent commands, then a dog won’t understand what is expected from him. One of the biggest ones I see is changing from ‘Come’ to ‘Come here’ to ‘Come over here.’ Those changes in commands confuse dogs, and when they’re confused, they’ll just do whatever they want. Keep your commands simple, and above all be consistent.”
Stephen Faust, Stoneybrook Outfitters, North Carolina “Don’t talk to your dogs so much. Constant and continuous chatter makes dogs tune out handlers. When dogs tune out handlers, they’re not listening; and when they’re not listening, they don’t hear the important commands. Cut down the idle chatter, speak to your dog when you want him to do something, and follow it through. In a lot of things, less is more, and that’s true with over-communicating to your dog.”
Mark Fulmer, Sarahsetter Kennels, South Carolina “Repetitions make the master, so work on basics until they are second nature for both you and your dog. Forget about being a drill sergeant. Instead, be your dog’s best friend. He’ll look forward to going to work, and he’ll have a cracking tail that shows he’s happy doing it.”
As handlers, we’re in it for the dogs. We’re a team, and we all have something to learn. The next time the team breaks down, take a moment to self-assess. Getting yourself right is an important part of the game.
To learn more professional-dog-handler tips, visit Eukanuba Sporting Dog for articles and resources.
Photos courtesy of Eukanuba Sporting Dog.
