Training Retrievers
At RWR Kennels we conduct Retriever training utilizing the original methods of teaching the retrievers with patience, love, and respect. We only use electronic collars once we are sure the retriever knows exactly what is expected of him/her.
Our training program is based on teaching the retriever to hunt. To do this we teach our retrievers to be steady and patient in the blind. No one likes a good hunt ruined by an out of control retriever. We train our retrievers to mark short and long range (25 yards to 100 yards).
We utilize force holding and force fetching to ensure our retrievers do not mouth the birds, drop the birds when the retrieve gets tough and to maintain control of the birds during the entire retrieve regardless if the bird is alive or dead.
We teach single, double, and triple marks, lining and handling utilizing progressive piles, three handed cast drills, and a five bucket drill.
The five bucket drill teaches the retriever to line past old falls and handle cleanly on over's, backs, and angled backs.
We use the water T and swim by's to teach the retriever to tread water (sit) on the whistle, handle on water and to cast off the bank (take more water) when cheating on a return.
We use channels to teach the retriever to hold a line in the water and handle in tight areas.
We do participate in AKC Junior, Senior and Master Hunt Tests. We use the AKC Senior Hunt Test "Standard" as our personal goal for the retrievers we train as Gun Dogs.
For more information on our training methods or information on our kennels please use our Contact page.