FAQ
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Our primary focus for decades has been training retrieving breeds for hunters and to pass the standard retrieving tests like the Master Hunter CKC test. We have trained many Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and other retrieving breeds to a very high level. Our goal is to train your dog for what you want!
Some of the Frequently Asked Questions by our clients are:
Question : How long does it take to train a retriever to be a reliable hunting dog?
Answer: Normally it takes 3 months to take a young dog from beginning to retrieving reliably on land and water. During this phase we will introduce your dog to blind retrieving ( send the dog to retrieve birds the dog did not see go down ), and taking directions while blind retrieving.
Question: How long does it take to train a retriever to an advanced level?
Answer: This is always dependent on the natural abilities of the dog. Some dogs advance faster than others. The reason is often simply genetics. However, advanced retrieving like multiple blind retrieves for example, might take another training session of one to three months once the initial training ( 3 months ) is complete.
Question: How much pressure do you put on a dog to train it to the level required?
Answer: We can train your dog with or without an e-collar, and we can train your dog with a level of pressure that is suited to it’s individual personality. Always we respect your wishes on the type and intensity of training.
Question: My dog is a pointing dog so will the retrieving training outcome be much different than a typical retriever’s training?
Answer: If your dog is one of the versatile breeds like a German Shorthair or one of the other continental breeds, the retrieving outcome should be basically the same as any of the retrieving breeds. However, if your dog is an English Pointer or English Setter or other pure pointing breed, you cannot expect a retrieving capability outcome equivalent to the retrieving or versatile breeds but any pointer or setter can be trained to reliably retrieve upland birds to hand. Once water is involved, the Retrieving breeds and Versatile breeds will be the best solution for retrieving ducks and geese and especially when weather conditions require an insulated and waterproof coat.
Question: Can you teach my dog to point?
Answer: No, pointing breeds either point or they do not point as a natural ability. It is very rare that an versatile hunting dog does not point and all pointers and setters will point. So we teach them to be staunch on point, and honour other points. Once your dog shows the pointing instinct we can fine tune the point in terms of style and obedience. This is done through basic obedience work, and introduction to planted birds.
Question: How do we start the process of getting my dog trained by Blackfoot Kennels?
Answer: Call Randy Blanchard ( contact us ) and discuss your dog and your objectives. Then Randy will suggest an appropriate training program. If that works for you, the timing can be set. Prior to bringing your dog to our kennels we ask that you have your dog examined by your vet to ensure its overall health is adequate for training. In addition the dog should have a good fitness level. Our training involves daily exercise sessions which will improve your dog’s fitness level.
Question : How long does it take to train a retriever to be a reliable hunting dog?
Answer: Normally it takes 3 months to take a young dog from beginning to retrieving reliably on land and water. During this phase we will introduce your dog to blind retrieving ( send the dog to retrieve birds the dog did not see go down ), and taking directions while blind retrieving.
Question: How long does it take to train a retriever to an advanced level?
Answer: This is always dependent on the natural abilities of the dog. Some dogs advance faster than others. The reason is often simply genetics. However, advanced retrieving like multiple blind retrieves for example, might take another training session of one to three months once the initial training ( 3 months ) is complete.
Question: How much pressure do you put on a dog to train it to the level required?
Answer: We can train your dog with or without an e-collar, and we can train your dog with a level of pressure that is suited to it’s individual personality. Always we respect your wishes on the type and intensity of training.
Question: My dog is a pointing dog so will the retrieving training outcome be much different than a typical retriever’s training?
Answer: If your dog is one of the versatile breeds like a German Shorthair or one of the other continental breeds, the retrieving outcome should be basically the same as any of the retrieving breeds. However, if your dog is an English Pointer or English Setter or other pure pointing breed, you cannot expect a retrieving capability outcome equivalent to the retrieving or versatile breeds but any pointer or setter can be trained to reliably retrieve upland birds to hand. Once water is involved, the Retrieving breeds and Versatile breeds will be the best solution for retrieving ducks and geese and especially when weather conditions require an insulated and waterproof coat.
Question: Can you teach my dog to point?
Answer: No, pointing breeds either point or they do not point as a natural ability. It is very rare that an versatile hunting dog does not point and all pointers and setters will point. So we teach them to be staunch on point, and honour other points. Once your dog shows the pointing instinct we can fine tune the point in terms of style and obedience. This is done through basic obedience work, and introduction to planted birds.
Question: How do we start the process of getting my dog trained by Blackfoot Kennels?
Answer: Call Randy Blanchard ( contact us ) and discuss your dog and your objectives. Then Randy will suggest an appropriate training program. If that works for you, the timing can be set. Prior to bringing your dog to our kennels we ask that you have your dog examined by your vet to ensure its overall health is adequate for training. In addition the dog should have a good fitness level. Our training involves daily exercise sessions which will improve your dog’s fitness level.