Retriever Training
We limit the number of dogs in our training program to ensure that every dog gets the required attention and custom training. To reserve a spot for your dog, please contact us as soon as possible and we will get you and your dog added to our waiting list.
Waterfowl Widowmakers’ Training Program is designed for clients who want to see their dog reach its maximum potential, whether hunting in the field or competing in Retriever Field Trials and/or Hunt Tests. Shawn’s focus is on building retrievers. His program focuses on solid basics, transition, and early advanced training.
While some trainers have a “one technique works for all dogs” approach, Shawn understands that each dog has a unique personality and each one needs training tailored to their unique personality and talents. Our training is designed to fit each owner and dog’s needs/ability.
It is important to remember that all dogs mature and learn at different levels and speeds. Therefore, training time can vary depending on your dog’s natural instincts and ability.
Basics
*6 month minimum training contract required. Dog must be at least 6 months old to participate.
This is the most important part of retriever training and is the foundation of all retriever training to come. Our basics program consists of basic obedience on and off-leash, whistle commands, collar conditioning, force fetch (hold, fetch, and drop), and basic marking concepts on land and water. Your dog will be introduced to gunshots, decoys, live birds, dog blinds and stands, and a variety of hunting settings.
When a dog completes our basics program, it will be obedient to verbal and whistle commands, deliver birds to hand and be retrieving out to 100 yards or more on single marked retrieves, on land and in water. They also will be reasonably steady to shot.
Most dogs are also beginning to learn the basics of a blind retrieve by using hand and whistle signals.
If you wish to pursue more advanced training, the foundations are in place to move to the next level.
Transition
Our transition program is for dogs that have completed Basics. It normally takes a 4 to 6 month period to make it through transition.
During transition, your dog will learn a variety of new concepts and strengthen ones that they have already learned. Dogs in transition will learn 3-handed casting, remote sit, and be forced to the pile. A variety of complex drills are used during this time to teach your dog the skills of running blind retrieves on both land and water. Your dog will be introduced to difficult marking scenarios as well. Your dog will also learn the concepts of honoring, diversion birds, and walk-ups.
When your dog completes transition, it will be able to complete difficult multiple marking concepts, will handle smoothly, be steady, and honor another dog’s work.
Advanced
After completing transition, your dog may move on to learning more advanced skills. These include perfected handling, literal casting, carrying a straight line, land and water triples and quads, and how to fight the factors. During this time, your dog will learn advanced marking concepts and advanced blind retrieves, with emphasis on precise marking, handling and straight lines through cover, difficult terrain and water. Hunting scenarios will include exposure to poison birds, blinds under the arc, inline marks, etc. By this point in the program your dog will be retrieving multiple marks over 250 yards and running blinds in excess of 300 yards.
We highly recommend that you visit regularly while your dog is in training. This allows you to see the progress of your dog, and allows Shawn to show you how to handle and manage your dog. It’s our goal to teach each owner how to handle their dog in order to enjoy the benefits of its training. This is a critical step in helping to transition your dog from one in training, to obeying you, and then continuing to obey you once you get home. It also allows you to ask questions about behavior and progress while your dog is in training.