Labradors
Anyone can say, “This dog will hunt.” but we strive to prove it!
DRIFTWOOD LABRADORS provides dual faceted training. First, we provide retriever training of various levels. These levels consist of Basic Obedience, Basic Retriever, Advanced Retriever and Upland. The level to which your companion is trained depends on your specific needs and the dogs abilities. Second, we provide “owner” training. What good is it to have a highly trained retriever if you don’t know how to “handle” the dog? Therefore we train the owner on the proper commands, casts, and techniques used to bring out and maintain optimum performance from your dog.
We believe that the retriever must first learn and understand what we expect of them. We feel this is best accomplished by simplifying and then teaching the concepts. These new skills are reinforced thru repetition until the dog fully understands the concepts. At this point we apply these skills to new and/or different environments. We bring out their natural marking abilities by teaching them to disregard environmental obstacles (i.e. heavy cover) or suction (i.e. swimming past points of land). In simple terms the dog has to work to get to the bird but we make it easy to find the bird once they are there. This helps build your retriever's self conficence and instills a "never give up" mentality. Later we will make it more difficult to find the bird which will encourage the "hunter" side of your dog.
Fun Bumpers on Water
Obedience takes about 1-2 months depending on the dog. We believe that basic obedience is the foundation for all training that follows. The basic commands include (but not limited to) SIT/SIT-STAY, COME/HERE, HEEL, DOWN, QUIET, etc. These commands are the back bone of retriever training as well as everyday life with your dog. Basic Obedience in also required to be known “down pat” in order to collar condition a dog during Basic Retrieving.
Basic:
Basic usually takes about 3-4 months again depending on the dog’s abilities. This time frame starts with Obedience as outlined above but then also includes collar conditioning (CC) and the conditioned retrieve. When these concepts are firmly understood by the dog, they are exposed to more complex hunting style retrieves. These “marks” will encompass such items as a boat, blinds, floating and field decoys; as well as, platforms and gunfire. Upon completing this course your dog will be better than 90% of the average retrievers you’ll meet at the boat ramp ( so I’ve been told )!!!
Force Fetch:
Force Fetch (FF) is the concept that instills the understanding that the dog is to pick up and hold whatever item is placed in front of him/her. This is a difficult training time for the dog but upon completion you will have a retriever that is a wonderful bird handler. This training usually requires one (1) month to fully develop a solid FF understanding. It is a fundamental tool that is the foundation for Advanced Retrieving training.
Advanced:
This training teaches the retriever how to respond to whistle and hand signals so that they can be directed to a bird that they have not seen fall (“blind”). The ability to perform these blind retrieves is developed thru numerous yard and field drills. During this time we will also continue to develop the retriever’s abilities to make longer and more complex marked retrieves. These abilities will be of great use in the field and are a requirement for higher level field trials and hunt tests. Upon completing this course, the most hard-core waterfowler would be honored to share a blind with your dog!!!
Blind Retrieve ( back...left over...left back... with a Diversion Bird )
Upland:
This training teaches the concepts required to perform basic quartering, flushing, and retrieving of upland birds such as quail, chukar, and pheasants. Upon completion, your retriever will quarter a field out in front of you searching for quarry but stay within shooting distance. They will be steady to wing and shot as well as be able to track a running bird. We can also train the dog to whistle sit prior to flushing in order for members of the hunting party to prepare for the flush. Please note this will take a while longer than just the standard flushing training unless the dog has had the Advanced training above.
The current training rate is $375/month which includes training sessions, boarding, and administering any medications or preventions. We ask that you supply the dog food, heartworm prevention, and flea and tick applications or we will purchase it for you and add that to your bill at our cost. These fees will be collected prior to that months training or boarding. All retrievers must be current on their vaccinations including Bordetella (Kennel Cough) prior to joining us at Driftwood Labradors.
Health & Safety:
We strive to provide a safe and healthy learning environment but the inherent nature of training does have risks that we can not control. In the event of an injury, your dog will receive immediate veterinary care but the cost of such will be the owner’s responsibility. We have a first class after hours veterinary “Emergency Clinic” within a 25 minute drive from our home and most training grounds. Our regular vet is the best in the tri-state area and is on a limited availability (to new clients) and as such he can provide superior care on a short notice basis. In the event of an injury or other cause for veterinarian care we will seek treatment and notify you as soon as possible. All bills must be paid in full prior to us releasing your dog back to you or starting the next month’s training.
