Overcoming Challenges in Retriever Training: Louie and Red's Journey
Training your retriever is a rewarding experience, but it’s challenging. Maybe you’re facing a hurdle right now—training was going smoothly, but suddenly it’s come to a standstill. Or perhaps you’re just starting, looking for guidance to prepare for the challenges ahead.
No matter where you are on your training journey, CGA member and ambassador Louie and his retriever Red have some valuable insights to share. Red is the first dog Louie has ever trained, and they began when Red was just a puppy. Now, Red can retrieve anything Louie sends him after, and they’ve built a lasting bond.
Louie shares how they went from being complete beginners to becoming an epic hunting duo.
"Build From Here"
“‘Build From Here’ is all about learning and refining what you already know, and never giving up when you face obstacles. There's no wall you can't climb over if you keep building on what you’ve learned the day or week before. The key is to never give up.”
Focus on Your Bond & Understand How Your Dog Learns
“And for me, training Red, my first experience training a dog, was a huge learning curve. I learned so much from him. The bond you share is incredibly important—understanding each other, recognizing what he doesn’t know, and figuring out how to take the next step together.”
Louie highlights three keys that help push through training roadblocks:
1. Never Give Up
The first key to success is perseverance. Every training journey has its ups and downs, but determination and consistency will get you through the tough spots.
2. Revisit the Fundamentals
When you hit a roadblock, go back to the last place you had success and revisit the basics. It’s crucial to start and end each training session on a positive note. This ensures both you and your dog are eager to come back and train again.
3. Understand How Your Dog Learns
Your dog doesn’t learn the same way you do. By paying attention to how your dog processes training, you can tailor your approach and effectively solve problems. Understanding the details of what your dog comprehends allows you to adjust your training methods for better results.
Louie credits Cornerstone Gundog Academy for teaching him how to apply these principles effectively, leading to their amazing success.
“Training Red has been an absolute pleasure. Not only have I learned how to train a dog, but more importantly, I’ve learned how to help a dog understand the process of learning. That’s what Cornerstone brings to the table.”
Want to see the step-by-step system Louie used to train Red? Check out a free preview by clicking [here].
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