Retrieving for All Occasions: Foundations for Excellence in Gun Dog Training Kindle Edition

This book is amazing. I've trained 5 German Shepherd, two Schutzhund dogs and the last a search and rescue trailing dogs. My last three dogs have all been trained using clicker training and modern, science-based, positive reinforcement. I'm now training my first hunting dog and thought I'd have to invent it as I went along, since most hunter trainers are using loads of negative training methods. I've used those methods (and they get results), but I also experienced the difference with "clicker training," which has created so many fewer passive-aggressive side effects in the dogs AND the training goes so much more quickly and stays with the dog consistently, without constant retraining. It just works better. And THIS book is amazing. The two Swedish authors are very experienced hunting dog trainers. They give amazing games and exercises that are stunningly effective. I would recommend the hard copy version (WAY clearer to read - the book is large with really helpful photos and diagrams that don't come across as well in the Kindle version). I also suggest that you go to their web site. They have loads of courses with videos that are very helpful. You can also work with them, send them videos for a small additional charge. This book will help you train for the field and for hunt trials/tests - they have experience in both. There are suggestions for both retrievers and spaniels. The only thing they don't cover (I have a Small Munsterlander versatile hunter so I am doing pointing training, too, but find the Burnt Creek method and add that to this book and you've pretty well got it!). GET this book - it's fantastic.

Easy to follow instructions. Makes training fun for you and your dog. Helpful instruction and photographs. I also got the separate workbook with helpful guides. I recommend this training course to anyone wishing to do their own retriever training.

This book is a rich resource for those interested in fieldwork, from the novice to the professional! The layout is such that skills are separated and sequential, with summaries and sub-goals at the end of every chapter. There are clear diagrams to illustrate more complex exercises and common pitfalls are addressed. The text is concise but information dense- I found myself taking notes as I read! I think what truly sets this book apart from other gundog books (other than the refreshingly dog-friendly philosophy) is the thorough examination of the discrete behaviors needed for a highly functioning hunting partner. Crucial concepts such as steadiness and deliveries are examined from many angles, including, crucially, how everyday interactions with your dog can support or slow down your training! Of further note, the authors' compare and contrast the skills required of spaniels and retrievers. If you have any interest in hunting with dogs, or even just want to cultivate your sporting breed's natural instincts, this book is invaluable.

Just what I was looking for. Clearly written and illustrated with tons of great exercises.

This is an excellent book. By far, the best book I've found to teach fetch using positive reenforcement. Suitable for teaching ring obedience, field trials or a basic gun dog. For North American trainers, the style is similar to Bill Hillman in terms of teaching obedience, steadiness and fetch as 'play' but they only use positive reenforcement (treats, tug, ball, etc).

Great info that is easy to understand and implement.

Everything I knew and thought should be in a book with a few extra tips to boot.

Great book! A must have.

Definitely a book to add to your library if you want to be a well informed gundog trainer.It is easy to read, intelligently written and the pictures add to the learning.This is one of a small but increasing number of evidence base training books and sits very comfortably next to other books such as Jane Arden's :https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mission-Control-How-train-high-drive/dp/1910488577on any forward thinking trainer's book shelf

Worth a read with nice diagrams of training exercises.

This is the gundog book positive trainers have been waiting for. Excellent positive training book, uses the latest information and research. Is easy to use for reference when following the exercises. The diagrams and Images are beautifully done and easy to understand.

Also buy the study guide which gives weekly plans of how to combine exercises to create a training planOne of the best examples I have seen of these types of books.

Great book with many useful tips and training ideas. Well worth a read