Hold the Line

For more help on this one, check out episodes:

• 82, 87
• See the Reliable Recall course, on my website forcefreegundog.com
• Or check out the chapter on the Reliable Recall in my book, Force-Free Gundog Training: The Fundamentals for Success, available from Amazons everywhere

Check out podcast episodes:

• 57, 58, 78

For more help on this subject, see podcast episodes:

• 8, 33, 78

And online courses:

• Marking 
• Focus and Attention

For more help on this subject, see podcast episodes:

• 10, 11, 13, 14, 19, 23, 26
• For an online course, see the Clicker Retrieve course

For more help on this subject, see podcast episodes:

• 5, 23, 49, 51, 57, 58, 62, 76, 87, 89

And check out my online courses:

• Remote Stop
• Steady

In brief:

• Build an alternative reinforcer
• Teach the dog to recall off game before stopping/sitting
• Teach the dog to stop/sit to flush
• Teach the dog that access to the game is contingent on their response to you (if they respond, they may get it)
• Implement prevention (by itself this won't work without also teaching the dog what to do)

For more help on this subject, see podcast episodes:

• 61, 85, 86 and 88
• For food motivation help, see episodes 54 and 72

In this episode I talk about Marking, as my new Marking course is now available! 

I also talk about some differences with blind retrieves when it comes to working vs competing with a dog.

In this episode I talk about:

• the future of gundog training and breeding in today's world
• hard mouth - what causes it, what to do about it, whether you can assess for it
• switching from the use of aversives
• daily routines

Answering many super-interesting listener questions :) 

I cover a few bits and pieces related not to training itself (how to train a specific behaviour) but how to conceive of various training-related issues in a broader way. Does that sound vague? Well, you'll just have to give it a go. PS I also cover water deliveries.

In this episode I waffle. About random questions I've been sent. Have a listen!

I talk about whether we should allow dogs free access to the environment or not and also chat about marking problems and lining skills.

I talk freely (extremely freely), about training a recall to flush before a sit to flush behaviour.

In this episode, I talk about how to get your dog to offer you focus and attention in distracting environments. 

I chat about the T-Drill and a few tricky corners to consider when training this drill. I also answer listener questions about accessing birds and what to do if your dog is distracted at a working test.

Listener questions about how to encourage a dog to hunt wider/more confidently; how to increase food motivation in a puppy; and how much retrieving is too much (physically).

Probs with cold game retrieves and a couple of questions about aversives

In this highly unusual episode(!), I waffle (because usually I don't, right?) about the clicker retrieve and recalls and long-lines.

In this episode, I recommend my favourite wellies, boots, coats, training vests, dummies, leashes, treat pouches and more.

I also answer listener questions about pointing, marker cues and the 'Go Sniff' exercise in my book.

In this episode, I waffle freely (extremely freely) about training the HPR sequence - with an attempt to give something of an overview, instead of getting lost in how to train any one behaviour in detail. 

This episode takes a look at the issue of over-population and the increasing amount of restrictions that dogs face as a result. 

I offer some solutions. I'm not very hopeful anything will be implemented in time to avoid the blanket 'all dogs must be on leash everywhere' outcome.

In this episode, I talk about 18 month old Roche - our weimaraner. Who is bonkers-crazy, when it comes to hunting. I give you seven tips, for training high drive gundogs.

People listening to this episode might and want to check out:

• Episode 61 - Adolescence and what to do about it
• Episode 56 - what does 'not walking the dog' look like?
• Episode 54 - some thoughts about food motivation
• Episode 38 - developing food motivation

In this episode, I talk about chasing - and how to turn something your dog wants to chase, into a cue to stop.

In this episode, I talk about the bizarre vagaries of laws local to where I live when it comes to shooting. I answer listener questions about hardmouth, raising a puppy and how to enthuse the unenthusiastic dog.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing which type of gundog to own.

Loads of great listener questions this week! If you have a question, email [email protected] 

You only really get to know the dogs you own in the deepest detail, and Ren (our GSP) is an interesting one!

I talk about how to introduce water to your young dog or puppy. 

And I waffle a bit about what different dogs bring to the table and the importance of understanding that there are limitations determined by what they bring.

How do we achieve reliable split retrieves whilst maintaining confidence?

I answer some questions listeners have and also chat a bit about headcollars.

In this episode, I talk in some detail about how we raised our Labrador litter in 2019 and our 'keeper' pup, Fyr. I discuss the evolution of her behavioural issues - which there was no sign of at all, before the age of 9wks and 3 days(!). And how eventually we made the difficult decision to rehome her at 6 months, to a home and a dog sport which suited her better. I then explore some thoughts I have about the development of fear-based reactivity towards people, especially as it relates to working Labs.

In this episode, I catch up on some listener questions about getting into trials; the value of different reinforcers and jackpots; fixing a turn whistle problem and how to introduce puppy HPRs to birds.

In this episode, I talk about the 'Baby 3-handed casting' (3HC) drill using platforms (instead of bumpers/dummies). I also chat with Emma Filby of Anglian Dog Works about platform or placeboard training - and how to make your own platforms.

In this episode, I talk about the 'drop' behaviour - and how to train it so that it functions even around high value items like dead, decomposing rabbits. That smell of death. And make you want to throw up. 

In this episode, I look at a few ideas for progressing from a behaviour indoors (like a sit or a stand) to a behaviour on cue around game and at moments of high distraction. 

In this episode, I talk about how to train the first stage of the remote stop - 'Capturing Stillness'.

In this episode, I talk about some difficulties I'm experiencing with my 7 month old Weimaraner, Roche - and I go through a list of suggestions for people who are also struggling with this especially challenging time with their dog! This info will also be useful for people whose dogs are very interested in the environment, whatever their age.

In this episode, I answer a couple of listener questions: Working with a dog which is gun-shy and dealing with a pup about the house - how to prevent them from harassing other dogs and getting into stuff they shouldn't... 

In this episode, I chat with Hannah Woods and Ian Clark about a minority breed - the Stabyhoun. For more info see the website for the UK Stabyhoun Association at stabyhounuk.com

I talk more here about the importance of developing reinforcers which are going to function in the field and in the presence of game - before introducing a pup to game. And I problem-solve (or at least waffle about) issues a listener is having with a lack of enthusiasm. 

In this episode, I talk (in brief!) about attachment theory and wonder why we don't apply this to baby puppies more. And I answer some listener questions about preventing resource guarding and raising a pup which wants to hunt (whatever is available!).

A juicy episode with loads of different bits and pieces! What does exercising a gundog look like if we stop 'walking the dog'? 

Is it okay to play tug with a gundog or does it encourage hard mouth? 

How can we stop a dog visiting the dummy thrower on the way back from a mark?

In this episode, I answer some listener questions about crate training, walks versus training and how to train the turn whistle. (We covered the turn whistle a few episodes ago, but here's some more info :) ) 

In this episode, I answer a listener's question about positive interrupters - and whether using them can actually reinforce the unwanted behaviour preceding them. When is a chain being formed?

And I share some thoughts about food motivation, after battling low food motivation with our GSP for a year.

In this episode, I address some listener questions about marked retrieves, shot, the sequence of events during a mark (how to communicate to the dog that you don't want a retrieve) and also dealing with male dogs who want to pee on everyone else's pee... 

How to introduce your dog to shot, so that the shot comes to cue 'sit' (and not 'run in and Get The Thing!'). And - what exactly can you get involved with, if you're a vegetarian and you own a gundog?

In this episode, I pull out some threads from earlier interviews with Jane Ardern (Episode 39) and Leanne Smith (Episode 9) to flesh out some thinking about developing control in the presence of game... 

In this episode, I answer the questions of a few newbies and also give some equipment recommendations for folks who are getting ready to start training. 

I talk here about my new 5 week course, Steady! - control at the point, flush and fall - available from forcefreegundog.com

I also answer a listener's question about 'happiness' in dogs trained using force-free methods and issues around walking young dogs on leash for extended periods of time.

I answer a listener's question about swapping and then I waffle, hopefully in a way which makes sense, about 3-handed casting... 

The Pet Tutor is a remote treat dispenser. In this episode, I chat with Penney Baker - who participates in field work and hunt tests with her Labradors. Penney recently ran into a problem with blinds, with one of her young Labs, and she used the Pet Tutor to help solve it.

If you'd like to learn more about the Pet Tutor or see some of the videos Penney has made, using it, do join the Pet Tutor Users Facebook group. 

In this episode, I introduce you to the Workbook which accompanies Force-Free Gundog Training: The Fundamentals for Success. And I answer some meaty listener questions!

In this episode I chat with Jo Lock from the organisation Nose No Limit.  Nose No Limit offers trained conservation dogs for a variety of projects. Jo's background is in Search and Rescue, before she moved into conservation work. Originally from the UK, she moved across to the US in 2011. She has two Labradors - and is currently on the search for a new puppy!

In this episode, I talk about the turn whistle and using flirt poles and tugs to train steadiness and a flush on cue.

Yes, finally I got my ass in gear and created an online site where you can purchase courses showing you how to train your dog using force-free methods. Hurrah! It's called forcefreegundog.com

Even better, there's a 10% discount code for podcast listeners for any course purchased on the site this month. The code is HOLDTHELINE10 

In this episode, I answer a listener question about how to avoid punishing the recall by stopping the dog during it when we use it as a 'come in' whistle on a retrieve. 

And I get down and dirty with some discussion on harnesses. (Slightly controversial, this one!)

In this episode, I chat with photographer, researcher and author Craig Koshyk about the history and culture of working gundog breeds. Check out Craig's podcast, Hunting Dog Confidential, the magazine he's behind - Project Upland - and his book 'Pointing Dogs: Volume 1 - The Continentals'.

In this episode, I answer a listener's question about maintaining straight lines across water and give some training suggestions for approaching this.

If you want to catch up with the interview with me in the great podcast Sporting Dog Talk, you can find it in episode 87 - here.

In this episode, I talk about canine fitness during the shooting season (not that I am an expert on fitness, I hasten to add!) and give some preliminary thoughts about a concept I call 'triangulation'.

In this episode, I talk with Jane Ardern of Waggawuffins Canine College in Bury (Manchester, UK). Jane is Full Member of the APDT(UK) and a member of the COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers. She is an Accredited Animal Behaviourist with ICAN and a Gundog Club Accredited Instructor/Assessor. Jane works and breeds cocker spaniels and takes a special interest in impulse control. We talk quite a bit about getting control after the flush through proofing and generalisation. Jane has just had a book published, called 'Mission Control', and under her SmartPup scheme, she offers monthly boxes to new puppy owners which fit with their puppy's stage of development.

Here are the sources I mention in this episode:

• Housing and exercise-related risk factors - Krontveit et al, 2012
• Avidog - How much exercise do puppies need?
• Puppy Culture - Puppy Fitness that Fits the Puppy

Two listener questions... 

Here is a link to the video from Fanny Gott where a dog learns to work around a female in season.

Or: http://www.fannygott.com/epic-learning-a-big-lesson?fbclid=IwAR1FStZ8xbccKrNItRB7tI7H2RcPTVA7_4WRn2rYfZ4-Z05ojcJUisyOWHk 

I ponder the options available when we are disappointed by a dog which fails to live up to our expectations in some way.

Today I answer questions about biting puppies and recall problems in hunting dogs. I also describe another great lining drill, the 3-in-a-row drill.

In this episode, I describe a 4-spoked and 8-spoked wagonwheel lining drill - which requires very little space to train, so can be done in your yard or garden.  

I also answer a listener's question about settling her dog down in various different settings.

I ponder the implications of the recent 'lockdown' in the UK:  Can you drive a short distance to exercise your dog in a remote area, or do you have to exercise in a crowded place where everyone else is?  

And how do we socialise puppies so they grow up to be well-adjusted, despite all these restrictions on daily life?

Let's keep the economy going and help small businesses that have had to move online :) 

Today, I talk about the most important qualities for training a blind retrieve:

• Run or confidence
• Maintaining a straight line

And which types of blind retrieve we can use, to ensure we really isolate those components of our chain and work on them - without muddying the waters by ending up handling and casting and stop whistling the dog... 

In this episode, I chat with Hannah Branigan about:

1. food motivation - and how to work with dogs which lack it (especially in the field or in high arousal situations) and
2. the importance of planning our training sessions

You can find out more about Hannah herself via her own website.  But she also has her own dog sports podcast, called Drinking From the Toilet - which you most definitely want to check out and subscribe to.

Hannah has two competition obedience DVDs available - Obedience FUNdamentals and Beyond FUNdamentals - and the easiest way I've found to access these from the UK, is to subscribe to the TawzerDog streaming service for a month and binge-watch them(!).

Hannah also has a super book on competition obedience, published last year - called Awesome Obedience.  It's available from Amazon UK and probably worldwide(!). 

Hannah is on the faculty for the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy and frequently instructs online courses there, if you'd like to learn more with her.

In the podcast, I mentioned a free planner which Hannah has created - and which you can download from her website.  If you go to this page of her site here, and look in the small box on the right of the screen (on a computer), you will see where it says 'Need help planning your training sessions?'.  Here, you can input your email address to subscribe - and in return get her free planner and video on how to use it :) 

In this episode, I talk with Ellen Nauman - programme director of OBATs - the Official BAT School. 

We discuss BAT, developed by Grisha Stewart - and how BAT helps dogs to remain under-threshold in the presence of triggers which would previously have put them over-threshold.  These triggers are conventionally other people or other dogs, but can also be game - or anything else animate. 

If you'd like more information about training as a BAT instructor, check out the link above to the Official BAT School.  If you'd like more general info about BAT, see Grisha's website.

In this episode:

• I do the draw to find out who is going to win the one remaining proof of my book!
• I have a mini-rant about COIs and people disregarding them.
• And (mostly) I talk about blind retrieves, and the difference between a 'hunt everywhere' type of blind retrieve and one where straight lines are expected and upheld.  Where have these differences come from?

The article by Dr Carol Beuchat on COIs can be found here.

If you haven't been lucky enough to win a copy of my book in the draw, you can pick one up from Amazon - or put it on your Xmas list!  Search for Force-Free Gundog Training:  The Fundamentals for Success by Jo Laurens

This episode covers Phase 7 & 8 of the clicker retrieve process and is the final instalment in this process. 

Do look back at earlier episodes of this podcast to follow the process from the beginning.

You can also check out my book - Force Free Gundog Training:  The Fundamentals for Success, available from Amazon - for full illustrated details of the process.

And, if that's not enough, you can sign up for my online clicker retrieve course - wherever you are in the world!  It's a 5 week course, costing £35.  You can start it any time.  Email me at [email protected] for more information.

In this episode I answer questions about:

• Why is the clicker retrieve trained in the way it is?
• Should or could we teach dogs to quarter between visible targets like white posts or buckets?
• What is the connection between breeding/genetics and training methods - what are the implications of training dogs using positive reinforcement if they have been bred to be trained using aversives...? 

In this episode, I talk about what I'm getting up to with Fyr - in terms of both socialisation and training.

And I answer listener questions :)

In this episode, I answer a question about training the Remote Sit.  And I cover Phase 7 of the clicker retrieve - putting the hand target and pick-up together.

My book, Force-Free Gundog Training:  The Fundamentals for Success, is now available on Amazon (world-wide!).  If you do pick up a copy, please do leave an Amazon review to give me some click and treats and make it more likely that I will be motivated to get to work on the next book!! 

I have a proof left over - a copy of the book which is exactly the same as those sold, except it says 'Not for resale' across the front.  I'm going to draw a name from a hat for it!  If you'd like to enter the draw, please email me your training question(s) at [email protected]

The article on variable reinforcement referred to in the podcast, is Doesn't Intermittent Reinforcement Create a Stronger Behaviour? by Eileen and the dogs.  

In this episode, I chat with Anne Taguchi from Touchstone Weimaraners in Los Angeles.

Anne is a seasoned and accomplished field trial competitor and breeder of working Weimaraners for the field and for hunting purposes. 

Anne also runs a popular website called Just Weimaraners - which is about everything-Weimaraner.

In this episode, I talk about why it's important to plan your training sessions.

I also mention a great free template you can download for planning your training, which is available from Hannah Branigan's super website. 

You can listen to Hannah talking about planning training sessions on her own podcast (Drinking from the Toilet) here.  It's episode 21, 'Why Bother with Training Plans?'.

In this episode, I look at Phase 6 of the clicker retrieve process:  Proofing the hold against food.  

If your dog can master this step, you will have an extremely reliable retrieve.  Your dog will be unlikely to drop in the presence of distractions and you will be able to use this when your dog exits water to achieve a reliable hold and to avoid the dog dropping when wet to shake.  

This step also prevents rolling or mouthing of the dummy or retrieve item, in the dog's mouth - since the mouth will still when the dog is focussed on the dummy.

If you would like to follow a 5 week online clicker retrieve course, please email me at [email protected]

In this episode, I chat with Dr Gayle Watkins about what Avidog has to offer us as breeders, puppy owners and handlers.  If you'd like more information about Avidog, please email [email protected]

Gayle is based in the US and she has been a breeder for over 40 years.  She breeds multipurpose golden retrievers under the Gaylans affix.  Her dogs have been super-successful in numerous hunt test and working certificate tests and field trials - and in a wide variety of dog sports.  She has Qualified All-Age and Master Hunter golden retrievers - amongst huge success in many other dog sports with dogs she has bred and handled.

Gayle is the co-founder of Avidog and it's best to listen to the interview to get a sense of what Avidog is! 

Here are some freebies from Gayle and Avidog:

Discount code for Hold the Line listeners (thanks very much Gayle!) is HTL10

Early Scent Introduction (free video and form)

97 Ways to Raise Great Puppies (free ebook)

In this episode, I attempt to cover several heelwork exercises at breakneck speed.  

I also answer a question from Ally about over-arousal during heelwork.

In this episode, I discuss the difference between heelwork and loose-lead walking.  I conceptualise heelwork and what it is (a moving stay, with a beginning and an end - and duration in between).  And I discuss one huge consideration for training specifically retriever heelwork, when using positive reinforcement:  How do we prevent the dog staring up at us, and missing marks?

In this episode, I talk with Nick Benger about two completely different subjects:  Training dogs to focus on their handlers in distracting environments (otherwise known as 'engagement' training), which is a special interest of his - and we also talk about how (and why) to have conversations with trainers who use aversives.

Nick himself has a podcast - called Dog Talk With Nick Benger - which I highly recommend that you subscribe to, because it's one of my favourite podcasts.

Nick has a degree in Canine Behaviour and Training from the University of Hull and he is a positive reinforcement pet dog trainer, running Bark Play Teach in Bristol, UK.  He is currently writing a book on engagement but, whilst we all wait for that to appear, you can download his free 'engagement guide' from his website here.

In this episode, I talk about Phase 4 and 5 of the clicker retrieve.  Phase 4 is the Hand Target and Phase 5 is Introducing Slight Distance and a Mini-Hold.

Be sure to check out my YouTube channel for some free videos giving an overview of the clicker retrieve process.

If you'd like to join us on the 5 week online clicker retrieve course (costing £35 and accessible worldwide), please email me for more info at [email protected] 

I cover Phase 1 (just a touch) and Phase 2 (pick-ups) of the clicker retrieve process.

We now have lots of people, the world over, taking a 5 week clicker retrieve course which follows these methods.  If you'd like to join us, please email me at [email protected] for more information.  

The clicker retrieve is the force-free alternative to force-fetch.  

In this episode, I chat with force-free gundog trainer, Jules Morgan.  Jules is a full APDT (UK) member and an accredited trainer and assessor for the Gundog Club. 

Jules' training organisation is called Dog Training Naturally and she's been a professional dog trainer for about 25 years.  She is entirely force-free and she is also a crossover trainer, so she really understands the journey that is made when people move from using aversives to being force-free. 

Along with Helen Phillips, Jules has set up the Gundog Trainers' Academy - to train trainers(!) how to work with gundogs in a force-free way. 

Jules herself owns and works both cockers and labradors and has experience working on many different types of shoots.  She has judged gundog working tests and organised KC Working Gundog Certificate days and she is a co-founder of the Leconfield Working Spaniel Club.

In this episode, I cover Phase 1 of the clicker retrieve.  There are eight phases and I'll be covering these at various points in upcoming podcasts.

The clicker retrieve is the force-free equivalent to force-fetch.  If you have any problems following these steps or you have any questions, feel free to email me for help and I will cover the issue on a future podcast!

If you'd like more detail on the clicker retrieve, I offer a 5 week online clicker retrieve course.  You are emailed videos, information and a handout sheet each week of the course and you also have access to a Facebook group where you can post videos of your training and get feedback from me (and others!).  

Email me at [email protected] for more information.

After a question from a listener, I talk about the clicker retrieve and how to get things set up to begin a clicker retrieve session.  The plan is to continue, in future episodes, to talk listeners through how to train the clicker retrieve(!).  There are eight 'phases' to the clicker retrieve process I use.  This episode is the first in the series on the clicker retrieve.

I do offer an online clicker retrieve course, which you can take - wherever you are, in the world.  You will receive videos, handout sheets and emailed info each week for 5 weeks.  You will have access to a Facebook group where you can post videos and get my feedback.  The course is £35.  If you'd like to enrol, email me at [email protected] or [email protected]

In this episode, I interview Leanne Smith.  Leanne is a force-free gundog trainer and handler, based in Devon UK.  She is a full member of the APDT (UK), holds a diploma from COAPE, and is a Gundog Club trainer and instructor.  Leanne owns and works three cocker spaniels.  Leanne's training organisation is called Dogs R Dogs and, via Dogs R Dogs, she also organises the biannual Positive Gundog Training Conference.  

I talk about the Really Bad Thing that just happened with the book I've written and the manner in which what's happened reflects the conflict between mainstream training and force-free training.

Then I talk about 'arousal levels' and frustration-based behaviours - and what we can do, to help gundogs with these.

For more information on the 'Superman pose' research, check out that link.  And, to find out more about Control Unleashed, take a look at Leslie McDevitt's website.

I talk about harnesses:  Back-fastening harnesses and front-fastening harnesses.  Harnesses which have a Y-front, versus those which barricade the chest.  Fit.  And gape-age (I made that word up!) at the shoulder, as something to avoid.

I discuss the recent history of harnesses - and how the force-free dog training scene has been transformed by the appearance of the front-attachment point.

I talk especially about using a harness when it comes to gundog training and some of the conflict (internal and external) there - including when to use a harness and when to use a slip-lead.

And then I review the new super-duper DOGCopenhagen Comfort Walk Air harness, which is my current fav harness.

During the episode, I mention Emily Larlham's great article 'Is it harmful to attach a leash to your dog's neck?'.  

In this episode, I talk with Dr Claire Brand.  Claire works springer spaniels and is a trustee of the Gundog Club.  The Gundog Club is a UK-based organisation which offers a graded testing scheme for gundogs.  It is a force-free organisation, with all Gundog Club instructors and assessors being committed to force-free gundog training.  You can find out more about the Gundog Club from the website:  www.thegundogclub.co.uk

In this episode, I talk about how to train the Sit (or Stand) to Flush, using force-free methods.  (You may also want to listen to Episode 2 - my interview with Elsa and Lena - for more on this subject.)

At the end of the podcast, I talk about how to get started with training the Back casts - Back-Left and Back-Right.

In this episode, I talk to UK retriever trainer, Collette May.  We talked in some depth about UK retriever working tests, in a bid to encourage more people to dip their toes into mainstream competition. 

Collette competes with her three black labs in UK tests and trials, as well as picking up on shoots.  She is a full member of the IMDT and an accredited Gundog Club instructor and assessor.  Her training organisation is called 'Lead and Listen' and you can check out what she offers, here:  www.leadandlisten.co.uk

In this episode, I talk about marking.  What is good marking and why do we need it?  How can we establish good marking habits?  Why should the dog not look away from the location of fall unless cued to?  And a few other bits and pieces.

In this episode, I interview Swedish force-free gundog trainers Elsa Blomster and Lena Gunnarsson.  They are the authors of the book 'Retrieving for All Occasions' - which is available from their website retrievingforalloccasions.com They also offer online gundog training courses, which we discuss in the podcast.  Their organisation is called Klickerförlaget Göteborg AB.  Which I cannot pronounce.  But I can write it(!).

If you want to watch the video clips of Lena training her spaniel to Sit to Flush, you can see these here:  

• https://www.retrievingforalloccasions.com/quling-goes-to-flush-school-part-1/
• https://www.retrievingforalloccasions.com/quling-goes-to-flush-school-part-2/ 

Hello to you all!  This is just a quick intro to let you know what the podcast is about and what you can look forward to hearing, in future.