Dynamic Retrievers specialize in training young dogs (retriever breeds) for field trials, hunt tests, and hunting. Our basics and transition training is very thorough and ensures that each dog is properly conditioned to have the tools needed for a successful lifetime of competing and/or hunting.
Most dogs begin their training with us at around 5-6 months of age. We strongly encourage owners to utilize the DVD “Training a Retriever Puppy with Bill Hillmann,” prior to bringing us their youngster.
Training begins with bird introduction, obedience, fun retrieves, teaching the hold, drop, and fetch commands, and a complete and fair collar conditioning process that focuses on improved effort from your dog. We also begin teaching marks in a manner that is highly successful for your pup, and develops proper marking mechanics with a great attitude. We work hard to establish good habits and prevent bad ones!
As your youngster advances we start teaching the skills needed to handle. This means a conditioned response to the ‘back’ command, whistle stops, and hand signal direction changes. Your dog is now learning to run blind retrieves and, if needed, handle on a mark. Marking is an important skill and helps maintain and build a positive attitude in training, therefore, your dog is getting marks and is progressing in distance, difficulty, and is learning basic doubles, triples, and retired guns.
Our philosophy at Dynamic Retrievers prioritizes proper care and health of your dog. Next, we make sure your dog has a great attitude and love for birds and retrieving. When we combine good health and a great training attitude with the right dose of control and obedience, the result is the best dog your dog can be!
Some of our clients have very specific goals for their pup, such as strictly hunting or strictly field trials, but a growing number are approaching the process in a more open minded manner. Many owners are wanting to see how their young dog develops and matures before making any firm decisions for their pup’s future endeavors. A common scenario is to purchase a well-bred pup with a basic minimum goal of a good hunting dog, then determining the dog’s skill level before committing to more advanced training for competitions (field trials and/or hunt tests).