Training Tips
Here's how we make the most of each hunt
Retriever Care in Cold Weather
by Chris Akin
Cold-weather waterfowling can mean a lot of extra work in sometimes nasty conditions, but those of us who take on those challenges are often rewarded with some of the season's best hunting. It's extremely satisfying to bag out when the wind is howling and ice is forming on the decoys,...
Early Goose Season Means Learning Opportunities for Retrievers
by Chris Akin
With many states holding early Canada goose seasons, retriever owners have an excellent opportunity to introduce their young dogs to waterfowling, and for experienced dogs it’s a good time to provide a refresher course in hunting manners. Let’s talk about a few things you can do to make sure that...
A Great Summertime Water Exercise for Retrievers
by Chris Akin
If you've got a young retriever and you're on the hunt for a top-notch training exercise for the summer, I've got a ripper that's dead easy but also beneficial and enlightening for both you and your dog. The drill I'm about to explain is pretty straightforward as a 'de-cheating' technique, but it actually achieves a fair bit more...
Making the Case for E-Collar Simplicity
by Chris Akin
Depending on your background, your opinion about using an electronic training collar probably falls into one of three categories: 1) You reckon the modern e-collar is the best thing since sliced bread; 2) You reckon the evil 'shock' collar's got no place in dog training; or 3) You're scared to...
6 Tips for a Top Snow Goose Hunt with Your Retriever
by Chris Akin
Snow goose hunting offers its own special kind of excitement in the realm of waterfowl hunting. Spring seasons, generous or no bag limits, the use of electronic callers and unplugged shotguns all contribute to a ripper time when you're fortunate enough to come across countless thousands of birds in your hunting area. Not...
Proper Introduction to the E-Collar
by Chris Akin
The e-collar is a ripper of a tool. It can fine-tune a dog, extend your control, and even save an animal’s life. But here’s the thing: You gotta understand what it is. It’s not a magic bullet. I reckon it’s a polishing tool. It’s an enforcement tool and a distance minimizer. What...
Pup’s First Hunt: Building Your Future
by Chris Akin
A puppy's first season, and more specifically, his first hunt, can be the most pivotal in his life as a gun dog. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and that impression can have a major impact on how a young dog is moulded into a hunting...
