|
Frequently Asked Questions
Is
the Mike Lardy training approach just for field trial training or can it
be used for hunt test and gundog training also?
The
training approach provides a common foundation for all training
programs; whether gundogs, hunt tests, or field trials. Basics
and Transition activities are exactly the same for all.
In the Advanced section, the only differences are in what people
wear, variance in distances, and other minor adaptations.
If
I only want to buy one tape, which one should I buy first?
If you want to use the program and either have a new pup or are new yourself, then the first tape to order is Total Retriever Marking. The Basics tape in the Marking package starts you out right with your pup from age ten weeks. How to introduce your new pup to bird boys; how to introduce to water work; mechanics of coming to line, whether to repeat marks or not, advantages and disadvantages of various kinds of marks, how to make your bird boy effective and useful, and many other pointers are sequentially presented. Having many positive experiences while starting to develop good habits provides the foundation for a life of great field experiences for you and your dog. If you are experienced, it will still be a good choice since it provides you an overall developmental marking program that will help you through your dog's entire life.
An enthusiastic pup with foundational field skills presented in the Marking package will prepare it for the formal yard program as presented in the Total Retriever Training Basics tape.
Both packages Transition and Advanced tapes contain information that will assist you and your dog becoming a smooth working successful team. Ideally, for a fully rounded program that will take you into cheating skills, multiple marks, and advanced marking and handling in the field, it is better to own both the Total Marking and Total Retriever Training tape and manual sets. If you just want to buy just one package, then start out with the Total Marking tape and later add the Total Retriever Training set.
The Total E-Collar Conditioning tape is like a magnifying glass on the e-collar conditioning portion of the yard work. Having your youngster properly conditioned is important throughout training.
The Training with Mike Lardy 22 article manual provides you will supplemental information and is great to carry right out into the field or yard with you for reference. It does not replace having the tapes.
For more details, please look the table of contents for each of the packages.
How
much duplication is found between the Total Retrieving and the
Total Marking packages?
Total
Retriever Training only provides Field Checks for marking
development and some marking development information. Total
Retriever Marking provides step-by-step development of marking
concepts from puppy to advanced marks. Duplication between the Total
Retriever Training and the
Total Retriever Marking sets is only enough to make the
connection between the concepts
in the two packages.
Do
I have to use an e-collar to follow this program?
Many
parts of the tapes either do not involve an e-collar or can be done
without an e-collar. The e-collar is a tool to use within the program,
and is not the center of the program.
However, some concepts such as indirect pressure cannot
easily be done without having an e-collar for remote
communication. Some drills are more easily done with an e-collar since
timing at a distance can be more accurate than in other correction
methods.
Does
the approach work for all types of dogs?
The
program works well for all types of dogs.
Workshops have included conformation bred Labradors and Goldens,
Flat Coated Retrievers, Curly Coated Retrievers, Tollers, Chesapeakes,
and Poodles as well as field bred Labradors and Goldens.
Temperaments of dogs that do well in the approach vary from very
sensitive to bold and outgoing.
Are
these tapes for beginners or only for advanced handlers?
There
are many terms and ideas that might be new to someone with
no experience at all with field work. However, the terms and ideas are easily learned. It is always helpful for new people
to work with seasoned handlers.
Retriever training clubs are usually good spots to find help.
Is
the Training with Mike Lardy manual of articles a substitute for
owning the tapes?
The
manual of 22 articles is an excellent supplement to the tapes. Many people carry into the field while training. But, it
cannot replace owning the tapes and watching timing and demonstrations.
Is
it useful or wise to mix programs or take pieces from Mike Lardy's program and put it in another?
It
is highly recommended that you stick to one program while training your dog. Moving back and forth between well-known
approaches will likely only confuse the dog.
HOME
| 
totalretriever.com