Are you and your dog in a training "rip-current?"

Are you and your dog in a training “rip-current?”

If you’ve been to the beach, then you’ve probably walked past the rip-current warning signs. You don’t think much about them until your actually caught in one.

What is really crazy about a rip-current is that if you’re caught in one, you may not even realize it until your tired of swimming. If you swim against it, then you are doomed to swim until exhaustion sets in, and you have nothing left to give. If you recognize it early on, you can take immediate action and swim with the current (not against it) to safety.

A lot of times training your dog can be very similar. You are training and working hard and making progress. Then all of a sudden... It’s like you’ve hit a wall. You can’t seen to make any headway, and you start to become exhausted trying to make progress.

If this is you, then keep reading to learn what steps you can take that will allow you to get out of the “dog training rip-current” and back to making progress.

If this isn’t you, keep reading, because more than likely you will need this at some point in your retriever training journey.

So what do you do if you hit a wall when training your dog?

1. First, don’t panic. It’s important to remain calm so that you can make a clear decision moving forwards. If your whole training session is going terrible, immediately stop and revert to something that you can gain success on. End the session on a positive note and load up your dog.
2. Second, if you can, it is best to take notes on what happened right away. Once you take notes, enjoy the drive or walk back with your dog and take some time to relax. A rough training session can quickly get you fired up, and if you’re not careful, you can make rash decisions.
3. Third, take some time to figure out what is really going on. Ask yourself questions such as:

• “Why did my dog respond that way?”
• “Have I taught my dog everything that it needs to complete what I am asking of it?”
• “Am I giving the right commands?”
• “Is there something I was unaware of out in the field?

Asking these questions and other questions similar to this will enable you to find the root of the problem you are facing.

If you can’t seem to find the problem, take a few days or even a week off. Sometimes a good break is a great time for your dog to rest and recharge. We’re not the only ones who need a vacation!

If you do identify the problem, the next step is to brainstorm and create a plan. If you want to take it a step further, create two or three separate game plans to ensure your success. If one plan fails, you can try the other. Odds are, one of the three plans will work and help you escape the “dog training rip-current.”

We have included a lesson planner that is located within our Cornerstone Gundog Academy Lesson Modules. This lesson planner coupled with the steps above will help you get the most out of your time with your retriever and escape the "rip-currents" of dog training. This is just one of the many aids that we provide to our Cornerstone Members. 

Visit our Store today to purchase your own access and start using CGA to enhance your experience owning and developing your Retriever.  We have put together the easiest to use, and most comprehensive lessons in modules ranging from Success with Your Puppy to Basic and Advanced Obedience as well as Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Gundog Skills. Our videos are concise and to the point.

We provide all the instruction you need and don't waste your time with unnecessary videos you don't need.  

Are you tired of swimming against the current and not making as much progress in your training as you would like? Then don't wait until it's too late... Get started with CGA today and escape the dog training "rip-currents." Your only a few clicks away from starting the journey today! 

Click Here To Get Started Today!

Build From Here,

Josh Parvin
Cornerstone Gundog Academy