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I just baught a really nice pup that came from a reputable breader and a repeat breading that has produced many good dogs. I have done a lot of research and read "water dog" through and through... I have gotten several videos that have been very useful and seems like the training will be a pretty straight forward process (with a lot of patients). I have the schedule that will accomodate the amount of time needed I think and I like the idea of the sense of accomplishment coming from training my own dog, but am I making a mistake? I can get support from some friends who have trained dogs that they run all of the time and seem fairly competent.

Just wanted your guy two cents...

Find a training group with handlers that have experience. I can promise you it won't take long before you run into a problem that is not discussed in a book or on tape. In my opinion, like most things, experience is the best teacher in retriever training. Good luck with your pup.

Mark

Mark Evans wrote:Find a training group with handlers that have experience. I can promise you it won't take long before you run into a problem that is not discussed in a book or on tape. In my opinion, like most things, experience is the best teacher in retriever training.

Mark

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Chip

Join your local HRC. I'm sure you have one within 50 miles of you. Most HRC members have training groups that have schedules training days. Go out there and make some friends and you'll learn more from that core group of folks than a book or tape can ever teach you.

Join a training group!!! I have read every book written and have watched tons of videos, but I always seem to run into some situation that the book or video has not addressed------

We have a local HRC... I will look into that. I guess my question is what have been the success of those of you that have trained your own dogs on and not by a professional. Is it a losing proposition?

I can assure you EVERY professional started out by training his own dog.

The only "success rate" that matters is yours. If your committed to make it a priority, and do what it takes in daily commitment and listening to mentors, you WILL have a success. Roll up your sleeves and go for it!