SA Retriever Training Seminar

[Jason Ferris]

The report below was forwarded to me by Jean Bird...

“You can learn something new from everyone you meet.” It is said.

And that is what we did at the Seminar – ‘Retrieving Training the Tawton Way’ held in April. This was the first time that this style of Training for Retrieving has ever been held in South Australia. It was a case of look, listen and learn – without your dog!

Sixteen people came to the two-day learning opportunity to discover some new approaches to training. Bob Tawton took attendees through a sequential program of training, using techniques that have proven themselves for a number of triallers. Using notes he provided to the attendees, a white board and some trialling equipment, Bob explained and illustrated his theories. He then demonstrated them using his own dogs.

We were given an insight into how some of the top triallers gain their competitive edge. The basic premise being that a program of exercises, called drills, teach your dog the concepts behind retrieving.

These concepts can be taught at a local oval , or a similar even smaller area, (where it is legal and safe to have your dogs off-lead). Each ‘drill’ is a component of a retrieving run. Gradually these components are put together, so that the dog has acquired a whole range of skills. It is not until those concepts/drills are learned is a full “retrieve” practised.

This differs markedly from the way some people train their dogs. That method being where trainers set up “retrieving runs’ which are repeated until the dog has “got it right”.

The “drills” method is quite different in that it is used to provide the dog with a base of knowledge and skills that is gradually built upon, thus preparing the dog for all elements of trialling, when they come together at a trial.

Bob took us through how this is done starting with drills for young pups, preparing them for Novice up to the demanding level of All-age competition.

I’m sure that most of us gained something we can use to improve our training techniques.

We thank Bob for his willingness to share his vast experience and knowledge with us. Thus, in future, more of us may be able to offer greater challenge to those competitive triallers from interstate.

Due to the success of this Seminar the Committee of RFTC is considering conducting another next year: bringing a different person to talk about other ideas and techniques on training for retrieving. If you would like that to be arranged, speak to one of the committee members.

A video of some of the demonstrations is available for loan from RFTC. Thank you to Jean Bird and the volunteers who made this Seminar possible.

Margaret Bourn