Hold the Line

Latest Episodes:

Episode 20 - Planning your training Aug 23, 2019

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In this episode, I talk about why it's important to plan your training sessions.
I also mention a great free template you can download for planning your training, which is available from Hannah Branigan's super website.
You can listen to Hannah talking about planning training sessions on her own podcast (Drinking from the Toilet) here. It's episode 21, 'Why Bother with Training Plans?'.

Episode 19 - Phase 6 of the Clicker Retrieve Aug 16, 2019

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🙃 Text me (Jo) at Hold the Line 🙃

In this episode, I look at Phase 6 of the clicker retrieve process: Proofing the hold against food.
If your dog can master this step, you will have an extremely reliable retrieve. Your dog will be unlikely to drop in the presence of distractions and you will be able to use this when your dog exits water to achieve a reliable hold and to avoid the dog dropping when wet to shake.
This step also prevents rolling or mouthing of the dummy or retrieve item, in the dog's mouth - since the mouth will still when the dog is focussed on the dummy.
If you would like to follow a 5 week online clicker retrieve course, please email me at jo@dogworks.org.uk

Episode 18 - Interview with Dr Gayle Watkins from Avidog Aug 09, 2019

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🙃 Text me (Jo) at Hold the Line 🙃

In this episode, I chat with Dr Gayle Watkins about what Avidog has to offer us as breeders, puppy owners and handlers. If you'd like more information about Avidog, please email info@avidog.com
Gayle is based in the US and she has been a breeder for over 40 years. She breeds multipurpose golden retrievers under the Gaylans affix. Her dogs have been super-successful in numerous hunt test and working certificate tests and field trials - and in a wide variety of dog sports. She has Qualified All-Age and Master Hunter golden retrievers - amongst huge success in many other dog sports with dogs she has bred and handled.
Gayle is the co-founder of Avidog and it's best to listen to the interview to get a sense of what Avidog is!
Here are some freebies from Gayle and Avidog:
Discount code for Hold the Line listeners (thanks very much Gayle!) is HTL10
Early Scent Introduction (free video and form)
97 Ways to Raise Great Puppies (free ebook)

Episode 17 - Heelwork, Part 2 Aug 02, 2019

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🙃 Text me (Jo) at Hold the Line 🙃

In this episode, I attempt to cover several heelwork exercises at breakneck speed.
I also answer a question from Ally about over-arousal during heelwork.

Episode 16 - Heelwork, Part 1 Jul 26, 2019

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🙃 Text me (Jo) at Hold the Line 🙃

In this episode, I discuss the difference between heelwork and loose-lead walking. I conceptualise heelwork and what it is (a moving stay, with a beginning and an end - and duration in between). And I discuss one huge consideration for training specifically retriever heelwork, when using positive reinforcement: How do we prevent the dog staring up at us, and missing marks?

Episode 15 - Interview with Nick Benger - on engagement and 'talking with the other side' Jul 19, 2019

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🙃 Text me (Jo) at Hold the Line 🙃

In this episode, I talk with Nick Benger about two completely different subjects: Training dogs to focus on their handlers in distracting environments (otherwise known as 'engagement' training), which is a special interest of his - and we also talk about how (and why) to have conversations with trainers who use aversives.
Nick himself has a podcast - called Dog Talk With Nick Benger - which I highly recommend that you subscribe to, because it's one of my favourite podcasts.
Nick has a degree in Canine Behaviour and Training from the University of Hull and he is a positive reinforcement pet dog trainer, running Bark Play Teach in Bristol, UK. He is currently writing a book on engagement but, whilst we all wait for that to appear, you can download his free 'engagement guide' from his website here.

Episode 14 - Phase 4 and 5 of the clicker retrieve Jul 12, 2019

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🙃 Text me (Jo) at Hold the Line 🙃

In this episode, I talk about Phase 4 and 5 of the clicker retrieve. Phase 4 is the Hand Target and Phase 5 is Introducing Slight Distance and a Mini-Hold.
Be sure to check out my YouTube channel for some free videos giving an overview of the clicker retrieve process.
If you'd like to join us on the 5 week online clicker retrieve course (costing £35 and accessible worldwide), please email me for more info at jo@dogworks.org.uk

Episode 13 - Phase 2 and 3 of the clicker retrieve Jul 05, 2019

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🙃 Text me (Jo) at Hold the Line 🙃

I cover Phase 1 (just a touch) and Phase 2 (pick-ups) of the clicker retrieve process.
We now have lots of people, the world over, taking a 5 week clicker retrieve course which follows these methods. If you'd like to join us, please email me at galody@mac.com for more information.
The clicker retrieve is the force-free alternative to force-fetch.

Episode 12 - Interview with Jules Morgan Jun 28, 2019

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🙃 Text me (Jo) at Hold the Line 🙃

In this episode, I chat with force-free gundog trainer, Jules Morgan. Jules is a full APDT (UK) member and an accredited trainer and assessor for the Gundog Club.
Jules' training organisation is called Dog Training Naturally and she's been a professional dog trainer for about 25 years. She is entirely force-free and she is also a crossover trainer, so she really understands the journey that is made when people move from using aversives to being force-free.
Along with Helen Phillips, Jules has set up the Gundog Trainers' Academy - to train trainers(!) how to work with gundogs in a force-free way.
Jules herself owns and works both cockers and labradors and has experience working on many different types of shoots. She has judged gundog working tests and organised KC Working Gundog Certificate days and she is a co-founder of the Leconfield Working Spaniel Club.

Episode 11 - Phase 1 of the clicker retrieve Jun 21, 2019

Show notes

🙃 Text me (Jo) at Hold the Line 🙃

In this episode, I cover Phase 1 of the clicker retrieve. There are eight phases and I'll be covering these at various points in upcoming podcasts.
The clicker retrieve is the force-free equivalent to force-fetch. If you have any problems following these steps or you have any questions, feel free to email me for help and I will cover the issue on a future podcast!
If you'd like more detail on the clicker retrieve, I offer a 5 week online clicker retrieve course. You are emailed videos, information and a handout sheet each week of the course and you also have access to a Facebook group where you can post videos of your training and get feedback from me (and others!).
Email me at jo@dogworks.org.uk for more information.

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