Where to start?

[HKeith]

I'm looking for some help regarding training a new dog. What commands to start with, dvds/books, e-collars? Any help would be appreciated. I have an English springer spaniel and a lab.

[gundogguy]

I'm looking for some help regarding training a new dog. What commands to start with, dvds/books, e-collars? Any help would be appreciated. I have an English springer spaniel and a lab.

Which is the new dog? The ESS or the lab or is it a mix breed, and you really only have one dog. What are your standards and is this to be a working dog in the field or are you looking for obedience training for a companion dog?
Lots of questions to be answered and you will need to establish goals of achievement for you and the dog.
There is a mountain of help here but you really have to get specific in what your plans are for this dog and yourself.
Also what part of the world do you live in, that would helpful as well.

[EvanG]

I'm looking for some help regarding training a new dog. What commands to start with, dvds/books, e-collars? Any help would be appreciated. I have an English springer spaniel and a lab.

Start (and finish) here: www.evan-graham.net .



Click on image

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

EvanG

[HKeith]

I have two dogs, ESS and Lab, I would like to start training both which I understand will be difficult for the first time. I want to hone the labs retrieving skills and start on the ESS's flushing and pointing. I'm in Florida and both pups are a year old. They have their basic commands down pretty well, the lab is a little stubborn with recall. I realize I'm a few months behind on getting started but I'm ready to go now.

[HKeith]

Evan, which book and dvd should I start with? The smartworks vol. 1 is tailored to retrievers but will it also work for my ESS up to a certain point? If so what should I use to finish training my ESS?

[whoadog]

My suggestion is the same as always, read all you can and familiarize yourself specifically with information on how dogs learn . If you clearly understanding how to teach your dog you can be successful with most of the published material on gun dog training. You might also search out a local training group. A good mentor who is willing to give hands on coaching for both you and your dog is priceless.

[madmurph]

I want to hone the labs retrieving skills and start on the ESS's flushing and pointing.

I would suggest to concentrate on getting the ESS to flush rather than "teaching" it to point.

Evan's programs are well respected. See if you can also hook up with a local training group. You can learn a lot working with other trainers and handlers in a hands on environment. Best of luck with the dogs.

[CDN_Cocker]

I want to hone the labs retrieving skills and start on the ESS's flushing and pointing.

That may be difficult since an ESS is a flushing breed, not a pointing one.

[gundogguy]

Evan, which book and dvd should I start with? The smartworks vol. 1 is tailored to retrievers but will it also work for my ESS up to a certain point? If so what should I use to finish training my ESS?

+1 Start with Smart works Vol 1 It covers the most important part...the basics. which is basicly the same for either breed. Without the basics we would never no just how good a dog can be!