11/19/2024
Hi, I’m Josh and I’m the guy behind this crazy idea. You may have already seen my face last month on the podcast or in my main business, Houston DogWorks
My interest in sporting dogs began at least 10 years ago with my lab mix, Cooper.
When adding a second dog, I ended up with a Braque du Bourbonnais and got involved with NAVHDA. Since then, I’ve come to serve the local chapter through numerous terms as the Lone Star Chapter Secretary.
Since my first involvement, I’ve come to be known for “off breeds”, putting prizes on every dog I have trained and handled or coached/trained and was handled by their owner in the test including Wire Haired Pointing Griffon, Braque Francis, German Shorthaired Pointer, Pudelpointer and the only breed eligible Utility titled Epagneul Picard in the country.
WHAT?
I train and work mostly in a dual reinforcement training system so that the dog understands both good and less pleasant consequences of their actions. This leads to clarity and the maximization of the dog’s potential.
Over pressuring is one of the issues prevalent in the gun dog space, and much of it really boils down to a lack of clarity in the training process. Much of the preparation for being “in the field” should happen “in your garage”, and a lot more can happen there than people think.
To me, training should do a number of things for both dog and handler:
1. Build a communal “language” between dog and handler to minimize confusion/conflict and maximize teamwork.
2. Sequentially/Systematically get the dog to WANT to do the behavior(s) before we ever test the dog or put them in a position to make “other” choices.
3. TEACH the dog HOW to be held accountable or compelled into the behavior before ever set them up for those decisions. Give the dog the answer to the test before giving the test.
4. Build a rock solid foundation to avoid confusion, starting at early puppyhood, where the dog sees concepts that they will carry through their entire life.
Have a retriever or versatile pointing dog and don’t know where or how to get started and you don’t just want to ship your dog off to the country to live in a kennel for months on end? Lets chat.
