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May 17, 2012
From the Library
October 2007
Training for Lack of Style
Excerpted from Retriever Troubleshooting
by John and Amy Dahl
ouse-raised dogs are, we think, usually more stylish performers than strictly kennel dogs. That doesn’t mean you have to sleep with them, although if that’s your bag it probably doesn’t do them any harm. A regular program of house time is conducive to the development of style. How much you are willing to put into this is a matter of personal preference. Other style-enhancing “togetherness” programs may include walks, car rides, etc.
Frisbees, balls, and freebie dummy throws are often employed by trainers, especially amateurs, in an attempt to jolly their dogs up and improve style following hard work. We think the chances of this working to your dog’s detriment are greater than they are of helping him. Often, horsing around after a teaching session seems insincere. If any animal is hard to con, it’s a dog. We recommend leaving the line in a controlled and sedate manner. Of course, if you’ve just won the Open, have at it; it’s not going to happen often enough to make a difference.
We don’t think free play with other dogs is a constructive way to address a style problem. We also think that being allowed to roam at large is counterproductive, and dangerous. Confinement in the kennel and dog truck tends to build a dog’s desire to work, and improves style. Using the tie-out chain to allow your dog to watch others work will help develop enthusiasm in some cases, but not all. Some will lie down and go to sleep.
Nutrition and health are factors in style. A dog can’t perform at or look his best when being nagged by health problems. Some interesting research is being done regarding stamina and feeding regimens. In brief, feeding high-potency food once a day, after work is done, is thought to promote endurance. Before adopting such a program, however, we recommend that the reader investigate the subject in greater depth than we can provide here.
here is yet another side to building and maintaining style that we refer to as the “wake-up call.” These methods involve the imposition of various forms of discipline on the flagging retriever who is slipping into increasingly lackluster performance. Several of the foregoing techniques may help these dogs, but some need to be reminded of their responsibilities in certain terms.
In many cases, obedience drills will produce noticeable benefits. A session of Heel, Sit, and Here will often cause lazy, slow behavior to be replaced with vigor and enthusiasm. A dog responding in this way seems to say, “Good, I’m back in the old groove. I was concerned with Jim’s slipshod training lately!” Dogs, in order to perform brilliantly, require clearly defined standards. High standards build confidence.
Some dogs show a lack of style only in certain areas. More often than not, style difficulties occur around water. Many retrievers are not especially water-inclined regardless of what we read about them in breed descriptions and standards. In addition, many water tests we prepare for today are ambiguous—should I get wet now or later? Should I get out here, or there? Cross at this point or that? the dog asks in a mire of confusion. Water style suffers quickly when the requirements are not made clear.
Force, properly applied, and made absolutely clear, almost always increases style in the water, even in a weak water dog. Force may be electronic or old fashioned. Both work. If the force is just punishment, however, it will have a negative effect on style.
We have worked out a few basic requirements in the water that can simultaneously bolster style and lay the groundwork for more technical tests.
First, the dog must get in the water when he’s sent. This is foremost among rules regarding water. Second, the dog must take whatever obstacle course comes up on his path to a water objective—points and islands may be boarded in course and the water re-entered on the far side. When channeling we teach the dog to stay in to the end, then as marks or blinds are placed on the sides of channels, dogs can be taught to deal with that. If these principles are made clear, subject by substance, your dog will comply happily and become a more stylish water dog.
Early in life, FC/AFC Burnham Buff would not hit the water with style. Her owner, Paul McGee, neighbor of John’s at the time, lived on the shore of Cedar Lake in Minneapolis. She was a talented yellow bitch, but walked into the water. Roger Reopelle recommended throwing dummies off the end of a dock for her, presenting a choice—fall in or jump. She chose to jump and soon developed a good water entry in other settings.
We do not tamper with dogs whose water entries are acceptably brisk but do not involve a leap. The spectacular leap is fun to see but is also hazardous. Dangerous obstacles may exist just below the water’s surface. Landing on them has caused serious injury and death. If you have a spectacular leaper, examine the water sites you train in carefully.
As your dog ages, the exuberance of youth will start to fade. Some dogs maintain marvelous physical condition throughout their lives, and you, who are entirely in control of their diet and exercise, are in a position to extend their well-being and style as far into life as possible.
Decreasing workloads, less exposure to cold water, warm housing, regular workouts, and adequate nutrition are all keys to health and longevity. Your dog’s style will serve as a barometer of the requirements and adjustments you make as he ages. 
To order this book, call 1-800-447-7367 with the following product code: RJ198. The book retails for $24.50, plus shipping and handling.