Wondering how to train your own retriever for hunting upland or waterfowl, hunt tests and working certificates? Want to learn field training right along with your dog instead of “sending it away to a pro”? Wondering where to find the land, water, game birds, and, most importantly, the KNOWLEDGE to develop your retriever’s natural ability into a well trained field performer?
I can train you and your dog in private lessons, weekly consults and group training sessions. Field lessons are held at CRTA (California Retriever Training Association) offering ample land and water and allowing use of gunfire and birds, all convenient to the Bay Area.
My Training Philosophy— I have a program that follows the necessary teaching and training to accomplish your goals with your dog. While each dog and person has individual characteristics in the way they learn I do adhere to the logical process of Field and Gun Dog Training. However, unlike the majority of Field Professionals who have a “One Size Fits All” approach I custom design each dog and handler program with their unique characteristics in mind. My goal is to allow the dog and handler to go at their own pace, and be flexible with both. I feel it is most important that the dog and owner become a team together. I want them to be participating, learning and enjoying the journey as much as possible. I am more interested in getting the best out of the dog, and if necessary can get fairly creative with methods that will get a dog and owner through difficulties. I want the dogs and people to have fun while they learn, then start entering Hunt Tests and enjoy the camraderie and game as I do.
TRAINING PROGRAMS AVAILABLE
PUPPY TRAINING
From 8 weeks old to 1 years old your puppy is an open book. It is our job to write that book now rather than later. Important basic commands are taught and reinforced during this time window that if properly taught last throughout the dog’s lifetime and set the foundation for all retriever work. From hunting, hunt tests and day to day living.
Cheryl will provide Privates, Puppy Group training and Weekly Progress Consults via email to help you keep you on track, get the skills and exposure needed to teach your puppy.
STARTED DOG TRAINING
From 6 months to 18 months the dog is now ready to move forward into more complex training for the avid hunter or hunt tester person. Cheryl has two options available. Option 1 – Private Lessons, Weekly Progress Consults via email and Group Training to provide the owner and dog with training on how to teach the dog guaranteed pick up, delivery to hand, and handling on land and in water. Option 2 – Cheryl will take you dog through the Started Dog training at her home in Crescent City on a Board and Train program customized to your dog. Upon completion of this the dog should be able to complete a Junior Hunter test and possibly a Senior Hunter test depending on the dog.
ADVANCED GROUP TRAINING
For dogs who completed the Started Dog Dog program and the owner wishes to move forward in the dog’s training for Senior or Master Hunter level test and provide the owner with a hunting companion with the polish of a well trained and proficient hunter. Cheryl provides Group Training Set Ups that will challenge your dog and yourself in the fine art of teamwork between you both.
- For more information or to schedule a lesson, please contact Cheryl at cherylbaca@sbcglobal.net or call (707) 386-9978 .
Cheryl's Dog Training 