SOUND BEGINNINGS
New Retriever Puppy Training Video Featuring Jackie Mertens
Review by Dennis R. Voigt
This brand new video is devoted to that all important first six months of your retriever puppy and how to teach skills to maximize your pup's future development. The video features Jackie Mertens of Topbrass Retrievers, a well-known and very successful amateur retriever trainer and breeder. Jackie has had extensive experience raising many golden and labrador retriever puppies that have gone on to be very well-trained retrievers with accomplishments in field trials, hunt tests and the hunting world. Production by Jerry Younglove of Younglove Broadcast Services has ensured that the sound and picture quality is at the same standard we've seen with the YBS productions of the Lardy videos. The narrated script and graphics have the same high standard.
The cast of characters includes a collection of puppies of many ages, colours and retriever breeds to illustrate how you can best give your puppy a sound beginning. There is some excellent footage showing responses by puppies to many of the early experiences that you are encouraged to develop for your pup. The video follows the chronological development of puppies starting at seven weeks and culminating in simple marks on land and water in a variety of environments. This could be at 5-10 months of age for different puppies but it is the stage at which the pup would be ready to start the formal part of a Basic Program. Throughout, we see puppies in situations ranging from home to yard to field and we see techniques illustrated by Jackie and a group of her friends. Many of the techniques illustrated will appear simple and obvious but in reality rarely if ever followed by the majority of puppy raisers. Seeing the developmental steps in action will help you guide a puppy for maximum development. I think this aspect of the video will be very valuable to both new and experienced puppy owners.
Here are a few of the topics covered to give you an idea of the content.
In summary, the video should open your eyes to ways of enriching your pup's upbringing and preparing for more advanced work. My recommendation is to get this video whether you are experienced or not. I would watch it just before I brought my new pup home and then again about every month until your pup is six months. I suggest that these one hour or so investments in your pup's future will remind and inspire you to develop your pup to the maximum. You can get complete details on ordering your Sound Beginnings in the Classified Ads section of this issue of Retrievers Online.
The video is based on a few fundamental principles that should guide your early pup.
Keep it fun;
Teach and when in trouble simplify;
Be patient, dogs have days off just like us;
Be fair in what you ask your pup to do;
Give your dog what you are expecting from him -- 100%
