As we all know, dogs can’t talk! While you might think you have the smartest dog out there, I can be certain that ole Fido will not be giving you a list of New Years resolution suggestions to start the year off right. Since your retriever isn’t able to do this, I decided that I would call upon years of dog training experience and tell you what I believe your dog would tell you if only he could.
Resolution #1. – Be More Patient
New Years resolution number one is simple to understand but very difficult to actually accomplish. Be more patient! When it comes to retriever training, patience is an absolute must. Remember a few things: First it is important to realize that this is not a sprint but rather a marathon. It takes years for a retriever to become a fully trained, mature, and experienced hunting partner. Simply enjoy the process. Second always keep this thought in mind. You can not make a duck dog great in a single day but you can ruin one in a single day! Be patient, back off of the pressure and enjoy the journey with your dog.
Resolution #2. – Be More Considerate
Resolution number two is be considerate. What I mean by this is simply think about your dogs needs and not only your own. When you are hunting or training in the water, always provide a dry place like a dog stand where your dog can stand. When it is hot outside, try to train in the cool part of the day and be careful not to overheat your dog. When it is extremely cold, be cautious and make sure your dog doesn’t stay real cold for real long. Be careful not to over work your dog with dozens of retrieves at a time. Treat your dog with the respect he deserves by not yelling and correcting only but reward his efforts. He would want you to know that a little consideration goes a long way!
Resolution #3. – Be Consistent
Number three is to be consistent. Dogs need consistency. Good trainers train on a regular basis with short sessions. It is the consistent training over time that will help your dog understand his role. Five ten minute sessions are way more effective than one fifty minute session. Don’t leave him on the couch all year until hunting season. Instead train 3 or 4 days a year all year long. Consistency is the key to success!
Resolution #4. – Be Prepared
Number four is to be prepared. Before you train your dog, you need to have a goal in mind. Each training session should build on the last to help meet that goal. Don’t just show up to train without a plan. Plan specific sessions for marks, drills, blinds, and obedience. Also don’t forget to plan some fun days where all you do is throw happy bumpers and let your dog unwind.
Resolution #5. – Hunt More
Finally your dog would tell you to make it a resolution to hunt more! This one is my favorite! If you want a great hunting dog, he needs to hunt a lot! This is fun for both of you and it is likely the reason you got a retriever in the first place. Duck dogs are born to hunt and they love it more than you can probably imagine. I think when they dream, it is about chasing ducks! This year take the time to hunt more. Too much work will wear you out! Grab your dog and go shoot some ducks! If your spouse claims that you hunt too much, then simply say it’s all for the dog! Let me know if that works. 馃槈
There you have it! The things your dog wants you to work on this year are:
- Be more patient
- Be more considerate
- Be consistent
- Be prepared
- Hunt more
Come to think of it…those are all things that are great resolutions for anyone. As for me, I want to love Jesus more and continue to become the man He created me to be. I hope 2016 was all you hoped it would be, but if it wasn’t…why don’t you give Jesus a chance? People and things will let you down, that is a guarantee. Jesus will never leave you or forsake you. Trust me, I’ve tried all the world has to offer and ther only thing that has made a difference in my life is Him. Enough preaching. I sincerely hope you have a Happy New Year and may God richly bless you and your family.