I was needing some pointers on training my Lab and I had put a few questions on here and I got some good advice that seemed like it would work but when I tried it, it didnt work out that well, I got some great advice that would seem to Correct a bad habit with 1 small step, and then there where the people who offer no advice only critisim.

I was Luckey enough to Meet Dawn on here from Ironspikes and the advice she gave me on here was amazing I sent her a few PM's and she would give detailed descriptions on how to correct an issue I was having... I inquired if she did 1 on 1 lessons and she does so yesterday morning I took her up on the lesson.

I got up at 2:00am and drove from north Dallas to Woodville Texas (almost 300 miles) I hate to drive long distances. I got to the ranch at 9:00 and met Dawn and her family she has several beautiful dogs as well as horses. I love the piney woods (spent alot of my life in the area) and it reminded of time I spent with my dad on Lake Livingston...

She allowed Dude, My pup, to get aclimated and we visited for awhile while Dawn assessed my lil buddy, we went out and got to the lesson... and I have to say that the money I spent on this class was the best investment I have made in my dog so far!!! I thought I had a pretty good dog and Dawn agreed.

My pup is 4.5 months old right now and is going through a stage of thick headedness and I was thinking that I was regressing in her training, Dawn was able to assure me that this "stage" is normal and SO IS MY DOG! we went through some drills and Dawn pointed out some things that I was doing wrong,and that i was getting ahead of myself with Dudes training. This is my 3rd lab and by far the best, as I assume the training pointers are as important to each trainer as the reciepe for Coka-Cola I feel it isnt my place to share the things I was shown yesterday. If Ironspikes wants to share them that can be Dawns decision.

at the end of the training Dawn had asked if there was anything else I would like to work on... I informed her that Dude had yet to really get into the water because its so dang cold in Dallas so we went down to the pond with another beautiful Choc. male (his name escapes me) that was the complete definition of a Labrador retrievr in my eyes (except he wasent a dudly) . anyway Dude was swimming in miniuts and loving it. !!!!!

So after my visit I know I have the beginnings of a well rounded retrieving Labrador and friend and member of the family. anyway enough of the review I am taking my pup swimming!!!!

I will most definatly do this again either before hunting season or right after.

Thanks Dawn and Ironspikes for a JOB WELL DONE!!!

Hey did you get to see Flash by chance? I am going to be heading down there in a couple weeks with my boss to pick up his dog he is buying from her. Think I might bring Remi on the trip as well since she is going to be Flashes training buddy.

good to hear

yes, I saw Flash! your boss will prolly give you a raise!!!

Thanks for the kind words. We're sure glad you and Dude enjoyed yourselves and got something out of your time here! We enjoyed meeting y'all, as well. That choco male is Sergeant. Sarge was trained by (and belongs to) my youngest daughter who cut her teeth on dogs, hunting and the outdoors. I'll have to tell her you paid him such a nice compliment! Thought you might like these pics of Dude's first session in the water.

Those are some great looking pic's. Dude looks go much like Radar.

Now that is a good looking pup there. Love the white labs.

As for my boss giving me a raise I hope so but think it will be because of a dog. :lol:

intense looking pup

Thought you might enjoy these pics... lil' Dude launching!





She sure caught on fast! lol

Me and Willie will be up there in a month or so and very much looking forward to it. We may need some water intro also. I had hoped to have him swimming by now, but this danged cold weather just won't let up! Pup is looking great though!

Well, we're looking forward to meeting y'all! I'm sure Willie will have a great time as well as try some new things!

I have not been to meet Dawn, but have had several conversations with. She has no problem taking time to help. Her tips are awesome and show real results!

she even went as far as to "barbie break" my dog!!!

Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm so happy to hear that it's working out for y'all!