Gun Dog Training Books

[stretch]

Any recommendations for reading material and/or audiobooks for training a first gun dog? It will be a Toller if that makes any difference to what's relevant (i.e. pointing specific books probably aren't applicable).

 

[TexAg09]

Sporting Dog and Retriever Training The Wildrose Way - https://wildrosetradingcompany.com/collections/frontpage/products/978-0-7893-2446-7
Wildrose Retriever Training DVD - https://wildrosetradingcompany.com/collections/frontpage/products/wc-00024

I hate to be such a homer, but the Wildrose DVD and book really helped a lot when I was training my first lab. I love all of their training material and info, and can't recommend it enough. They also have a good bit of free info with videos on their facebook page and youtube channel. (Not always the same on both)

 

[Frenchy]

SmartWorks is the one that worked the best for me. Good descriptions of what you are trying to achieve every step of the way, and diagrams of the yard work drills that get you there.

 

[stretch]

I had the Mike Stewart book marked down as one to get. Good to know you put it in to play. Thanks!

 

[BluegrassBilly]

Water Dog (retriever only) or Gun Dog (versatile) by Richard Wolters are classics.

 

[Nutrioso]

+1 on the Wildrose book and DVD, especially if don’t want to go the e-collar route. Another resource is the on-line Cornerstone Gundog Academy series, but that is pretty pricey. High quality though. These are retriever focused. I haven’t seen anything specific to Tollers.

Good luck with the training.

 

[Hunting Wife]

Speed Train Your Retriever. Heavy on obedience to begin with, which IMO makes or breaks everything else down the line. Combined with a few of the other titles mentioned, it worked very well for us.

 

[Don Fischer]

Gun Dog by Richard Wolter's is about pointing dogs. Ever if you had one I don't know on serious trainer that would recommend it. I think Troller's come under retriever's? If so you might try Wolter's book there. As I understand it he was a retriever man.

 

[stretch]

Thanks for the information guys. I ordered the Wildrose Book and am going to start there. Have a list of 3 or 4 others too if needed, for a backup. Trying to stick to one plan tho and give it an honest go first.

 

[Irrelevant]

I silent command system was the best I found. Wolters books weren't worth the paper they're printed on in my opinion. http://www.ronniesmithkennels.com/store/sildent-command-system-volume-1/

 

[Ben Lamb]

Wolter's books are fun to read, but the info is now 50 years old in some instances.

I've liked the Tom Dokken books so far.

 

[texrope]

Having grown up near this place, have a fond memories of grouse hunting this area. This fellows writings are good to read.

https://oldhemlock.org/george-bird-evans/writings/

 

[Don Fischer]

Gun Dog by Richard Wolter's is about pointing dogs. Ever if you had one I don't know on serious trainer that would recommend it. I think Troller's come under retriever's? If so you might try Wolter's book there. As I understand it he was a retriever man.

OOP's. Wolter's book Water Dog!