Hold the Line artwork

Hold the Line

106 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 28 ratings

THE podcast for force-free gundog training! Hold the Line is committed to helping you to train your dog to an advanced level, using motivational methods and without the use of fear. Or pain. Or anything else nasty.

Wilderness Sports Education gundog training dog training birddog training positive gundog force-free gundog clicker
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Episodes

Episode 103 - the UK's approach to blind retrieves for HPRs

March 18, 2024 13:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

Did you know that HPRs in the UK are expected to handle? That means: To hold straight lines. To be cast left, right and back. Essentially, to 'be' Retrievers. Some of you might thing that sounds insane.... 

Episode 102 - aversives and listener questions

February 22, 2024 13:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MB

In this episode, I answer listener questions about in-a-row blinds, dealing with frustration in blinds and the use of aversives.

Episode 101 - in 15mins "my dog pulls on the leash"

January 01, 2024 00:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MB

Check out episodes 16, 17 And take a look at my online course, Heel.

Episode 100 - in 15mins "my dog has problems with blind retrieves"

December 31, 2023 00:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MB

Episodes to check out are: 30, 33, 34, 36, 41, 47, 48, 62, 64, 66, 85, 88 Online courses covering blind retrieves are: Blind Retrieves Remote Stop First Steps in 3HC Training the T Drill

Episode 99 - in 15mins "my dog doesn't recall in certain situations"

December 30, 2023 00:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MB

For more help on this one, check out episodes: 82, 87 See the Reliable Recall course, on my website forcefreegundog.com Or check out the chapter on the Reliable Recall in my book, Force-Free Gundog Training: The Fundamentals for Success, available from Amazons everywhere

Episode 98 - in 15mins 'my dog hunts too far' or 'my dog doesn't hunt far enough'

December 29, 2023 00:00 - 13 minutes - 9.54 MB

Check out podcast episodes: 57, 58, 78

Episode 97 - in 15mins 'my dog gets over-excited'

December 28, 2023 00:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MB

For more help on this subject, see podcast episodes: 8, 33, 78 And online courses: Marking  Focus and Attention

Episode 96 - in 15mins 'my dog won't deliver to hand'

December 27, 2023 00:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MB

For more help on this subject, see podcast episodes: 10, 11, 13, 14, 19, 23, 26 For an online course, see the Clicker Retrieve course

Episode 95 - in 15mins 'my dog chases game'

December 26, 2023 00:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MB

For more help on this subject, see podcast episodes: 5, 23, 49, 51, 57, 58, 62, 76, 87, 89 And check out my online courses: Remote Stop Steady In brief: Build an alternative reinforcer Teach the dog to recall off game before stopping/sitting Teach the dog to stop/sit to flush Teach the dog that access to the game is contingent on their response to you (if they respond, they may get it) Implement prevention (by itself this won't work without also teaching the dog what to do)

Episode 94 - in 15 minutes: 'my dog doesn't give me focus or attention outdoors'

December 25, 2023 00:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MB

For more help on this subject, see podcast episodes: 61, 85, 86 and 88 For food motivation help, see episodes 54 and 72

Episode 93 - NEW Marking course

November 17, 2023 00:00 - 30 minutes - 20.6 MB

In this episode I talk about Marking, as my new Marking course is now available!  I also talk about some differences with blind retrieves when it comes to working vs competing with a dog.

Episode 92 - the future of gundog stuff, hard mouth, switching from aversives and daily routines

October 04, 2023 20:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MB

In this episode I talk about: the future of gundog training and breeding in today's world hard mouth - what causes it, what to do about it, whether you can assess for it switching from the use of aversives daily routines

Episode 91 - many diverse listener questions!

August 29, 2023 23:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MB

Answering many super-interesting listener questions :) 

Episode 90 - behind the scenes of training and water deliveries

August 01, 2023 23:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB

I cover a few bits and pieces related not to training itself (how to train a specific behaviour) but how to conceive of various training-related issues in a broader way. Does that sound vague? Well, you'll just have to give it a go. PS I also cover water deliveries.

Episode 89 - 'cigar'-ing bumpers, Recall to Flush and training multiple dogs

July 03, 2023 21:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MB

In this episode I waffle. About random questions I've been sent. Have a listen!

Episode 88 - free-running, marking and lining

June 04, 2023 18:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MB

I talk about whether we should allow dogs free access to the environment or not and also chat about marking problems and lining skills.

Episode 87 - Recall to Flush

May 17, 2023 22:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

I talk freely (extremely freely), about training a recall to flush before a sit to flush behaviour.

Episode 86 - getting focus from your dog, outdoors

April 15, 2023 19:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MB

In this episode, I talk about how to get your dog to offer you focus and attention in distracting environments. 

Episode 85 - the T-Drill, accessing birds, distracted dogs

March 29, 2023 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.3 MB

I chat about the T-Drill and a few tricky corners to consider when training this drill. I also answer listener questions about accessing birds and what to do if your dog is distracted at a working test.

Episode 84 - birds as reinforcers, puppy food motivation and joint problems

March 20, 2023 22:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MB

Listener questions about how to encourage a dog to hunt wider/more confidently; how to increase food motivation in a puppy; and how much retrieving is too much (physically).

Episode 83 - cold game and questions about aversives

February 07, 2023 21:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

Probs with cold game retrieves and a couple of questions about aversives

Episode 82 - the unedited one, mostly clicker retrieve and recall questions

January 15, 2023 20:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB

In this highly unusual episode(!), I waffle (because usually I don't, right?) about the clicker retrieve and recalls and long-lines.

Episode 81 - the one with holiday gift ideas and product recommendations

November 30, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 46.1 MB

In this episode, I recommend my favourite wellies, boots, coats, training vests, dummies, leashes, treat pouches and more. I also answer listener questions about pointing, marker cues and the 'Go Sniff' exercise in my book.

Episode 80 - the one about how you put the HPR sequence together

November 02, 2022 20:00 - 39 minutes - 26.8 MB

In this episode, I waffle freely (extremely freely) about training the HPR sequence - with an attempt to give something of an overview, instead of getting lost in how to train any one behaviour in detail. 

Episode 79 - over-population and the impact on quality of life for dogs

October 16, 2022 15:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MB

This episode takes a look at the issue of over-population and the increasing amount of restrictions that dogs face as a result.  I offer some solutions. I'm not very hopeful anything will be implemented in time to avoid the blanket 'all dogs must be on leash everywhere' outcome.

Episode 78 - behavioural trilogy (part 3) - the super-driven, hunting crazy dog

October 04, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 45.2 MB

In this episode, I talk about 18 month old Roche - our weimaraner. Who is bonkers-crazy, when it comes to hunting. I give you seven tips, for training high drive gundogs.

Episode 77 - boundaries and using food when competing or working a dog

September 16, 2022 12:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MB

People listening to this episode might and want to check out: Episode 61 - Adolescence and what to do about it Episode 56 - what does 'not walking the dog' look like? Episode 54 - some thoughts about food motivation Episode 38 - developing food motivation

Episode 76 - chasing and how to prevent it

September 05, 2022 10:00 - 54 minutes - 37.8 MB

In this episode, I talk about chasing - and how to turn something your dog wants to chase, into a cue to stop.

Episode 75 - the bizarre laws where I live, hardmouth, raising a puppy and engaging an unenthusiastic dog

August 19, 2022 22:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

In this episode, I talk about the bizarre vagaries of laws local to where I live when it comes to shooting. I answer listener questions about hardmouth, raising a puppy and how to enthuse the unenthusiastic dog.

Episode 74 - retrievers vs HPRs (choosing a breed)

August 07, 2022 14:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MB

Here are a few things to consider when choosing which type of gundog to own.

Episode 73 - questions about exercise vs training, socialisation vs handler focus and pros and cons of group classes

July 20, 2022 16:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MB

Loads of great listener questions this week! If you have a question, email [email protected] 

Episode 72 - behavioural trilogy (part 2) - food motivation, allergies, body sensitivity and focus

June 29, 2022 13:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

You only really get to know the dogs you own in the deepest detail, and Ren (our GSP) is an interesting one!

Episode 71 - getting your pup swimming

June 18, 2022 17:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MB

I talk about how to introduce water to your young dog or puppy.  And I waffle a bit about what different dogs bring to the table and the importance of understanding that there are limitations determined by what they bring.

Episode 70 - Split retrieves (or doubles!)

May 31, 2022 18:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MB

How do we achieve reliable split retrieves whilst maintaining confidence?

Episode 69 - listener questions and thoughts about headcollars

May 21, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MB

I answer some questions listeners have and also chat a bit about headcollars.

Episode 68 - a behavioural trilogy (part 1) - some thoughts about reactivity in working Labradors and - what happened to Fyr?

May 06, 2022 22:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MB

In this episode, I talk in some detail about how we raised our Labrador litter in 2019 and our 'keeper' pup, Fyr. I discuss the evolution of her behavioural issues - which there was no sign of at all, before the age of 9wks and 3 days(!). And how eventually we made the difficult decision to rehome her at 6 months, to a home and a dog sport which suited her better. I then explore some thoughts I have about the development of fear-based reactivity towards people, especially as it relates to wo...

Episode 68 - a behavioural trilogy - some thoughts about reactivity in working Labradors and - what happened to Fyr?

May 06, 2022 22:00 - 57 minutes - 39.4 MB

In this episode, I talk in some detail about how we raised our Labrador litter in 2019 and our 'keeper' pup, Fyr. I discuss the evolution of her behavioural issues - which there was no sign of at all, before the age of 9wks and 3 days(!). And how eventually we made the difficult decision to rehome her at 6 months, to a home and a dog sport which suited her better. I then explore some thoughts I have about the development of fear-based reactivity towards people, especially as it relates to wo...

Episode 67 - listener questions about sooooo many interesting things

April 18, 2022 10:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MB

In this episode, I catch up on some listener questions about getting into trials; the value of different reinforcers and jackpots; fixing a turn whistle problem and how to introduce puppy HPRs to birds.

Episode 66 - 'Baby' 3-handed casting and platforms

March 22, 2022 00:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

In this episode, I talk about the 'Baby 3-handed casting' (3HC) drill using platforms (instead of bumpers/dummies). I also chat with Emma Filby of Anglian Dog Works about platform or placeboard training - and how to make your own platforms.

Episode 65 - 'Drop' (that disgusting thing you are eating) and how to train it

February 15, 2022 14:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MB

In this episode, I talk about the 'drop' behaviour - and how to train it so that it functions even around high value items like dead, decomposing rabbits. That smell of death. And make you want to throw up. 

Episode 63 - making things real

December 19, 2021 13:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MB

In this episode, I look at a few ideas for progressing from a behaviour indoors (like a sit or a stand) to a behaviour on cue around game and at moments of high distraction. 

Episode 62 - the Remote Stop

November 17, 2021 21:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MB

In this episode, I talk about how to train the first stage of the remote stop - 'Capturing Stillness'.

Episode 61 - Adolescence and what to do about it

October 30, 2021 20:00 - 1 hour - 43.3 MB

In this episode, I talk about some difficulties I'm experiencing with my 7 month old Weimaraner, Roche - and I go through a list of suggestions for people who are also struggling with this especially challenging time with their dog! This info will also be useful for people whose dogs are very interested in the environment, whatever their age.

Episode 60 - gun-shyness and puppies loose aboot the hoose

October 10, 2021 15:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MB

In this episode, I answer a couple of listener questions: Working with a dog which is gun-shy and dealing with a pup about the house - how to prevent them from harassing other dogs and getting into stuff they shouldn't... 

Episode 59 - interview with Hannah Woods and Ian Clark about Stabyhouns

September 22, 2021 12:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MB

In this episode, I chat with Hannah Woods and Ian Clark about a minority breed - the Stabyhoun. For more info see the website for the UK Stabyhoun Association at stabyhounuk.com

Episode 58 - developing reinforcers *before* contact with game and problem-solving changes in enthusiasm

September 13, 2021 16:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MB

I talk more here about the importance of developing reinforcers which are going to function in the field and in the presence of game - before introducing a pup to game. And I problem-solve (or at least waffle about) issues a listener is having with a lack of enthusiasm. 

Episode 57 - attachment theory and puppies; preventing resource guarding; and raising a pup with strong hunting instincts

August 30, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 45.8 MB

In this episode, I talk (in brief!) about attachment theory and wonder why we don't apply this to baby puppies more. And I answer some listener questions about preventing resource guarding and raising a pup which wants to hunt (whatever is available!).

Episode 57 - attachment theory and puppies; preventing resource guarding; and raising a pup with strong hunting instincts

August 30, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MB

In this episode, I talk (in brief!) about attachment theory and wonder why we don't apply this to baby puppies more. And I answer some listener questions about preventing resource guarding and raising a pup which wants to hunt (whatever is available!).

Episode 56 - what does 'not walking the dog' look like? Can I play tug with a gundog? How do I get my dog not to visit the dummy thrower on marks?

August 15, 2021 11:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

A juicy episode with loads of different bits and pieces! What does exercising a gundog look like if we stop 'walking the dog'?  Is it okay to play tug with a gundog or does it encourage hard mouth?  How can we stop a dog visiting the dummy thrower on the way back from a mark?