Training the Pointing Labrador

Follow Training the Pointing Labrador
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

From thinking about whether a Pointing Retriever is for you, through all the steps, problems, issues and resources, this is the place to get a variety of information about your dog and getting the performance and behavior you'd love to get - as a team! Join Julie as she discusses specific aspects o…

Julianne Knutson


    • May 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 327 EPISODES

    4.9 from 59 ratings Listeners of Training the Pointing Labrador that love the show mention: lab, dog, training, thanks, great.


    Ivy Insights

    The Training the Pointing Labrador podcast is an absolute gem for any dog owner, especially those with hunting breeds. As a listener and fellow dog enthusiast, I have found this podcast to be incredibly enlightening and helpful in my own journey with training my pup. The host's insight and expertise shine through each episode, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their relationship with their furry friend.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the relatability factor. The host shares stories and experiences about his own dog, G, that are incredibly similar to what many listeners may be going through with their own pets. This makes it not only entertaining but also comforting to know that you're not alone in your struggles or successes. Additionally, the practical tips and techniques shared throughout each episode are easy to understand and implement, even for novice trainers like myself.

    Another highlight of this podcast is the emphasis on understanding the mindset of your dog. It goes beyond just teaching commands and focuses on building a strong bond between owner and pet. This holistic approach gives listeners a deeper understanding of their dog's behavior and how to effectively communicate with them. Whether it's discussing canine psychology or sharing anecdotes about communication breakdowns, this podcast consistently provides valuable insights that can be applied to any training situation.

    If there was one potential drawback to this podcast, it would be the lack of visual demonstrations. While the host does an excellent job describing techniques and providing examples through storytelling, some listeners may find it more beneficial to see these methods in action. However, despite this minor limitation, the content itself remains highly informative and engaging.

    In conclusion, I cannot recommend The Training the Pointing Labrador podcast enough. From its relatable stories to its practical advice on training techniques, every episode is packed with valuable information for dog owners of all levels of experience. Whether you're a first-time puppy parent or an experienced trainer looking for new insights, this podcast is sure to become a go-to resource for you and your furry companion.



    Search for episodes from Training the Pointing Labrador with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Training the Pointing Labrador

    #356 An Interview with South Dakota Trainer, Tigh Leibel

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 53:13


    Sit down with us as Tigh explains his view of dog training, competition and what the most important thing in all of this is.  He discusses his training philosophy, the why behind the how, and what is actually important in this dog game.  Great conversation with a very good guy.   Tigh can be reached at DiamondbackKennels.com and on facebook at that name as well.  He has educational information and is starting a blog of the same sort.  Be sure and check him out.

    #355 A Podcast for my Advanced Clients

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 40:45


    Dog training and handling is a process, not a destination.  Training effectively and efficiently requires a great deal from the teacher, and it is an ongoing process.  There is so much more to successfully managing this, it's hard to put into words.   We break down some of what I'm talking about here.  It's not about doing what someone told you to do.  It's about teaching and operating from a clear understanding of your animal.  

    #354 Importance of Establishing the Best Relationship with your New Pup

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 25:55


    Apologies for the silence for the last few weeks, explanation contained within.  In today's episode, we talk about raising your pup with the long-term goal in mind making all of your training much smoother and easier on both you and your dog. Many of the small details in your daily life add up to making training require more pressure and force, or the exact opposite.  Some food for thought in puppy rearing...

    #353 Planting Upland Birds

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 34:36


    Based on some questions from our recent Handling Seminar, we address the question of planting birds in the upland field.  The assumption that there is 'a way' to do it is not entirely correct.  There are a number of considerations before training an upland dog and determining how to plant each training session.

    #352 For New Electric Collar Users and Skeptics

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 22:39


    In today's episode, we talk about how, when and why and electric training collar can be invaluable.  There are so many off-base ideas about the use of these collars in dog training, let's break it down on the dog's level....

    #351 What to Expect at the California Upland Seminar

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 23:55


    This episode is for the dogs and owners coming to the Northern California Pointing Lab Club Upland Seminar held on April 17.  So you know what to expect, how to prepare if you're bringing your dog, etc.  These seminars are always so much fun, watching the light come on (in dogs and people!)  Looking forward to seeing old friends and new converts...

    #350 What is it Like to be Run on a Blind?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 24:43


    In this episode, 2 people take the role of the dog in blind running.  On a search for a large chocolate bar, they learn the job of the dog is a lot harder than they ever knew.  Blaming 'That darned dog' is so much easier than understanding this from their perspective.  An excellent exercise to undertake.

    #349 Beginning Puppy Upland Work, Pointing or Flushing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 42:00


    In today's episode we talk about the importance of starting a future upland hunter on the best foot possible.  Often, we approach this work like they already know they are upland dogs, and we try to rush in the training.  Upland work is a logical, linear process, which when done in a manner that suits that pup, results in the beautiful upland hunters who do not need one note of instruction.

    #348 RMPLC 2025 Handler's Seminar Information

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 20:07


    This shorter episode is a discussion of the Handler's Seminar the RMPLC (and I) are hosting April 6, at the club lease just north of Brighton CO.  This will be for all levels of handlers at retriever events, Junior, Started CP to Finished and Master.  Handling a dog well is exactly equivalent to a good athlete having an okay coach or a coach really suited to them and very knowledgeable in their coaching skills.  We need to be a great coach for our canine athletes.  Preparedness for success begins with how you train each day, how you interact with your dog before, during and after training, and creating muscle memory for superb handling, so you do the right thing even when you are nervous or encounter unexpected things in competition.  Sign up and more information will be available on the RMPLC Website.  There will be room for a certain number of dogs, but not the number of people who wish to come.  Love to see you there!

    #387 Avoiding Mistakes in Running Your Competitive Events

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 32:52


    In today's "The season is upon is" episode, we talk about how to bulletproof yourself and your dog before you step up to the line and ways to avoid the "She never does that in training" phenomenon.  You can't get rid of nervousness, but you can work around it.  There are ways to help you, that will wind up really helping your dog.

    #346 Trouble-shooting - 2 More Problems

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 42:25


    In today's episode (using computer for sound, not podcast microphone), we discuss two more issues dog folks can occasionally encounter.  The first is pointing retrievers creeping on a point, a problem often treated with pressure and correction, a dangerous thing to do to a dog with its live bird.  The second is the difficult issue of mouth problems on retrievers.  Mishandling in retrieving takes the form of barely carrying things but by a feather or a rope, mouthing, dropping, crunching and just not letting go.  This is a problem area you don't want to get into, it is much easier to work on preventing it than fixing, but we discuss at length....

    #345 Troubleshooting - 2 Dog Problems Addressed Recently

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 30:28


    In today's episode, I break down two "dog problems" I helped with.  One a dog with solid basics of handling choosing to not get into the water on either marks or blinds; the other a puppy who refused to retrieve any puppy bumper but its' own.  Addressing behavioral problems is never about what they should be doing, but what you've done that allowed the problem to generate.  Interesting study...

    #344 Becoming a Better Trainer Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 30:28


    We address the more advanced training in this discussion.  The more advanced training can be accomplished by staying in the most fundamental aspects of the training.  Dogs learn more and have substantially more confidence not by practicing all the hard things, but by consistently practicing the components of the 'hard things'.  It is a powerful tool for those with the patience to use it.

    #343 Becoming a Little Better Trainer, Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 35:32


    In this episode, we discuss how training your dog is a process, and your expertise is something that should continually progress - it is not a destination you reach with no further learning required. Our dogs continuously reflect us right back to us, if we are wise enough to perceive that phenomenon. With curiosity and strong enough self-evaluation tools, we can become accomplished to a level equivalent to our personal investment in the process.

    #342 How do you Perceive your Student

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 28:33


    In today's episode, we break down one of the biggest causes of training problems:  looking right through your student.  We often take our timelines and recipes and then stick the dog to them.  This can work, but what do you when it doesn't, and how do you go about preventing problems by created by fitting your square peg into a round hole?  Read on....

    #341 The Often-Overlooked Importance of Bird Introduction

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2024 34:52


    In today's episode, we talk about the reasons early and appropriate bird introduction is important, sometimes critically so.  We often believe that "pointers will point" and "flushers will flush", but it can be problematic if they've been taught to be very concerned with you when they are performing their ancestral work of hunting birds.  Emphasis on what is most important on the developing brain of a young pup can shorten the entire training process.  Many of the problems in the young upland hunter stem from what their bird introductions taught them...

    #340 It's all about the Process

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 33:17


    A recent discussion with a world class athlete reminded me of the importance of our attitude toward daily training, regardless of what you are training to accomplish. It is a good thing to have lofty goals and ambitious attitude, but the secret to the success of the best trainers in the world isn't the desired "trophy".  It is the appreciation and love of the daily process that actually gets you there.  Put all your effort and heart into that, and the rest usually takes care of itself....

    #339 How do you Balance Upland Work with Retrieving Work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 43:13


    In today's episode, based on a question I received, we breakdown why it is very possible to train upland and technical retriever work at the same time in a consistent routine retriever training process.  Done correctly, upland hunting does not "ruin the retriever work", and retriever work should only enhance control in the upland field.  The key is to approach this balance in light of what the dog tells you in training, not how it is 'supposed to go'.

    #338 Running Blind Retrieves Well

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 37:28


    In today's off-season episode, we talk about the elements necessary to run blind retrieves successfully.  Dogs aren't robots that should 'go straight' and 'take every cast'.  They are living creatures basically having an ongoing conversation with you on their way to get the retrieve they didn't see.  A program that builds their trust in what you are telling them and assures they are very clear on what you are saying is enjoyable for you both. It also leads to running even very difficult blinds well.  As with most really effective techniques, it takes patience, teaching and lots of practice.

    #337 The Importance of "Dog Well Being"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 40:46


    In today's episode, we break down the elements that go into having and training a dog in its optimal state:  healthy, willing, understood and living the life it was bred to live.  A dog that can't always fit into the round hole we want it to, but if we learn about the nature of our dogs, we can just adjust the hole to fit them.

    #336 APLA Board of Directors Interview - Blake Haddock

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 40:01


    Blake Haddock, pro trainer from Greenville NC is running for the first time for the Board of Directors. Having had a good deal of success and experience in the pointing Lab world, he talks about who he is and why he is running.

    #335 APLA Board of Directors VP Interview - Lily Lo

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2024 40:45


    Another in the series of interviews for APLA Board of Directors Candidates.  This time it is a candidate for the VP position.  Dr. Lo had held a few positions on the board, and been involved in most of the changes the organization has undergone.  It is an interesting thing to hear about.  Please listen in.....

    #334 APLA Board of Directors Candidate Interview - Julie Moore

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2024 38:37


    As promised, any candidate wishing to have their ideas and positions extended to the PL public, here is my first of several interviews.  Julie Moore is current APLA VP and is running for a board position, leaving her VP position.  Today she explains how she got involved with these dogs, what her successes have been, things she's done for the organization and further plans she has to keep the national organization growing, expanding and improving.  It was a thoroughly delightful conversation.  Please listen in.....

    #333 Coming out of Transition in the Off Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2024 36:05


    In this episode, written expressly for Spicy Bill, Link, Sally, Roscoe and a few others, we talk about how to train through the winter off season to come back out next spring and be ready for running with the Big Dogs.  How to convert the T and Swim-by into mastery of running blinds with marks or without.  There are ways to do this without much pressure or confusion.  Instead, a methodical approach that works with the way your dog processes and thinks is a pleasant process for you both.  Be nice to see you all with purple ribbons next year....

    #332 Puppy Series #4

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 35:11


    In this episode of the ongoing puppy series, we talk about passivity in dog ownership.  Very often, people attribute unacceptable or irritating behavior to the dog 'just being a puppy.' When youngsters are allowed to do certain things with no intervention, they are learning that those things are perfectly acceptable.  Then later, it often takes more harsh training to undo what was initially taught.  So much of later training can be made easier by teaching the pup to problem solve for itself, and how to respect your requests, and take them seriously.  Some food for thought on the topic....

    #331 You're Only as Good a Trainer and Handler as You Want to Be

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 34:42


    In today's trainer/handler-oriented episode, I share a little personal philosophy about where you are in your dog experience, and why it's likely just where you want it to be.  There is no big secret about how to be successful.  But the willingness to do what that takes is most often the main issue.  It isn't easy to excel at anything.  And those who do generally aren't the most talented or most fortunate.  It comes down to putting in the time, work and personal humility.  

    #330 Puppy Series #3

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 27:47


    In this third of the new puppy series, we discuss beginning to "read" your dog.  How do you learn the inner workings of your new partner?  How to you optimize your training program to fit this new little one?  How to you learn to adjust what you do to fit this particular dog?  It is a fascinating topic if you're willing to think objectively...

    #328 Puppy Series #2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 22:46


    Second episode of the Puppy Series, a discussion about what 'love' actually is when it comes to our dogs, and how to develop a dog that is a full team player and excels in its job with you.

    #327 New Puppy Series 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 37:00


    In today's episode, we talk about bringing that new puppy home.  Do you have a plan?  Do you know what bad habits you want to avoid, and which ones you want to develop?  If you back-engineer this from what you want this dog to be as an adult in your life, it can help in your approach to creating that dog.  Above all, teaching your dog how love learning is a thing you'll never regret.  Listen in for a few ideas....

    3325 The Use of the Word No in Training

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 24:17


    In today's episode, we break down the real purpose of the word "no" used in so much dog training.  It really breaks down to how you view the training process and what your real responsibility is.  It is often more a reflection of your thinking, and not so much your dogs'.  

    #325 2024 Triple Crown Wrap Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 51:09


    Freshly back from judging the 2024 Triple Crown in Freeman SD, we go over how the Labor Day Weekend went.  Setups, upland fields, people, young dogs, old dogs and why this process can be so important on a personal level. It was an amazing experience, and as always, a real privilege to watch the best pointing Labs in the galaxy do their thing. If the sound quality seems different on this, it's because I failed to turn on the microphone and it's just the computer recording.  My apologies.

    #324 Your Personal Training Philosophy and Its Results

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2024 34:48


    In today's episode, we break down what it actually takes to master this dog training business, and effectively teach your dog what you'd like it to know, as opposed to instructing it as to what actions it must take.  Listen in....

    2024 Triple Crown Prep Guide

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2024 73:59


    For my TC folks who have spent the last year getting ready for this Labor Day Event.  It's a long one, but here are some ideas to get ready these next 4 weeks, for the biggest American Pointing Labrador Association National ever held!

    #322 Handling Series 2, The Back Pile and Introducing the Gripe/Applause Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 36:22


    Introducing the new Gripe Minute and Applause Minute, in which I discuss things I witness I do not understand, and good things I see that should be passed on.  After that, we continue on moving from two piles to a back pile, and the beginnings of the force.  It's critically important for your success and your dog's attitude toward training in general, that you understand this from your dog's perspective.

    #321 Handling Series: Beginning Pile Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 34:55


    As promised, following the force fetch process, there is a substantial process through which a dog is taken which results in an enthusiastic and effective handling dog.  They can run blind retrieves or be handled successfully on marks, when they really understand what you are asking, and you have their full buy-in.   This episode begins with the first step past a good force fetch, the beginning of pile work.  Though it may seem trivial to us, for a dog to learn to repeatedly go get something they already got, the response can be difficult to get across.  We break it down into the smallest step to ensure the dog does 'get' what you are trying to do.

    #320 The Importance of Canine Fitness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 37:25


    In today's midsummer episode, we discuss what 'fitness' actually means in our dogs, and how to assure the demands you make on your dog will do not do any damage and can be met efficiently.  There is a science to creating an animal fully prepared for challenging physical demand, but it takes some awareness, thought and understanding how important fitness is in any athlete. 

    #319 So You're Running the 2024 Triple Crown?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 39:47


    In today's special episode, we break down all the elements of running the American Pointing Lab National event:  The 2024 Triple Crown.  What does it require?  What type of things should you practice, what will a day look like?  Join in a practical discussion about what you will be asked to do, important rules and things to get yourself as ready as possible.  It is genuinely a great accomplishment to get to this event with a pointing retriever, and it is the ticket to the APLA Hall of Fame.  Listen in and make plans to be prepared for this National!

    #318 Your Dog is a Mirror

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 27:34


    In today's fairly personal episode, the discussion covers how all our canines, in their performances and behavior, reflect back what they receive from their partners.  They are like the Divine Mechanism helping us to see ourselves.  When their performance and behavior is evaluated on this basis, it is both humbling and powerful in reaching the improvement we are looking for.

    #317 Training for Effort

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 35:01


    In today's episode, we discuss a couple different approaches to training a dog.  There is the 'teaching the right motions', the 'make them do it right', the 'repeat it until they get it' and then the one I like, teach them to give their best effort and reward that response.  Probably the last one is the hardest, because you have to pay attention the whole time, but it can certainly produce good results.  Have a listen....

    #316 Expanding Local Clubs and Furthering the Pointing Lab World

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 27:51


    In today's episode, we discuss the success of localized pointing Lab clubs and how we need to form more of these to help in educating more people about these dogs.  Where do you get a good pup, how do you train them with both retrieving and pointing aspects?  What should you do with a new pup?  How can you meet people to train with, what equipment do you need, how do you get help and how can you get a test in your region?  The PL world is expanding rapidly with the quality of dogs and trainers we now see.  I encourage anyone interested in participating in this expansion to contact me or anyone on the APLA Board so we can help get things going in more parts of the country.   www.Americanpointinglab.com www.Batesworks.net Juliannebates2021@gmail.com

    #315 The Conflicted Dog

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 37:00


    Poor behaviors, new training problems, confusing troubles, generally stem from the dog being in a situation it cannot manage, is confused or is disheartened or distrustful.  But very few of us look at things this way.  Understanding the inner nature of your dog can often be quite useful in problem solving.

    #314 The Magic Side of Dog Training

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 24:59


    Today's episode is just a couple stories.  Stories of things that happened with dogs, not because of the training principles used, not because of any expert advice, but because the individuals really wanted it with their dog.  And when done with sincerity and belief, they did it.  Hugely inspirational to me over the years..

    #313 "She never does that in training!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2024 30:44


    For those who test their dogs in any venue, we've all had the day when we were prepared, paid the entry, drove the distance, only to have our dog do something it has never done before.  We are dejected and mystified.  Here are a few ideas that might help in preventing the unexplainable.  

    #312 Breaking Down Training Problems

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 30:22


    In today's "Tests are happening now" episode, we talk about how to best prepare your student for success.  I have found it isn't by practicing game day setups to get ready for gameday, but by understanding your pupil's psychology, behavior, fitness and ability to grasp the necessary concepts. Then work with these to prepare them to handle whatever the judges are throwing at them, good or not so good.  Best answer to a questionable judge is a well-trained dog...

    #3111 Revisiting Force Fetch Step 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 40:17


    Today we move past the obedience and moving hold and teach the dog to fetch the bumper with the single command.  In doing this part humanely and with thought, the dog is taught that it controls the training pressure, and that  by responding, there is no pressure at all.  A critical part of the force fetch process, particularly if handling is part of the training plan.

    #310 Revisiting Force Fetch Step 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 34:33


    Following the previous podcast, this episode takes us from teaching 'hold' in a stationary and calm position, to teaching 'hold' while moving and carrying out basic obedience exercises.  This is the next logical step to ultimately getting your dog to deliver all retrieves calmly to hand and prepare for advanced handling work.  Always more easily done if broken down to pieces that make real sense to the dog.

    #309The Force Fetch for Someone Who has Never Done it Before, Step 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 30:40


    Lots of horror stories about this process which teaches good bird handling and is the first step of teaching the handling process.  If you've seen it done in a hard way, it would scare you away.  Many of us are afraid or insecure about undertaking this step in dog training, but these feelings come primarily from not understanding what's really going on between you, your dog and the ultimate objective.  This is the first in a series of the 'how-to's' and the 'why's' a  person new to this training can use to do the process themself.  All of us who have successfully force fetched a dog well, started by not knowing in the beginning.

    #308 The Human Factor in Your Training

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 33:31


    In today's early spring episode, we talk not about the dogs, but about you.  The human factor IS the limiting factor in our dog training.  Who we are and how we see and interpret things determines the outcomes.  We can require our canines come into our human arena, or we can ask more of ourselves and go into theirs....  it's a choice.

    #307 Commands and Useful Communication

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 31:48


    In today's episode, we break down the difference between "making noise" and useful and clear communication with your dog.  To effectively teach a dog anything, you must first establish a relationship in which the dog respects you and actually wants to be taught some new things.  This is most easily accomplished when you communicate in a way natural to a dog, and often sabotaged by implementing our human way of communicating.  Many training problems originate from our thinking we're teaching one thing, and the dog learning something quite different.  Interesting topic...

    #305 The Fearful or Disinterested Dog in Training

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 30:36


    In this episode, we discuss the approach to training a dog that is fearful of things it encounters in training and daily life, and the same for the dog that has a mild interest in the work for which you got it.  It can often be accomplished, but it isn't a quick fix and takes an understanding and commitment on our part in training them.

    #305 Puppy Raising - How to Teach them to be Problem Solvers

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 35:44


    In this episode, which is continued discussion of the important elements in puppy upbringing, we breakdown how to teach a dog to be its own best problem solver.  After clearly teaching them a concept, it is important to know how to transfer accountability for response from you to your dog.  Doing this effectively makes all advanced training far easier for both you and your dog.  Also, regular life!

    Claim Training the Pointing Labrador

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel