Customer Reviews

Water Dog: Revolutionary Rapid Training Method

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Wolters is very precise on telling and showing one of the ways to train a water dog. He is simply right about starting the training as soon as you bring the pup home and he shows the proper way to achieve success with the pup. Starting the training at 7 weeks is something that other trainers find hard to overcome.

Being I use my dogs for both water and upland I also read The Labrador Shooting Dog, by Mike Gould. I find that Gould's training techniques are alot better and make more sense than Wolters. Gould is more precise with training techniques for the retrieve. However, Gould doesn't start the formal training until the dog's approximatley 6 months old.

If you want to learn how to properly train a hunting dog then read both Water Dog and The Labrador Shooting Dog. You will learn from both Wolters and Gould how to train a pup starting at 7 weeks old and the proper techniques for training.

Richard Wolters understands how to train a retriever. More importantly he understands that retrievers very much want to retrieve, not be pampered friends. The key to the successes found by using his book is his focus on "fun" training after 7 weeks and the enforcement of those lessons in future weeks. Making lessons fun and practicing in repetition is everything and Richard Wolters recognized that fact. Another critical aspect of dog training is that point in a dog's life where they test their owner. Richard Wolters makes it clear, if you are not willing to spank, "stop reading the book". I have found that it is critical to develop a balance between punishment and praise. I quickly reprimand the dog and then follow-on with the lessons. If the problem persists, I stop and start again later. Richard Wolters understands that the desire is there, in the dog, to please its owner. This has resulted from the attention paid to the dog in weeks 8 through 12. But never let the dog "win" by playing the part of a "sensitive dog". As my comments focus on the first weeks of training a dog, I am convinced that Richard Wolters has written the "Bible of Retriever Training" because he understands that those weeks after a dog is taken from the breeder at 49 days are the most critical. It is where the dog gets "started" and allows the dog to *learn how to learn*. WATER DOG is a timeless reference on training a retriever.

This book is by far the best book I have ever read for training your retriever. I have used Richard Walters method for over 10 years and have had nothing but success. I have even written him once about a training problem and he wrote me back! with the answer to my question. This is a time proven book and method. You cannot possibly go wrong if you follow his method!

I have been training dogs for 20 years and this book was my trainer. Learning how to be a trainer is the start to a great dog and freind for life. The first time I read this book I knew that Mr. Wolters had put his time in and worked at it with love for the breed. The best thing you can do for a freind that is going to buy a Lab is give him your book to get started in the right direction. Thank-you for a life long friend and many hour of rereading to keep trained.

I found WATER DOG in a used book store while searching for a good training manual for my son-in-law to use with his new lab, Allie. My wife has not yet mailed the book to him because I am in the middle of reading it. I am so fascinated by the techniques and theories of Mr. Wolters that I may go out and get a dog just so I can experience the thrill of a well-trained water dog for myself. That won't happen because it would not be fair to the dog, but it sure would be fun. Mr. Wolters has written a wonderful book that rings true to me, and I my confidence is only bolstered by all of the powerful testimonials. If you want a good read, even if you don't have a dog to train... GET THIS BOOK!

I just purchased my first lab, and was not sure on which way to start retrieving training. While, this is the book you want! I talked to many guys and gals on the message boards and chat groups and every trainer and owner I talked to also recommends this book!

Training my lab,(my first), was a lot of work. The water dog book made my work a sucess. My dog constantly amazes myself and my friends. By following Mr. Wolters advice I have a great family pet who listens well and turns into a champion in the field or blind. This book is indespensable!!!

I have trained four or five labs over the past 30 years using Water Dog as my bible. The methods described therein work. The hardest part is finding the time to work with your dog, but Wolter's method definitely teaches the dog and the hunter/trainer what to do. I have read most of the retriever training books which have been written and basically Water Dog is all you need.

I had a great time reading the book. The training tips and techniques have worked extremely well on my lab. There is a logical progression to the process that is well explained. I would suggest that anyone who makes the decision and commits the time to training a retriever read and reread this book. Additionally, pay attention to the comments devoted to trainer patients - - you will need it.

On the advice of a friend, I purchased this book and used it to train my black lab pup as a hunting dog. The results were incredible. I had the most wonderful dog and hunting companion for many years.

Basically, the book trains your retriever w/o dog treats and involves spending 15 min a day rain or shine with your dog.
What else can I say, it's easy and works. Even if you're not going hunting this is a wonderful dog training book.