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by Glenda Brown
Field Work Network list
When I decided it would be fun to get a WC on Sprite, I encountered a dearth of information. It was disheartening, to say the least. I bought Tom Quinn’s book on Retrievers (this was before all the wonderful DVD’s and now innumerable books available re training) and used it as my guide. Being rather stubborn, I spent a lot of time trying to find someone who would have birds and throw them for me so I could train my dog----I was the ultimate naïf.
I finally found someone who had a trained Labrador and she gave me the name of a professional trainer who might let me day train with him. I called and asked if I could come over for the day (he was about an hour away), and when he heard I had a Golden, he very reluctantly agreed. This was the beginning of what some persons might think of as my downward spiral into field addiction. Later I heard bets were taken on my lasting out the day let alone continuing with field work.
The training methods used by the pro were at the opposite end of the pole from what I had used for obedience work. I spent hours throwing for a few minutes of my dog retrieving, but I closely observed what was being done, watched the dogs, resolved that the pro used methods completely out of my comfort zone, yet I felt I could tactfully work around that and still have my dog and myself gain something from the experience---which we did.
In order to give all of you a foot or two up the ladder from what I encountered, I have compiled a list of contacts and recommendations to help you get started. I hope this will not be a static list and that any of you will feel free to e-mail me to add to this list---or to let me know why someone didn’t work out for you. These names were not endorsed by the GRCA; it has been a personal endeavor on my part.
All of the names of persons and Clubs listed were sent to me as recommendations by individuals. Some of the Clubs and persons I may know personally, but the vast majority I do not. Some on the list have more details given about them whereas others just may list a name and contact information. In no way does this reflect that one may be better than the other---it simply indicates what information I was given originally.
A caveat----I would expect each of you to do due diligence with regard to whether any of the information provided to you falls within your comfort zone and is in the best interests of your own dog. Training methods may vary as might the composition of some training groups and the expertise of the trainers.
The first place to begin is to go to www.grca.org and from there to the FEC web page on which is a section on Recommended Books and Videos/DVDs. Then go to Links, and you will see a list of hunting retriever clubs and other field clubs. You can also go directly to:
If you go to www.akc.org you can check out their performance Clubs. If there is a hunt test relatively close by, you could attend and meet some persons who are running dogs. On the GRCA web site, see if there is a WC/WCX near you that you could visit. Introduce yourself to persons there, speak to the secretary and ask how you could get started. Also on the GRCA web site, if you don’t already belong to a Golden Retriever Club, inquire about joining one.
A good reference book which lists many of the trial clubs as well as hunt test clubs and lists persons who do field work is Callbacks Directory. You can order this directly through Retriever News 414-481-2760 or www.working-retriever.com.
Please visit the beginning of a Field Work Network list. Again, please let me know if you have some suggestions concerning Clubs and persons who should be included. In addition, if you are willing to act as the “go to” person in your area in helping newcomers get started, please let me know.
Glenda Brown glendagldnblk@aol.com
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