The Versatile Gun Dog Guide By Jeff Green

This 120 page training guide covers conditioning and training from Puppy to Hunter. 

Chapter 1, Getting to know your puppy
Chapter 2, Natural Ability Test
Chapter 3, Commands
Chapter 4, Raising the Standard
Chapter 5, Whoa for the Versatile Dog
Chapter 6, The Training Table
Chapter 7, Force Fetch
Chapter 8  Water Force
Chapter 9, Pointing and Steadiness
Chapter 10, Intermediate hunting dog test

This book is intended as a guide to assist any new dog owner in preparing a versatile hunting dog.  There are many methods, tactics, and even tricks in preparing and training a hunting dog.  It is my intent to share my successes and lessons learned along the way in preparing my accomplished versatile gundogs. 

Smart fetch  by Evan Graham

"First of all, force fetch is more than just one thing. It is a definable process with clear goals. But, within the process are several steps or phases. Those steps will be laid out later, but first let’s examine the goals.

1. To establish a standard for acceptable mouth habits.
2. To provide the trainer with a tool to maintain those habits.
3. To provide the trainer with a tool to assure compliance with the command to retrieve.
4. To form the foundation for impetus (momentum).

Mouth habits include such important items as fetching on command, even when your dog may be distracted, or moody, or any number of things that might interfere with compliance. Sure, you may get away for years without having such problems, but being smart and being lucky is not the same thing. Force fetch gives you a tool to handle this when it comes up, plus some ...insurance that it is less likely to come up due to this training.

Along with compulsion issues we need to mention a proper hold, and delivery on command. If my pheasant is punctured I want it to be from pellets, not teeth. That actually covers some ground in all of the first three categories." ~ excerpt from SmartFetch

This groundbreaking new book examines the history of force fetching dogs, its goals and purposes, while laying a solid foundation for a fully trained dog. All obedience issues associated with it are fully explained, plus all phases of the program, from the teaching of "hold" all the way to Water Force. No book has ever been so complete in its discussion about, and instruction for doing it yourself.

Smartwork for Retrievers volume one: Basics and Transition by Evan Graham

Detailed easy to follow instructions for retriever training, from puppies through Basics and early-to-mid transition. ILLUSTRATED by the author, this unique training text is designed for your use. It is SPIRAL BOUND so you can leave it open to the section or diagram you are working on without breaking down the binding. LAMINATED COVERS help to protect it from the elements. There are NOTE PAGES with each diagram to help you track your dog’s progress. Also included is a comprehensive GLOSSARY OF TERMS to help you to get acquainted with the language of dog training.

REVIEWED AND ENDORSED BY: The Retriever Journal.

"...an informative book with a nifty design,...Smartwork is filled with the kind of information you'd expect from a retired professional dog trainer...laying down a good philosophy that usually gets glossed over in some books, but something that Evan puts first and foremost in his."

Smartwork II: Secrets of the Pros. by Evan Graham

Just released; finishing your retriever the ways the pros do it. Late transition through advanced, plus troubleshooting the fully trained retriever. Everything you always wanted to know about dog training, but were afraid to ask!

The first Smartwork DVD Module, "Water Force & Swim-by" by Evan Graham

Nearly 40 minutes in length, this presentation brings to life the information on Water Force and Swim-by offered in Smartwork for Retrievers volume one, Basics and Transition. It is not intended to replace that text, but rather to augment it to provide you with the best possible instruction on these two vitally important topics.

Because of its DVD format, we've expanded the information to be more in depth. The dogs trained on this video are at this level of training. They do the same things, make the same types of mistakes, and are given the same appropriate kind of instruction typical of dogs at this age and level of development. These are not just someone's finished dogs going through basic level work, and doing it perfectly. They will, in fact, probably behave a great deal like your young dog is apt to behave when doing these skills early on in their training.

As all of our video modules will be, this one follows the Smartwork method faithfully, and does not gloss over details, or vital issues like pressure and simplification. Because all the dogs in this video series will be of the age and developmental level appropriate for the skill set being taught, you will have the opportunity to learn appropriate ways to train your dog fairly and effectively - step by step, the Smartwork way!

Smartwork Obedience by Evan Graham

Formalizing fundamental obedience commands, including e-collar conditioning to "Here", de-bolt, Heel, Sit, Kennel, etc.

A great addition to the Smart Fetch Book

SmartFetch DVD by Evan Graham

The entire Smartwork force fetching system from "Hold" through force to pile!

All on two DVD discs
(2 hours & 18 minutes).

A great addition to the Smart Fetch Book

The Creative Use of Stickmen in Retriever Training!
A complete course in vastly expanding your resources in retriever training! SmartWork author Evan Graham demonstrates the wide range of uses for these highly versatile tools in training puppies, as well as dogs in Basics, Transition, and Advanced stages of training.
The course also includes demonstrations of how even the pure hunting retriever can benefit from training with one of the most useful tools in the retriever trainer's arsenal; Men of Steel.
All aspects of field use, marking concepts, key concepts, configurations for land and water, and adaptations for blind work!
Illustrations of types of throws to make conceptual marking even more effective for gun dogs, hunt test dogs, and field trial retrievers!