I noticed the thread was closed um..... interesting.
In any case, I agree with Ed and I just wanted to bring up a point that I don't think came out right - in my post in particular.
I didn't mean that to have all sorts of different types of training that are completely different and mesh them into one program.
For my dog anyway, I have stuck with one program for his obedience (that has worked for him) and another program for his protection etc...
I remember well when I first started out in the sport. I went to all sorts of seminars that had different techniques and by the end of that year, I was so confused not to meantion the confusion with the dog I had!
And I still know people who change their training dramatically all the time and it doesn't work.
My dog's obedience has been done all motivational - he has to earn his toy. He has learned that the only way to his toy is to do his tasks. And he loves it - it's a big game to him.
But, there might be different ways for a motivational task. Maybe one thing isn't working just right and someone else might have an idea keeping with the same formats. Hope that makes sense.
I'm trying to come up with a good format for a dumbell retrieve that will fit MY dog's personality.
I was talking with a club friend today and how he's going to teach his dog the hold - basically by shaping the behavior.
I hope my Flinks tape gets here soon and see how it can fit if it fits into my dog's personality.
But that's all I meant, -- keeping with the same formats but, maybe some different ideas.
It's extremely hard to explain things correctly over an email.
You got to kind of see the dogs to see what is going on.

I have just got back from a couple of days of training and reviewed the B.Flinks tape ,very good tape and some good ideas on motivational work for the retrieve . The use of a ball or tug ,depending on the drives of your dog.Peter

I started a week ago on the Flinks retrieve with the tug.
Going good so far. And I really like the theory behind it.

Cindy : i really like the connection between putting the dog in drive through the tug or ball and then switching over to the retrive article .I am die hard take it or else retreive person and still am ,but i am willing to try something new . And i have the dog that i am going to do this with . Keep me posted how you are doing with it through E-mail .Thanks Peter