Podcasts by Hold the Line

Hold the Line

THE podcast for force-free gundog training! Hold the Line is committed to helping you to train your dog to an advanced level, using motivational methods and without the use of fear. Or pain. Or anything else nasty.

Further podcasts by Jo Laurens

Podcast on the topic Abenteuer Natur

All episodes

Hold the Line
Episode 63 - making things real from 2021-12-19T13:00

In this episode, I look at a few ideas for progressing from a behaviour indoors (like a sit or a stand) to a behaviour on cue around game and at moments of high distraction. 

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 62 - the Remote Stop from 2021-11-17T21:00

In this episode, I talk about how to train the first stage of the remote stop - 'Capturing Stillness'.

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 61 - Adolescence and what to do about it from 2021-10-30T21:00

In this episode, I talk about some difficulties I'm experiencing with my 7 month old Weimaraner, Roche - and I go through a list of suggestions for people who are also struggling with this ...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 60 - gun-shyness and puppies loose aboot the hoose from 2021-10-10T16:00

In this episode, I answer a couple of listener questions: Working with a dog which is gun-shy and dealing with a pup about the house - how to prevent them from harassing other dogs and getting i...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 59 - interview with Hannah Woods and Ian Clark about Stabyhouns from 2021-09-22T13:00

In this episode, I chat with Hannah Woods and Ian Clark about a minority breed - the Stabyhoun. For more info see the website for the UK Stabyhoun Association at Listen

Hold the Line
Episode 58 - developing reinforcers *before* contact with game and problem-solving changes in enthusiasm from 2021-09-13T17:00

I talk more here about the importance of developing reinforcers which are going to function in the field and in the presence of game - before introducing a pup to game. And I problem-so...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 57 - attachment theory and puppies; preventing resource guarding; and raising a pup with strong hunting instincts from 2021-08-30T22:00

In this episode, I talk (in brief!) about attachment theory and wonder why we don't apply this to baby puppies more. And I answer some listener questions about preventing resource guarding ...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 56 - what does'not walking the dog'look like? Can I play tug with a gundog? How do I get my dog not to visit the dummy thrower on marks? from 2021-08-15T12:00

A juicy episode with loads of different bits and pieces! What does exercising a gundog look like if we stop 'walking the dog'? 

Is it okay to play tug with a gundog or does it...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 55 - crate training a puppy, taking'walks'versus training and how to train the turn whistle (cont) from 2021-07-14T13:00

In this episode, I answer some listener questions about crate training, walks versus training and how to train the turn whistle. (We covered the turn whistle a few episodes ago, but here's ...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 54 - positive interrupters, do they inadvertently reinforce unwanted behaviour? And some thoughts about food motivation from 2021-05-23T00:00

In this episode, I answer a listener's question about positive interrupters - and whether using them can actually reinforce the unwanted behaviour preceding them. When is a chain being form...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 53 - questions about shot, marked retrieves, and dealing with male dogs that want to pee on everything from 2021-05-15T17:00

In this episode, I address some listener questions about marked retrieves, shot, the sequence of events during a mark (how to communicate to the dog that you don't want a retrieve) and also...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 52 - introducing your dog to shot and gundog training for vegetarians from 2021-04-18T12:00

How to introduce your dog to shot, so that the shot comes to cue 'sit' (and not 'run in and Get The Thing!'). And - what exactly can you get involved with, if you're a v...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 51 - Why not to introduce your little puppy to live birds and why instead you should develop alternative reinforcers from 2021-04-08T22:00

In this episode, I pull out some threads from earlier interviews with Jane Ardern (Episode 39) and Leanne Smith (Episode 9) to flesh out some thinking about developing control in the presence of...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 50 - listener questions and equipment recommendations from 2021-03-29T11:00

In this episode, I answer the questions of a few newbies and also give some equipment recommendations for folks who are getting ready to start training. 

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 49 - introducing Steady! (my new course) from 2021-03-12T12:00

I talk here about my new 5 week course, Steady! - control at the point, flush and fall - available from Pet Tutor is a remote treat dispenser. In this episode, I chat with Penney Baker - who participates in field work and hunt tests w...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 46 - the Workbook is here! from 2021-01-21T18:00

In this episode, I introduce you to the Workbook which accompanies Force-Free Gundog Training: The Fundamentals for Success. And I answer some meaty listener questions!

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 45 - interview with Josephine Lock from 2021-01-01T18:00

In this episode I chat with Jo Lock from the organisation Nose No Limit.  Nose No Limit offers trained conservation dogs for a vari...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 44 - the turn whistle and using tugs and flirt poles for steadiness and pointing from 2020-11-26T16:00

In this episode, I talk about the turn whistle and using flirt poles and tugs to train steadiness and a flush on cue.

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 43 - introducing forcefreegundog.com from 2020-10-24T19:00

Yes, finally I got my ass in gear and created an online site where you can purchase courses showing you how to train your dog using force-free methods. Hurrah! It's called Listen

Hold the Line
Episode 41 - lining across water (and not bank-running) from 2020-10-02T11:00

In this episode, I answer a listener's question about maintaining straight lines across water and give some training suggestions for approaching this.

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 40 - fitness during the season and some thoughts about'triangulation' from 2020-09-12T23:00

If you want to catch up with the interview with me in the great podcast Sporting Dog Talk, you can find it in episode 87 -...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 39 - Interview with Jane Ardern from 2020-08-28T23:00

In this episode, I talk with Jane Ardern of Waggawuffins Canine College in Bury (Manchester, UK). Jane is Full Member of the APDT(UK) and a member of t...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 36 - putting handling together from 2020-06-17T01:00

Here is a link to the video from Fanny Gott where a dog lea...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 35 - what to do with dogs that disappoint us from 2020-06-02T12:00

I ponder the options available when we are disappointed by a dog which fails to live up to our expectations in some way.

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 34 - 3-in-a-row drill and listener questions from 2020-05-22T10:00

Today I answer questions about biting puppies and recall problems in hunting dogs. I also describe another great lining drill, the 3-in-a-row drill.

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 33 - Wagonwheels and'settling'dogs down from 2020-04-15T13:00

In this episode, I describe a 4-spoked and 8-spoked wagonwheel lining drill - which requires very little space to train, so can be done in your yard or garden.  

I also answer a listene...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 32 - Exercising and socialising during the coronavirus from 2020-03-27T15:00

I ponder the implications of the recent 'lockdown' in the UK:  Can you drive a short distance to exercise your dog in a remote area, or do you have to exercise in a crowded place where...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 31 - a brief word about coronavirus from 2020-03-21T22:00

Let's keep the economy going and help small businesses that have had to move online :) 

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 30 - Sight blinds, permanent blinds and cold blinds from 2020-03-08T22:00

Today, I talk about the most important qualities for training a blind retrieve:

  • Run or confidence
  • Maintaining a straight line

And which types of blind retrieve we ...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 29 - Interview with Hannah Branigan from 2020-02-21T18:00

In this episode, I chat with Hannah Branigan about:

  1. food motivation - and how to work with dogs which lack it (especially in the field or in high arousal situations) and
  2. Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 28 - Interview with Ellen Naumann about BAT from 2020-01-17T06:00

In this episode, I talk with Ellen Nauman - programme director of OBATs - the Official BAT School

We discuss BAT, developed by Gris...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 27 - the draw for my book, COIs and thoughts about blind retrieves from 2019-12-20T06:00

In this episode:

  • I do the draw to find out who is going to win the one remaining proof of my book!
  • I have a mini-rant about COIs and people disregarding t...

    Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 26 - Phase 7&8 of the clicker retrieve - the final instalment of the clicker retrieve! from 2019-12-13T06:00

This episode covers Phase 7 & 8 of the clicker retrieve process and is the final instalment in this process. 

Do look back at earlier episodes of this podcast to follow the ...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 25 - listener questions from 2019-12-06T06:00

In this episode I answer questions about:

  • Why is the clicker retrieve trained in the way it is?
  • Should or could we teach dogs to quarter between visible targets like...

    Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 24 - Fyr at 12wks and listener questions from 2019-11-29T06:00

In this episode, I talk about what I'm getting up to with Fyr - in terms of both socialisation and training.

And I answer listener questions :)

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 23 - a question about the Remote Sit and Phase 7 of the clicker retrieve from 2019-11-15T06:00

In this episode, I answer a question about training the Remote Sit.  And I cover Phase 7 of the clicker retrieve - putting the hand target and pick-up together.

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 22 - my book is published and some questions about reinforcement whilst working a dog from 2019-11-08T06:00

My book, Touchstone Weimaraners in Los Angeles.

Anne is a seasoned and accomplished f...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 20 - Planning your training from 2019-08-23T06:00

In this episode, I talk about why it's important to plan your training sessions.

I also mention a great free template you can download for planning your training, which is availabl...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 19 - Phase 6 of the Clicker Retrieve from 2019-08-16T06:00

In this episode, I look at Phase 6 of the clicker retrieve process:  Proofing the hold against food.  

If your dog can master this step, you will have an extremely reliable retrieve.  Y...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 18 - Interview with Dr Gayle Watkins from Avidog from 2019-08-09T06:00

In this episode, I chat with Dr Gayle Watkins about what Avidog has to offer u...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 17 - Heelwork, Part 2 from 2019-08-02T06:00

In this episode, I attempt to cover several heelwork exercises at breakneck speed.  

I also answer a question from Ally about over-arousal during heelwork.

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 16 - Heelwork, Part 1 from 2019-07-26T06:00

In this episode, I discuss the difference between heelwork and loose-lead walking.  I conceptualise heelwork and what it is (a moving stay, with a beginning and an end - and durati...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 15 - Interview with Nick Benger - on engagement and'talking with the other side' from 2019-07-19T05:00

In this episode, I talk with Nick Benger about two completely different subjects:  Training dogs to focus on their handlers in distracting environments (otherwise known as 'engagemen...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 14 - Phase 4 and 5 of the clicker retrieve from 2019-07-12T07:00

In this episode, I talk about Phase 4 and 5 of the clicker retrieve.  Phase 4 is the Hand Target and Phase 5 is Introducing Slight Distance and a Mini-Hold.

Be sure to...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 13 - Phase 2 and 3 of the clicker retrieve from 2019-07-05T07:00

I cover Phase 1 (just a touch) and Phase 2 (pick-ups) of the clicker retrieve process.

We now have lots of people, the world over, taking a 5 week clicker retrieve course which follows ...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 12 - Interview with Jules Morgan from 2019-06-28T07:00

In this episode, I chat with force-free gundog trainer, Jules Morgan.  Jules is a full APDT (UK) member and an accredited trainer and assessor for the Listen

Hold the Line
Episode 11 - Phase 1 of the clicker retrieve from 2019-06-21T10:00

In this episode, I cover Phase 1 of the clicker retrieve.  There are eight phases and I'll be covering these at various points in upcoming podcasts.

The clicker retrieve is the for...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 10 - An introduction to the clicker retrieve from 2019-06-14T11:00

After a question from a listener, I talk about the clicker retrieve and how to get things set up to begin a clicker retrieve session.  The plan is to continue, in future episodes, to talk listen...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 9 - Interview with Leanne Smith from 2019-06-07T12:00

In this episode, I interview Leanne Smith.  Leanne is a force-free gundog trainer and handler, based in Devon UK.  She is a full member of the APDT (UK), holds a diploma from COAPE, and i...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 8 - arousal, frustration and an update on the book from 2019-05-31T18:00

I talk about the Really Bad Thing that just happened with the book I've written and the manner in which what's happened reflects the conflict between mainstream training and force-free...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 7 - Harnesses and gundog work from 2019-05-24T10:00

I talk about harnesses:  Back-fastening harnesses and front-fastening harnesses.  Harnesses which have a Y-front, versus those which barricade the chest.  Fit.  And gape-age (I made that ...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 6 - Interview with Dr Claire Brand from 2019-05-17T11:00

In this episode, I talk with Dr Claire Brand.  Claire works springer spaniels and is a trustee of the Gundog Club.  The Gundog Club is...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 5 - Sit (or Stand!) to Flush from 2019-05-10T10:00

In this episode, I talk about how to train the Sit (or Stand) to Flush, using force-free methods.  (You may also want to listen to Episode 2 - my interview with Elsa and Lena - for more o...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 4 - Interview with Collette May from 2019-05-03T17:00

In this episode, I talk to UK retriever trainer, Collette May.  We talked in some depth about UK retriever working tests, in a bid to encourage more people to dip their toes into mainstre...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 3 - Marking from 2019-04-25T19:00

In this episode, I talk about marking.  What is good marking and why do we need it?  How can we establish good marking habits?  Why should the dog not look away from the location of fall unless ...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 2 - Interview with Elsa Blomster and Lena Gunnarsson from 2019-04-25T18:00

In this episode, I interview Swedish force-free gundog trainers Elsa Blomster and Lena Gunnarsson.  They are the authors of the book 'Retrieving for All Occasions' - which is available...

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 1 - Hello! from 2019-04-25T17:00

Hello to you all!  This is just a quick intro to let you know what the podcast is about and what you can look forward to hearing, in future.

Listen
Hold the Line
Episode 1 - Hello! from 2019-04-25T17:00

Hello to you all!  This is just a quick intro to let you know what the podcast is about and what you can look forward to hearing, in future.

Listen