Training

“Dogs don’t rationalize. They don’t hold anything against a person. They don’t see the outside of a human, but the inside of a human.” Cesar Millan

Club Training information

WISILL hosts organized club training days on the first and third Sundays of the month, from Early Spring (once the weather is nice) until September. 

A $25.00 Dog Training Permit is required by the State of Wisconsin. You can purchase the permit when you enter Richard Bong Rec Area and it is good for three calendar years. You should also receive an annual “off-road” pass which is controlled by the signs at each off-road access point. Bird tags for the use on “game” birds are also available when you get your permit and are required by state law on ANY wild game birds used.

For additional information on dog, training permits see the Wisconsin DNR Website

Training Group Etiquette

Article by John and Amy Dahl Oak Hill Kennel
First published in The Retriever Journal, November/December 2000. Read this if you will train with a group or visit a pro. Covers many points which may not be apparent without experience, but which will be very important to your training partners. (3 pages)

Nine Basic Principles For Successful Handling:

  1. Every dog is an individual.
  2. Never lie to a dog.
  3. Whenever possible, use a positive instead of a negative approach.
  4. Never finish a training session with a failure.
  5. Stress the fundamentals.
  6. Teach only one thing at a time.
  7. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
  8. Balance correction with praise.
  9. There is nothing quite so valuable as a day off.

Written by Martha Covington (Martha Covington Thorne) in her book ‘Handling Your Dog For Show, Obedience and Field Trials’, published by Doubleday in August of 1979. Yes, that’s right, 1979! Still stands true today