TRI-TRONICS - THE TRAINED RETRIEVE
Part I "Hold" and Part II "Fetch"
For Spaniels, Retrievers and Pointing Dogs
with Jim and Phyllis Dobbs
Review by Dennis R. Voigt, Retrievers ONLINE

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The next logical series in videos for teaching retriever training has just arrived. We have seen the gamut of books with more and more explanation and advancement and a series of videos based on programs or workshops of notable professionals. Now we are seeing the start of videos on specific topics. I predict there will be lots of these on more and more topics.
Retrievers ONLINE received the latest videos only days ago, from Phyllis Dobbs of the Tri-tronics Training Centre at Marysville, California. They featured 2 basic topics --"HOLD" (60 minutes) and "FETCH" (70 minutes). "What?", you say, "Two videos just on that?" Absolutely, I say!! Why? How about:





1. All the stories we've heard about long tough force fetching ordeals . . . all the stories about resultant bad attitude.
2. Recent discussions on the Internet which show huge variance in understanding of how and why fetching is (can be) done.
3. The relative lack of literature on the subject that has adequate detail. The only exception to this is a detailed section in Robert Milner's book Retriever Training for the Duck Hunter.
4. The fact that unless you've seen it done, few novices are comfortable trying it.
5. The huge variety of responses which require that the techniques and the trainer must be flexible.
6. The lack of detail in current videos which in addressing complete programs give fetching only a few moments.
7. Most importantly, teaching hold and fetch is the foundation of many retriever training problems.

Jim Dobbs is the major trainer working with the dogs and therein is another huge plus in this video. There is a great lesson for the student in watching and listening to Jim. His voice is very good as he switches from command to praise and as he "calms" a dog. His attitude clearly projects interest and concern for the dogs and there is a great lesson in watching him when things don't go as scripted. On the first tape, there is a wonderful sequence with a young puppy who suddenly begins to complain vocally about his fate. Dobbs' attitude, voice, and responses to this pup should be a lesson for many as he literally "discusses" with us and this puppy the facts of life!

What about the techniques? The techniques are primarily based on negative and positive reinforcement methods with clear demonstration of escape training using the toe hitch, the ear pinch and low-level electrical stimulation on continuous mode. The use of pressure is not only clearly explained, it is designed to be used in a way that maintains attitude. Most of the dogs are wagging their tails even when negative reinforcement is occurring. Dobbs illustrates how to determine the level of intensity, when to increase it and how to speed responses. You'll see lots of examples where the dog "doesn't get it" and the handler must respond. You'll also see lots of examples where the dog clearly responds to the lesson in a convincing fashion. The lessons extend to yard exercises where the back command is incorporated.

The Dobbs use a training table that is super rigged with a running line, a collar tether pole and Velcro leg straps. All this seems a bit elaborate but you will see dogs in which these devices clearly avoid problems.

What about those who emphasize different methods or don't use collars? In my view, these tapes will still be very valuable. I would recommend the tapes even if you didn't use an electronic collar. I quickly reviewed the fetch sessions on the Kappes-Curtis, Rorem-Carr and Lardy videos to see if their methods were in conflict. My conclusion was that their methods were "simpler" in many ways but not different in theory or principle. Some procedures were different but sequences were similar. The Dobbs' methods seem more involved but based on the videos they seemed to go faster. In fact, I was quite surprised at how quickly Dobbs progressed a dog within 1 session. The video was not really clear on a timetable or repetition but it seemed to imply very speedy progress.

I also reviewed the 2 articles by Jim and Phyllis in the last 2 issues of the Retriever Journal which address the subjects of tapes in the written word. In comparison, the articles seemed brief and sparse. There was no comparison with watching the dogs 'in person'. Having said that, an omission of the tapes is the lack of any written material with them. A table of steps, with video counter notes and a few rules and principles would help the viewer visualize and mentally review the tapes. The Retriever Journal articles would make a good accompaniment to the tapes. When I went back to the Tri-tronics Retriever Training book by Dobbs and Woodyard, I found more information than I had "seen" before viewing the video. Although I think I am a careful reader, the experience of watching the dogs in the video had created new images for me.

Synopsis: These videos will teach you a variety of techniques and show you responses in a clear and easy fashion. The methods were designed to produce a reliable response with a good attitude but users of other methods will benefit from watching these tapes. The videos are suitable for trainers of pointers, spaniels and retrievers in hunting, hunt test or field trial training. I recommend it to all students of retriever training methods and all those who want to teach the trained retrieve.

I believe the videos cost $39.95 US for the set or $20 ea. For more information you can call 1-800-456-9494 or your local dealer. Tri-tronics Inc. P.O. Box 17660, Tucson, AZ 85731. Thanks, Phyllis.