Cesar Millan’s story is well-known among dog lovers everywhere. In short, he illegally crossed the border between Mexico and the U.S. in his youth, worked low paying jobs to eat, slept in his car, and through some divine miracle (or destiny) he managed to become one of America’s most beloved television dog trainers.

 Fetch is a game that every dog owner has played at some time in their life. The dog chases the dry rubber ball and returns it back to the thrower, somewhat more slimy than before. Simple. It’s a great game and most dogs happily play it. 

Here's a lesson I learned early on. Everything we’ve read, seen or heard about retriever training is futile until we embrace the concept that dogs are creatures of habit.

Getting started in the retriever training game takes commitment, and obviously the right equipment. Experienced trainers are fully equipped to handle most training drill scenarios, which leaves 99 percent of others often puzzled by the choices that need to be made. 

In the eyes of working dog enthusiasts everywhere, AKC Field Trials are the Olympics of retriever performance. It is where dogs and handlers are judged as a team for their combined abilities to perform at the highest stakes of competition. In the history of the sport, few have reached the top of the podium as often as Mike Lardy of Handjem Retrievers.

My dog is smarter than your dog! Ever heard that one? My dog sits, fetches, heels, spins on a dime to every whistle command and comes when I call her. Can your dog do that? If that sounds familiar, I've got good news. Your dog can easily learn these simple commands. Dogs are begging to be trained.