Training Ground Rules:

• No Live Ammunition is allowed.
• Please keep vehicles on the roads and in designated parking areas.
• Please stay out of crop fields after they have been planted.
• LCRC Club Members Only.
• Customers of MHHC have field priority.
• Pick up after yourself and others if necessary. Trash can be a major distraction to dogs during training.
• Unsportsmanlike behavior is not tolerated.
• Unnecessary force is highly discouraged and will not be tolerated.

Training Group Etiquette:

Working your retriever with a group of other trainers can be rewarding in several ways. Sharing the work involved in setting up tests, handling equipment, securing grounds, and throwing marks for each other's dogs keeps these tasks manageable. When the work is fairly divided, training sessions can progress smoothly, minimizing the likelihood of any participant being made to feel like a "workhorse." Groups also offer the advantage of a learning experience for the participants, as they are able to compare methods and results. Members can assist with each other's dogs more effectively than when they are working alone, as the opportunity to demonstrate and to see the dog's response is a great aid to communication regarding training problems.

Rules of thumb for training groups:

• Be punctual. Do not show up late and leave early. Let members of the training group know if you have time limitations and try to end on a completed series.
• Offer to throw first before running your dog.
• Make sure you take your turn in the field. Training groups are only successful if everyone takes their turn.
• As a rule of thumb, each handler should run a maximum of two dogs to ensure everyone gets ample time.
• Be patient with other members of the training group. Bad throws will occur.
• Do not hog the line. Work on a few concepts and move on, if additional time is required wait until your next turn.
• If working in the field, understand what the handler would like. Ask questions if you do not understand or are unsure.
• Do not assume the handler would like you to assist their dog, unless in an obvious situation, ask before assisting. However, pay attention and be prepared to assist if necessary. Have extra birds, bumpers, or call ready.
• Keep things moving, excessive line conversation should be kept to a minimum. Carry on lengthy discussion off the line.
• Never criticize other handlers, only encourage. Training should be fun.
• Feel free to run a series in any manner you choose (e.g. a triple set up as singles), but do not ask that a series be reworked for your dog. Wait until the next series and have your concept incorporated at that time.
• Most importantly, be courteous, both to your dog and fellow trainers.
• Have fun!! Training is supposed to be a fun experience for both you and your dog.

Note for first time trainers

LCRC wants to ensure that new members attending training for the first time feel welcomed, and hopefully have a great opening experience. The ongoing success of our training groups are dependent on the infusion of new handlers and new dogs. Here are a few helpful hints to get you started:

• When attending training for the first time pick out the first person you see and introduce yourself. This will start the process.
• Ask if you can join a training group. If they are full or almost done, just observe and learn or seek out another group.
• Everyone is here to help. Ask questions, we have all been a newbie at some point. Most experienced members welcome the opportunity to share their knowledge.