Although Mike Lardy conducted his first seminar almost 25 years ago, it was his innovative workshop format, started in 1994, that really created a venue for Mike to coach trainers as they implement the TotalRetriever program with their own dogs.
Conducted over 3-4 days, workshops usually consist of 10 handler-dog teams that train under Mike's tutelage as they run a variety of set-ups, drills, and yardwork. Whether you handle, or attend as an observer, workshops will help you get to the next level.
Each workshop provides:
- In-depth discussions and demonstrations of Mike's philosophy and techniques;
- Individual guidance and feedback;
- Effective problem solving techniques;
- Rationales for marking and blind designs;
- Skill development in running marks and handling on blinds;
- Praise and correction techniques;
- Increasing skills in reading your dog and decision making;
- Techniques for line manner development and other useful routines;
- Understanding of training decisions for dogs at various levels;
- Ample time for questions by both handlers and observers;
- Notebooks and other materials.
Workshops are organized around the three stages of the TotalRetriever program; Basics, Transition, and Advanced.
In order to provide variety, workshops are often combined such as Basics/Transition or Transition/ Advanced, and we occasionally have more specialized ones such as the Advanced Field Trial Clinic. Handler-dog teams are selected to provide a diverse experience for everyone involved.
Take the next step- plan to enroll in a workshop this year!