1. What is your relationship with the breed? When did you get your first Flatcoat?
My first dog ever was a flat coated retriever, I got my first one in 1983.Second I got in 1986 and third I bought to myself in 1993, these two were halfsisters. They both were sired by Fi Mva Arcturus (GB CH Falswift Apparition - Downstream Trustful). They both were very good specimen of quiet and clever retriever. Both were very easy to train and eager to work on and on.
2. What do you like the most in a working Flatcoated Retriever?
I most love the joy and the shine in their eyes... no matter how tough the weather or the working conditions are. We mainly shoot ducks in the evenings and in the darkness it is good to have an independet, clever and devouted retriever.
3. What abilities do you look for when you are breeding a working Flatcoated Retriever
Well, they have to be tough enough to get over with bad experiences - you can not avoid these when hunting. But they have to be easy enough to train. Breed standard gives us an ideal size dog with long enough legs, long lasting duride structure and a quickly drying coat texture. These things are very important.
4. What could be done to promote the Flatcoat as a field trial/working test dog?
All flat coated breeders should take very good care of their own breeding by quiding owners to do all right things on right age. You really can't have them live enjoying their half year or one year old "puppy" by just waiting them to be old enough to be trained. Simple basic train starting from the age of 7 weeks will carry far. Later, when all basics are clear, breeder could invite them for trainings and encourge them for tests. Breeders also have to remind owners it's not a machine and may fool you anytime. Breeders can really change the world in this matter.
5. How does a working Flatcoat excel as a picking up dog?
Perfectly.
6. What’s important to emphasize when training a Flatcoated Retriever?
It's not a breed to be made mad about dummies. When puppy's interest for picking up has rised, you don't throw them nearly anything - just put the dummies down. Plan 80% and excecute 20%. If it is not going well, go back to basics again. At some point let them have a pause and do something else that will combine you together. Demand a lot and treat well.
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Tarja Kolkka