DVD, Duck Dog Basics with Chris Akin
Webb Footed Kennels has more Hunting Retriever Champions than any other retriever training operation in the country.
With well over 100 Grand Champions and Master Hunters to his credit, Chris' ability to get the most out of a retriever is truly unparalleled. Chris is also the only handler to win the Super Retriever Series Crown Championship twice.
From choosing the right puppy all the way up to opening day, Chris will show you the way. Join him in this 2 1/2-hour DVD that will show you how it's done. Upon completion of Duck Dog Basics, you'll be ready for opening day with your favorite hunting partner.
SOCIALIZATION -
Socialization, Laying the Foundation
• Picking a Puppy & Pedigree
• Akin's Answers - What to do with my puppy?
• Fun Bumpers - "Hup Hups", retrieves on land
• Akin's Answers - What do I do with my puppy when I come home?
• Introduction to Water
• Introduction to Covers & Decoys
• Introduction to Birds
• Akin's Answers - Puppy Teeth?
• Introduction to Kennel
• Akin's Answers - When should formal training begin?
FORMAL TRAINING -
Formal Training - Obedience & Collar Conditioning
• Introduction to Formal training
• Formal Training - Tools
• Formal Training - Obedience
• Putting on Checkcord
• Heel
• Sit/Stay & Here
• Sit/Stay & Here with a more advanced dog
• Kennel
• E-Collar conditioning
• Putting on E-Collar
• Heel & Here
• Introduction to Gunfire
FORCE FETCH -
Force Fetch - Fetch, Hold and Leave
• Introduction to Force Fetch
• Teaching Force Fetch
• Akin's Answers - Can I continue to throw retrieves during Force Fetch?
• Force Fetch with a more advanced dog
• Force Fetch from the ground
• Walking Fetch
FORMAL MARKING -
Formal Marking - Steady to Singles & Doubles
• Introduction to Formal Marking
• Steady - Singles & Doubles
• Diversions
• Diversions - with a less advanced dog
• Akin's Answers -Socialize to your hunting environment
• Adding Distance
• Adding Birds
• Adding the Gun
• Akin's Answers - Making exceptions with friends and family
• Adding Water
• Akin's Answers - Teaching your dog his place
• Steadying - From the duck blind
• Akin's Answers - Taking the right steps on your pup's first few hunts.
• Steadying - From the pit
• Akin's Answers - Pup's first Hunt
• Good Luck!
The program translates classroom lessons into field-ready routines, emphasizing practical handling in upland covers and river bottoms. It helps align pup development with real hunting scenarios, from socialization to steady handling in blinds, with birds. Viewers can translate the step-by-step methods to their training schedule, adjusting for breed-specific needs and season-specific conditions. The video also covers kennel routines and the timing of formal training within a progressive program, including gunfire introduction and controlled retrieves in pond margins. Proper handling and consistent cues support safe operation around guns and decoys. Storage and playback are straightforward, and the material maps well to field trials and waterfowl retrieval drills. Use this as a reference to structure your season plan and document progress in your training log. It’s a practical companion for opening day preparation and steady, methodical improvement across a hunting partner’s career.
DVD, Duck Dog Basics with Chris Akin Q&A
What is the duration of the Duck Dog Basics with Chris Akin DVD?
The program runs about two and a half hours, suitable for focused training sessions.
Who leads the training program on this DVD?
Chris Akin of Webb Footed Kennels guides the methods presented.
What topics are included under Formal Training?
Obedience and collar conditioning, including checkcord, heel, sit, stay, and here, plus e-collar conditioning.
What does the Force Fetch segment cover?
Introduction to Force Fetch, teaching the technique, and applying it to different levels of dogs.
What is the best way to apply this video to field trials or opening-day prep?
Use the progressive sequence from socialization through marking and retrieval to structure a season plan and track progress.
Can the program be adapted for breed-specific working needs?
Yes, the approach supports adjustments in pacing and cues to fit hunting environments and individual dogs.
What equipment or training cues are referenced in the program?
The course mentions training tools and e-collar conditioning as part of the formal training curriculum.
Item Specifications
| Title | Duck Dog Basics with Chris Akin |
|---|---|
| Trainer | Chris Akin |
| Location | Webb Footed Kennels |
| Achievements | Over 100 Grand Champions and Master Hunters |
| Accolades | Only handler to win Super Retriever Series Crown Championship twice |
| Duration of DVD | 2 1/2 hours |
| Socialization Topics | Picking a Puppy & Pedigree, Fun Bumpers, Introduction to Water, Birds, & Covers |
| Formal Training Topics | Obedience & Collar Conditioning, Formal Training - Tools |
| Force Fetch Topics | Fetch, Hold and Leave, Teaching Force Fetch, Walking Fetch |
| Formal Marking Topics | Steady to Singles & Doubles, Diversions, Adding Distance, Birds, Gun, & Water |
| Akin's Answers Segments | Throughout DVD, addressing common questions and concerns |
Duck Dog Basics DVD with Chris Akin: Train Your Ultimate Hunting Partner
Learn from the highly experienced Chris Akin as he guides you through the process of creating the perfect duck dog - from puppy selection to advanced training. This 2 1/2-hour DVD will provide you with essential skills and knowledge, ensuring you have a reliable hunting partner come opening day.
Join Chris Akin, the doyen of duck dog training, as he imparts valuable insights and proven techniques in this comprehensive DVD, complete with practical demonstrations. Chris shares his extensive experience and knowledge, showcasing essentials such as socialization, formal training, and dealing with puppy teeth.
Take advantage of Chris Akin's wealth of expertise and unique training approach, which has helped Webb Footed Kennels earn its esteemed reputation as the top retriever training operation in the country. With Chris Akin's guidance, you'll be fully equipped to cultivate a formidable hunting partner that will meet your highest expectations.