Where do you recommend we start?

**DostaffLabs** · 08-10-2007, 06:15 PM

I've heard nothing but great things about Evan Graham's Smartwork series. But, where to start! I'm alittle confused about which book to start out at. I'm thinking Smartwork and then Smartwork II. I'd like to get all of Evan G's books/DVDs. Question is, for those of you who know his method, would these two be the best thing to start out with and then get the SmartFetch, Basic handling, and the water force and swim by later? Just trying to get a little bit of knowledge so I can start my two youngsters on his method (as I've never done it before, obviously!). I've joined my HRC and look foward to meeting them for some advice.

Thanks all!

**Tatyana** · 08-10-2007, 06:38 PM

I would start by purchasing his (1) Smartwork volume I book and (2) Smartwork Obedience and SmartFetch DVDs. No need to spend the money of more advanced stuff until you get there, IMO.

**georgie** · 08-10-2007, 07:22 PM

I agree with Tatyana, start with the Smartworks Volume 1. Good luck & have fun.

**Tagen** · 08-10-2007, 10:17 PM

I'm pretty sure the order would go like this:

Smartworks Vol I
Obedience dvd
SmartFetch manual and/or dvd (if you can only get one or the other, I would recommend the dvd)
Basic Handling dvd
Swim-by dvd
Transition Phase I dvd
Smartworks Vol II

EG also has a stickmen drill dvd, but I wasn't sure where exactly to fit that in. I think he uses stickmen early on in his program, even before force fetch.

**DostaffLabs** · 08-11-2007, 07:57 AM

Thanks Tagen... That is what I was looking for!

**Tagen** · 08-11-2007, 11:18 AM

No problem! I really think you'll enjoy his material and it's quite affordable. Easy on the pocket book when you can get one or two things at a time

ricky · 08-11-2007, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by Tagen

EG also has a stickmen drill dvd, but I wasn't sure where exactly to fit that in. I think he uses stickmen early on in his program, even before force fetch.

The "Men of Steel" DVD is awesome. The main purpose of it is to work on marking concepts. By running singles off the multiple gun stations, the dog has an opportunity to get plenty of exposure to them in each setup. We run our pups off multiple guns (wide open) early but some of the concepts explained in this DVD shouldn't be run until the dog is proficient in handling, etc. All of Evan's material is awesome and if you ever have any questions, he is around on a few forums and will happily answer you. Enjoy the ride, it sure is fun 8)

**DostaffLabs** · 08-12-2007, 08:13 AM

Thanks everyone! I'm very excited about getting into formal retrieving training with my two pups!

**FDR** · 08-12-2007, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by dostafflabs ling659736 date=1186920789

Thanks everyone! I'm very excited about getting into formal retrieving training with my two pups!

For pups, I'd start with Jackie Merten's Sound Beginnings
The go to Smartfetch 1 & 2
For more indept, Lardy's material and
also Dave Rorems, Art Of Handling.

None of the above material really covers problems that arise, for that use; Danny Farmer & Judy Aycock's, Problems and Solutions.