Bill Hillmann Retriever Training Philosophy

The most important part to training is to develop a relationship with your dog that will create a bond and a partnership. This will be based on respect and kindness and that will last forever. The way to develop trust can only occur with consistency . . . so, if you are consistent then you are dependable . . . and if you become dependable then you are trustworthy. Then because you are trustworthy you will create a dog that is compliant. This trust will sustain itself even in the most demanding situations. [Read more]

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Training a Retriever Puppy

Bill explains his way of starting a retriever puppy, to get him started in the right direction.

This beginning training will create habits and form a relationship that will be the foundation for any retrieving activities whether it’s hunting ducks, chasing a tennis ball in your backyard, or going into competitive events.

The Fetch Command

The subject of this production is teaching the Fetch command. The common term for this is force breaking. A number of years ago Bill decided to work on a process to use the electric collar to reinforce the Fetch command AFTER he has taught force fetch, in a teaching way.

Traffic Cop

We start by teaching the dog to sit with minor distractions as to tossing a bumper on the ground. The “sit” command is reinforced with the remote trainer. It’s done in such a mild way the dog doesn’t realize he’s being taught anything.

Fundamentals: Land

What are Fundamentals?  Since I finished filming I have  been thinking more about fundamentals as I view the subject. .. . for me it’s really a time when you develop the way a dog is. …  From the time you first start training a puppy and on thru basic training,  you are molding what the dog will be like.

Fundamentals: Water

One of the key things about Fundamentals is that during this time it’s important that the dog progresses in his marking as well. During this part of training Bill likes to do at least what he calles “walking marks,” where you make the dog sit, you walk out a ways, say “sit” and throw a mark and send the dog.

The Art and Science of Raising a Puppy

This production is the real life tale of “Nick” Adams. It will teach you how to develop your new puppy so that he will grow up to be the dog you have always dreamed of – even if you have never trained or owned a dog before, and no matter which breed you have chosen.

The Heel Command

In this video is the complete sequence of teaching a dog to heel in the correct position looking out not up into the sky In a step by step process that is extremely clear and when followed will produce a dog that heels properly.  It is important that each sequence is practiced and rehearsed before moving foreward.

The Game

The most import part of teaching any student is that he must focus on the teacher if he expect to learn. THE GAME teaches focus, how to develop the “on-off” switch, and how to have a dog perform well while in a peak level of excitement. Don’t we need a that will perform while in his most excitable state.

Advanced Retriever Training

Serious competitors who are determined to advance their training to the highest levels need to acquire the skills and knowledge that are needed to build a truly competitive dog. This involves delving into the deep rooted reasons why dogs behave the way they do and why traditional training has been developed to deal with the behavior of field dogs. 

Christian Greeting Cards

I know this path will lead me to You and to Your Love. I might stumble, but I know You will hold me up and guide me to Your Light.

Come to Me all of you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.

Matt 11:28

God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

Ecc 3:11

Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid, and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Matt 13:44

The Lord is my light whom shall I fear? He is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

I heard Your voice in the mist, You said, Trust in Me. Believe in Me. I will be with you forever.