The Course, is a comprehensive collection of 44 chapters of new content that go into depth in Bill Hillmann’s retriever development program.  Throughout The Course, you will watch Bill work with a retriever puppy, Mallard, and see firsthand how the relationship grows between Bill (the handler) and Mallard and how Mallard improves as the program progresses.

In The Course, Bill Hillmann discusses and demonstrates, using Mallard, his approach to developing a retriever puppy, focusing on the importance of building a strong, trusting relationship with the puppy from the start. He emphasizes training based on kindness, respect, and patience, with an incremental approach to improvement—similar to the Japanese principle of kaizen (continuously improving). Bill introduces the concept of using “The Game” as a core method to teach focus and essential commands like fetch and sit, explaining that “The Game” is not just for excitement but for developing the puppy’s attention and cooperation. He also highlights the need for balance in the puppy's emotional state, ensuring the dog is neither too hyper nor too subdued. Finally, Bill stresses the importance of consistent follow-through in the training process to achieve measurable, conflict-free results.

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