Are Chesapeake Bay retrievers hard to train?

I am thinking of adopting a unique dog, the Chesapeake Bay retriever.  I don’t really know much about this breed but I like the way they look.  I am interested in learning more and finding out if they are hard to train.

After a long hard day of work I decided I would do a little investigating and here is what I found.

Are Chesapeake Bay retrievers hard to train?

No, Chesapeake Bay retrievers are not hard to train due to their even tempered personality which is similar to other retriever dog breeds.  They are easy to train because they like to have a job to do as this is part of their breed background.   They are a dependable and hard working breed that thrives on work and activity.  The only instance where a pet parent or trainer may find it difficult to train this breed is if the pet parent or trainer struggles with being in charge. 

The Chesapeake Bay retrievers are not hard to train when the person training them knows who is in charge at all time, with no question of that authority.   They must have a confident and commanding presence that leaves no room for the Chesapeake Bay retriever to question, if that does happen the Chesapeake Bay retriever has the personality that will easily move in and attempt to rule the roost which can cause major issues. 

Training is vital not only for their well being and for the happiness of those around them, but it also keeps them from getting into trouble.  If their energy, abilities and intelligence are not properly channeled they can also end up using these things for other purposes which their pet parents may not appreciate.   The Chesapeake Bay retriever will succeed at any task because they, like other retrievers are strong, capable and eager to please and provide a job well done provided they know who is in charge.

The Chesapeake Bay retriever is a dog breed that is fairly easy to train.  They have the intelligence, physical makeup and level personality as well as the right mindset due to their breeding to accomplish any task their per parent gives them.

Like all retrievers, the Chesapeake Bay retriever is hard working, and even tempered which is the right mix of qualities to be effectively trained.

One very important factor to consider when training any dog breed is the mindset of the trainer or pet parent.

When training any dog, but especially dogs that have a higher level of intelligence, the trainer or pet parent must have a confident mindset.  Some dogs, and the Chesapeake Bay retriever is one such breed requires confidence and a strong mindset in those who train them otherwise they may end up trying to overthrow the government, per say and be the one ruling the roost.

Another avenue that must be addressed is the importance of training your Chesapeake Bay retriever, and training them well.  Due to their high intelligence and active mind this breed can end up getting into a great deal of trouble if that energy isn’t properly channeled.

The Chesapeake Bay retriever needs a job to do, whether that job is learning obedience training or something else, if their energy isn’t channeled this can become a problem.  Negative behaviors may crop up otherwise.

Having a plan with this breed is best, and they are most often best suited to families or individuals that are active.  Whether the activity is hunting, hiking, traveling or something else, it matters not.  What is important is that this breed has a job so they don’t get into trouble.

How do I train my Chesapeake Bay retriever successfully?

The best way to train your Chesapeake Bay retriever successfully is to begin with the right mindset and obedience training method.

Whether this breed is trained professionally or not depends on the pet parents.  If they are to be trained professionally the trainer will handle everything, and they will also explain the process from start to finish, including how the pet parents and other household members fit into the equasion.

For those pet parents who will be training the Chesapeake Bay retriever themselves, beginning with a confident and commanding and self assured attitude is the first step.  That means that the pet parents must also be relaxed, and comfortable and at ease in their position of being in charge.

Once this is accomplished, and the pet parents feel secure with their position and the process of training their dog they can begin with simple commands at first.

Commands that include sit, stay, come, and leave all of the most important in the beginning.  These are the foundation of effective training as they teach the dog to listen to the person in charge and do as they say.

For instance, the pet parent is at the park and the Chesapeake Bay retriever wants to chase a stray cat.  If they have been effectively trained the pet parent commanding them to sit, stay, come and leave can be used to prevent them from doing what they are not supposed to do.

It is important to understand that obedience training is a life process where every dog will need a refresher course from time to time.  Even the most effectively trained and skilled dog will have an off day, and this must be considered.

Training should begin as early as possible in dogs life, regardless of breed as early training makes it easier for every dog to accept what is being taught as part of their life.

To train a Chesapeake Bay retriever or another dog breed these commands, it is helpful to use treats in the form of tiny morsels as rewards for a job well done.  They can be given at various points in the training such as when they sit, stay, leave or come and should be followed by some words of praise and affectionate pats on the head for good measure.

For instance, to train a dog to sit, the trainer can begin by taking the dog for a walk on a leash.  This can be done in the back yard or somewhere else.  At periodic intervals the pet parent can stop, use a hand gesture of their choosing while saying sit.

When the Chesapeake Bay retriever listens and does as they have been instructed they are offered the treat, and praise.

This process will continue, over and over, and over until the dog does as commanded.  How long it takes will vary from dog to dog but the Chesapeake Bay retriever is a smart and skilled dog that will pick up things easily.

This should continue over time, and in various settings, like the dog park, or out on a hike or while walking the neighborhood.  With time the Chesapeake Bay retriever will get the concept and the process continues, adding more commands or other obedience training as they move along.

Patience is important during this process but it must be a firm but loving patience.  This means that the pet parent must be firm that the lesson is going to be taught, and eventually the dog is going to understand and accept what they need to do, no questions asked.

Training, like education for humans is a life process that is vital to their overall health and well being as well as those around them.  Patience is important, as is being understanding during those moments when the Chesapeake Bay retriever doesn’t get it right, remember or is even a bit stand offish about not wanting to do as commanded.

Where do I locate a good trainer if I decide to hire one for training my Chesapeake Bay retriever?

The best place to locate a good trainer for training your Chesapeake Bay retriever is through their breeder.  Often breeders will be an invaluable resource for finding the right person to help train or perform other tasks for their clients.

They can steer the pet parents in the right direction to individuals and businesses that are skilled, knowledgeable, reliable and reputable.  This can give the pet parents peace of mind about the well being of their dog and what they are getting before they go through the process of training.

Aside from that, talking to other dog owners in the pet parents area can be helpful.  Word of mouth and information from others who have dogs, especially the Chesapeake Bay retriever can help pet parents choose the right trainer for training their dog.

It is important to get multiple referrals and as much input as possible before beginning this process.  It is also important to consider the fees charged and make sure that the matches what they will receive.

Whatever trainer is selected the end result is what counts, a thoroughly trained, healthy, happy and obedient dog that has learned what is necessary for good behavior.

In Conclusion

Training a dog can be a lengthy process that some pet parents can find a little intimidating.  The process need not be as difficult as it seems when the pet parent starts off on the right foot.

The Chesapeake Bay retriever is not a hard dog to train provided their pet parent has the right mentality and is prepared for the process.

Once this is done, training can be both fun and enjoyable for the pet parent and dog, a time for bonding and sharing special moments while learning!