Griffin has a really large family. Every few years some of them get together for a big family reunion/retriever training seminar.
This year it was at a time and location that worked well for us. We’ve spent the weekend near Lansing, MI at the -beautiful- Omega Farms. 
The unfortunate part about the seminar is that while I had signed up for a working spot with Griffin, he was diagnosed with an iliopsoas injury a few weeks ago and is still on limited activity. It worked out okay, Griffin got to do some of the quiet activities and the swimming and Blaze got to do the running parts.
I’ve had a wonderful time and learned many things. The presenters are great, the attendees are great, and it’s a lot of fun to see so many of Griffin’s relatives. The seminar has only made me love his breeders even more. They’re very careful, experienced, good at training, and “sciency”
Just like every activity, a good training plan is important. The dog needs to be at the right arousal level. You need a good foundation before doing more advanced work. Have the right help so you don’t let bad habits develop (or start).
The biggest difference from other seminars is that this was almost all outdoors. The dogs had to be crated out of the cars due to to the areas we were working in. I know many people have to do this all the time, but it’s not something I’ve had to do before. The dogs were actually very comfortable despite the 85* weather!
The other challenge for me was staying in a hotel. When I originally committed to the seminar it was just Griffin traveling. After he got hurt, Blaze would have to come. Two days before the seminar my pet sitter failed on me and so Luna would have to come. All of the dogs have stayed in a hotel with me before, but never all at once. The dogs wanted to party and play on the bed all night, but after putting Luna in an exercise pen, everything settled down and we were well rested for the Sunday activities.
More notes to come!