Testimonials
The dog you sold me --- Cash --- is EVERYTHING you said he would be.
We had another great season up in Canada. Cash and Billy both PERFORMED OUTSTANDING.
A lot of the clients were so involved in shooting that they did not realize the QUALITY of dogs that I had
--- that came from ALTIQUIN Labradors ---
To me that is half the hunt: WATCHING the dogs perform......
BAY PRAIRIE OUTFITTERS: bayprairie.com/
Hi Paul, ......from what I know, you are one of the World's finest and most gentle Gundog trainers. Now, I saw that you welcome questions on Training and suggestions for video clips.... I would like to see a video on how you go about to train "Stop and Sit to the Whistle" at a Distance. My dog sits fine to the whistle when he is beside me, but is very sloppy once he is away out and I am trying to handle him onto a blind. He will eventually sit after blowing the whistle several times, but that is not how it should work.
Göran – Ottawa, Ontario – Canada
Paul, Clive arrived today! He's a great dog, very obedient! I've been watching your videos and will start working through the adjustment. I think he's still a little shell shocked from the travel, but has taken to me very well. He loves the other dogs. I greatly appreciate your family being so hospitable to Dave. He really enjoyed his time there. I'll keep you updated on our progress.
Clive is doing great. He's with me just about every day. He's a great dog and I could *not* be more pleased. I think he would prefer the temperature to be a little cooler but he's managing. Many thanks for him!
Robbie T. – Knoxville – Tennessee – USA
Hi Paul, yes I shot with him at the end of last season and after the ducks were gone also shot pigeons and other birds. It took him a while to get used to the pigeons but the good thing about Cider is he learns very quick and, when I say very quick, I mean "a day" haha. The bond that I have with this dog is incredible. I am leaving for a 2 week trip in 2 days & I know I will miss him.
As for his performance, honestly, there are no stories because he is just textbook remote control. He takes commands perfectly and NEVER disobeys. He has made shooting for me a pleasure to be honest. Can’t wait for this season …. and also i have come to love the breed like none other and I would only buy another dog from you at ALTIQUIN.
Sheikh Hamad Al-K. – Kingdom of Bahrain – Middle East
Hi Paul, Jason here. Just a quick message to wish you all a happy new year and give you an update on Toby! After he was with you he never looked back, he quickly gained confidence in his retrieving and he now gets many compliments for his speed and style on shoot days! I've had him picking up & beating 5 or 6 times now and he is loving it! He had mastered runners and is marking birds well. He is working well on blinds on strange ground out to 150 yards and hunting cover very well. Thank you, Thank you for your help AND advice Paul. I now have a dog I can be proud of! Hope to see you in 2014.
Jason D. –
Micah C (Oct. 17, 2013)
Hi! I am a fan of your ALTIQUIN YouTube videos and dogs. Thank you for all you do with labs. I am fixing to buy a puppy from my friend here in the USA named, Ace Berry. The puppy is out of his Sire Diablo and a dog named Eva. Eva is out of Tweedshot Trimble and Altiquin Rain of Camgart. I was just curious as to if you all own or owned the Altiquin Rain of Camgart bitch. If so, can you tell me about her? Do you have any videos of her? Thank you so much! Keep up the good work.
From Paul Toal @ ALTIQUIN (Oct. 18, 2013)
Thank you for your kind words Micah. I bred Altiquin Rain and she went as a pup to a very good friend. She was something special then. I kept Altiquin Ripple and made him into a FTCH Champion at the age of 3. Altiquin Rain became a FTCh last year, at the age of 4. She is consistent, extremely easily trained, has a fantastic nose taking crippled birds easily and naturally. She is qualified for the 2013 British Championship, so I am looking forward to seeing her in that. I ran against her today in a 2-day stake, and she is going tremendously well, handling brilliantly etc. I haven't got any videos of her, but she will be videoed in the British Championship this year. I hope this answers your questions. Good luck with your pup, and say hello to Ace for me. Warm regards Paul
Micah C (Oct. 18, 2013)
Thank you so much for your reply. That did answer my question. I have searched the web tirelessly for British/Irish Gundog videos. I have always owned / trained American dogs the American way. After much study I am convinced that your way is the better way. I am planning to train this pup your way. Hoping it will do what it's naturally bred to do.
Micah C. – YouTube Viewer
Hi Paul, Thanks for your quick and informative reply. The method you described seems very good. I will try that, starting this very afternoon. ….I am big into Retriever Training and.... I am really a follower of the Gundog training techniques and Breeding styles of Ireland and the British Isles. Over here, it is all about Force Fetching and Electric Collars. You can't seem to find a person with a hunting dog that does not employ these two techniques. I know that the US trainers Robert Milner – Duckhill Kennels and Mike Stewart – Wildrose Kennels speak against these techniques and instead adhere to Old World training methods. They also import all their breed stock from Britain. Kudos to them! ……. However, Force Fetching and E-Collars are part of many training arsenals here, unfortunately.
Göran – Ottawa, Ontario – Canada
Hi Paul, Hope you are all well & your trip to Perthshire went well? ......Thank you for our new 12-week-old pup out of Holly. She is an absolute delight!! Totally house-trained, and, a very quick learner. We love her :)
Eve W. – England
Hi Paul, Now I have tried to translate Vygotskys Theory into English. I have successfully used this theory when working with pupils having severe difficulties in school. It is most important to give them a helping hand when they are trying a new challenge, but it is perhaps far more important to give them a helping hand when they FAIL. If they fail, I immediately take the full responsibility for what was done wrong and then go back to the mastering area. At the camp in Sweden this July 2013 I felt that your way of practicing Retriever Training is based on the same ‘thinking about learning’ as Vygotsky did teach.
Response from Paul David Toal @ Altiquin:Hi Arnulf, Thank you very much for the Vygotskys Theory. I have just completed a little research on Vygosky's work and it is very interesting to apply developmental theories of humans to dog training!! Why not.
Thank you for your interest, please keep in touch and through your studies, if you find anything else, that would be 'interesting' please pass it on, and I will do likewise. Remember when you talked about your dog who winded a retrieve by accident? Or, was it that he took a wounded bird?? And then he became "a natural" at it? Wouldn't that experience then support Piaget's theory? One to muse!
Arnulf H. – Brøttum – Norway
Thank you for coming the 13-14th JULY to us in Dalarna, Sweden. The weekend sessions are for our puppy buyers from last year. We had two litters. If all are coming we will be 18 young dogs: all between 15-18 months old. That might be too many in one group so my suggestion is to give them two half days each. The other half day they can watch and help.
I just want to say we are happy you take your time with us and we are looking forward to this weekend! You are very welcome in Sweden!
Inga-Lena D. – Dalarna – Sweden
Regarding Mr Paul Toal of ALTIQUIN Gundogs: In my experience his integrity is unquestionable.
Eric P. – Ireland
Hi Paul! ALTIQUIN Ilana is a bundle of joy we have decided to call Lucy! Michael is so excited, he was totally surprised. I picked her up from Vancouver yesterday and we took the ferry over to the island. We have been playing lots and she will have a great day exploring the farm with Mike today. Her trip went well and she was most excited to get out of her crate after her long journey! I will send you updates soon! Thank you so much for everything, we are so excited to have her at her new home!
Olivia F. – Victoria, British Columbia – Canada
Hi Paul! Our pup Lucy is doing so great! She has been busy working with Mike everyday either up at Shawnigan and out in the garden. She is so sweet and gentle when playing and snuggling. We absolutely love her!!
I will send some pictures soon. My mother, Joan, is wondering how the other Litter is doing. She wanted me to confirm with you that she would definitely like a bitch pup from that Litter. Hope all is well with you and your family!
Olivia F. – Victoria, British Columbia – Canada
Dear Mr. Toal,
First I would like to commend you for your excellent dog training skills & highly appreciated YouTube videos. I always check in on your channel with great anticipation to see if there are new additions to the video archive.
While I understand that you work exclusively with Labradors, I would like to let you know that I have a Standard Poodle male that I am training for Retrieving and Upland Game Hunting. I am endeavoring to use Irish and British gun dog training techniques only and I have found your videos to be an invaluable source of information. My dog is showing great aptitude for Handling and is quite 'birdy'.
I have a few questions and I would greatly appreciate your advice and comments.
1. When you send a dog for a retrieve, do you always send him by his name or do you use his 'Name' for marks and 'Back' for blinds (unseens)? This may be a North American practice ….... I don't know?
2. What about if the dog is out hunting (eg, 30 yards away from you) and a bird is shot, what command would you use to send him for a retrieve from that position?
3. Which whistle do you prefer? ACME 211.5 or ACME 212? Does the 212 allow for the 'Hunt Whistle' sound to be produced? It seems to have a single tone frequency. (I have the 210.5 but intend to get a different one.)
I am happy to see that you have been Judging at several Swedish events. I am originally from Sweden but moved to Ottawa, Canada in 1995. By the way, the temperature today is -29C. I should have stayed in Sweden! ;-)
Reply from Paul David Toal @ ALTIQUIN:
Hi Goran, Thank you for your kind words. It is great to hear you are using our videos as a resource. To answer your questions:
1.) I always say the dogs name when I cast them, whether for a mark or a blind. Personally I am not too sure the dog understands the words coming out of a handler’s mouth. They will always respond to the handler's body language, whether it be a hand movement or something else. I want the dog to trust me enough to quest for a retrieve.
2.) If a dog was out hunting, and a bird was shot out, I would tend to blow the whistle as I was raising the gun, he would sit and watch me shoot a bird. The dog would easily be able to mark the bird down. I would make sure he did not run into the retrieve. Sometimes I might call him in or send another dog for the retrieve or I would handle the dog onto that retrieve.
3.) I actually use a combination of 211.5 (for close up work and hunting) and then I use a 212 (for distance work). I don’t think it matters so much about the pitch, but just the way you use the whistle. Anyway, nice to speak with you. Let me know if there is anything else.
Göran – Ottawa, Ontario – Canada
I live in Brainerd, Minnesota in the United States. I am 4 days away from picking up a puppy from Tallgrass Kennels here in the States, and I have found the Clair's to be extremely helpful, forthcoming and gracious. Specifically, I will be getting a female from DAM ALTIQUIN GRACIA - "Gilly". She was bred with a stud named "Shamus" from Levenghyl Elland in England.
I have watched some of Paul Toal's videos on YouTube and I am extremely impressed, to say the least. I am looking forward to a pup which is soft, intelligent and amiable and has the mental ability to settle when needed but have a high level of drive when working. I'm nowhere near an expert on training and I will be doing the training myself. I'm not foolish enough to think I can train my pup to even be mentioned in the same league as pups of your own. However, I do hope to pick up and learn a few of your tricks both from your website and from your www.YouTube.com/altiquin channel. Anyway, I just wanted to pass along that we share a common bond in the sense that bloodlines in my pup can be directly related to your hard work Mr. Toal. I look forward to years of enjoyment with my new girl.
Steve L. – Brainerd, Minnesota – USA
I was looking at your training videos. Your dogs look real nice. Well done to you 4 putting the time into your dogs the right way.
Davy O. – England
Alan Rountree kindly forwarded me your name and website address. I would like to enquire whether it would be possible to book a bitch puppy out of the mating of your yellow bitch ALTIQUIN FERN to International FTCh Waterford Galahad of Tasco [2nd Place Winner of the 2012 Irish Retriever Championship 2012]. I recently moved to England from Italy, where I served on committees for the Retriever Club Italiano, the national breed club, and a regional Field Trial Society. I also write articles for gundog and shooting magazines. For the past eight years I've trained and run in Working Tests and Trials with my own dual purpose Labradors in Italy. Now that I'm living in the UK I'm very keen to acquire a nicely bred bitch of working lines to train up to field trial standard.
Patrice F. – England
My Original Question: I am looking for a young trained yellow lab dog. I need him as a hunting dog and companion. Do you sell young trained dogs or only puppies? The reason I am looking for a trained dog is I am not confident that I can train the dog as well as yourself. I hunt upland and ducks and need the dog to retrieve well, stay in the blind well, take hand signals and be persistent in finding game.
The Outcome: My Personal Experience with ALTIQUIN:
Dear Paul, I have had dogs all my life, and I am being honest with you when i say this. Cider is 100% different from them all. He is a REAL pleasure to be with and i would rather be with him than be with anyone or any other dog. He makes the training session enjoyable, listens well, is never a bother. When indoors he wants nothing other than to be with me and be a lazy lab on the couch. I have often heard people say that some dogs have a switch and become calm when kenneled and indoors and then switch on when working; but, i never actually saw that until i met Cider.
So what i am trying to say is, i am getting addicted to Altiquin Labradors. Truly a magnificent creature and a great bloodline. ..... Honestly, after Cider, i don’t want to go to someone else.
Sheikh Hamad Al-K. – Kingdom of Bahrain – Middle East
Paul, I just wanted to thank you for judging the Trial and sharing some of your Training Techniques with us. I learned some things I need to work on with my dogs and you also enlightened me on some judging things as well. I have a question to ask of you. I am thinking of breeding my female that won the Trial on Saturday to British FTCH Emmawood Drake (Jake). My female is a littermate to FTCH Lowforge Aragon of Leacaz, I don’t know if you have heard of him or not. He has qualified for the Championship the last 2 years. That’s a little background on my dog. I have attached a copy of my female’s pedigree and Emmawood Drake’s pedigree. I would like your opinion on the breeding and if you think this would be a good mating. This would be a line breeding if done because my female’s father and Emmawood Drake's mother are Litter Mates. Thanks again Paul and look forward to hearing back from you.
Response from Paul Toal @ ALTIQUIN:
Hi Mark, I had a wonderful time with you all. I really enjoyed the Trial, the standard of a lot of the dogs was high and most definitely would be to an Open standard. I'd be happy to answer any of your questions, maybe a phone chat would work best.
Mark T. – Tennessee – USA
Hi Paul, Lucy is such a sweet dog. We absolutely adore her. We have been doing a few exercises with her but are taking it easy as she adjusts. She is in heat now so she's dealing with that as well. I will send you pictures soon of Lucy and our 10 year old daughter Laura. They are best friends already!
Kerry B. – Warwick – New York – USA
Hi Paul! I am Laura, the daughter of Kerry and David. I am almost 11, and I love dogs. Lucy is a wonderful dog. She loves to be petted and collapses on the floor for you to rub her stomach. She is great at retrieving, as we have the same bright orange throw dummy that you use. She does not jump up on you anymore when she comes back from retrieving, she simply sits by your side and is ready to go again! We took her to the country, and she just loves it there. She loves to run around and get exercise, and returns to you with the whistle. She enjoys being loved, as she will want to be loved even more than eating! I am so happy and proud to have Lucy and look forward to upcoming years with her!
Laura B. – Warwick – New York – USA
Your training videos are fantastic! Thank you for your time! Sincerely,
Sarah – YouTube Viewer
The reason I purchased my dog from Mr. Paul Toal is because he is a world-renowned Breeder of Field Trial Champions and that is what I plan to do here in Victoria, CANADA. The quality of Field Trial Dogs here in my area is minimal, so I feel that I will have an advantage of the good breeding and training that Paul is so well known for. Paul Toal also supports me with training videos and advice whenever I ask, and so does his wife Ruth.
I feel that the Irish Kennel Club should be extremely supportive and proud of the High Quality Field Trialing / Working / Hunting Labrador Retrievers that your Irish Members have produced for many years. Due to the dedication and training that people like Paul Toal have put into their dogs, the Irish Field Trialing Labrador Retriever has been set on the world stage as being the “Best of the Best”.
Hunting and working with Field dogs is a sport that has gone on for centuries. In some areas, without dogs as hunting companions, proper sustenance would not be possible. Raising these Field dogs is a love, a passion, and a livelihood for many people, like us here in Canada.
We purchased these dogs only because Ireland has the most outstanding hunting bloodlines (breeding) and a reputation for producing Field Trialing Labrador Retrievers that are THE top of their breed. In our opinion over here in Canada, The Irish Kennel Club should be lobbying on behalf of all Field Trial competitors and the working breed to keep the high quality of Lab retrievers that have become so widely recognized around the world to be of the highest quality, thanks to the breeders in Ireland like Paul and his ALTIQUIN bloodline.
Joan and Michael F. – Victoria – British Columbia – Canada
I've been thinking about you lately and was wondering what you have been up too. I wanted to give you an update on Billy and Riona. Paul, I cannot thank you enough for bringing me Billy and Riona. Besides both being great hunters, they are wonderful companions. They are by my side 24/7. If you remember, I take both of them to Canada with me every year to Guide plus I take them Hunting with me in Texas. Billy is an incredible dog and Riona is special too. Normally when I guide in Canada I take Billy in the morning and Riona in the afternoon. I have been working with both of them to honor each other and I might try a few hunts this season using both on the same hunt. In the off season I have been working them and they stay with me in my office during the day.
I feel very blessed to have both of them. They have seen and retrieved more birds in one day than most dogs retrieve in several seasons. You cannot believe how everyone is in AWE of Billy. My hunters love him. I will try this season to send you some pictures of Billy and Riona in the field up in Canada. Thank you again. I can't thank you and Ruth enough for Billy and Riona. Bay Prairie Outfitters
Mike L. – Bay Prairie Outfitters – Texas – USA and Saskatchewan – CANADA
I have known Paul for several years and have nothing but the highest regard for his training and professionalism. Paul came to the United States in the past to hold TRAINING SEMINARS and to judge a Field Trial. Paul has helped us continue training and I can testify wholeheartedly that he showed compassion and care for both the dogs and owners. His patience is evident in not only his dog training, but in maintaining the highest standards in breeding at ALTIQUIN. Paul is an excellent judge during Trials making a conscious effort to maintain the exact standards. All of the things that Mr. Paul David Toal and Altiquin Labradors do increases the standards of Field Trials, breeding, and is a positive influence for the Irish Kennel Club.
David V. – Mississippi – USA
We have Field Trial Labradors and have had Paul of ALTIQUIN come over to the USA to conduct a Training Seminar and to judge a Field Trial. During his training seminar, Paul showed lots of patience and concern, not only for the dogs, but for the owners as well. Paul uses positive reinforcement and consistency while training. He has always been willing to answer any question to help us continue and progress in our training. Paul’s core beliefs in breeding and training quality Labradors is exhibited at ALTIQUIN. His passion is evident in all aspects of his life.
While in America, we had a Field Trial and Paul was the A panel judge. I am a B panel judge and was excited to work with Paul. He is a credit to the Irish Kennel Club as a judge and any kennel club would be proud of his commitment to excellence. I learned so much and he was so helpful in answering any and all questions.
Paul is an outstanding man who has touched lives not only in Ireland, but all over the world. I personally feel that Paul’s kindness, patience, and courage of conviction make ALTIQUIN Labradors a shining example for all. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me – I would be most happy to share with you all that Paul has done to help us. Sincerely,
Anita V. – Mississippi – USA
Hi Paul… hope all is well with you and family. Just an update on the best dog that I have had the pleasure and privilege of owning: ALTIQUIN RIPPLE is wonderful.
He has acclimated quite well to everything that he has been introduced to.
Both Ripple, Tide and I are inseparable, literally. Both of these lads get on nicely at home and in the field.
I'm sure you remember the statement you made about me and Ripple being a good fit.
Paul it's BETTER than you could imagine !! I can write pages and go ON and ON about this dog RIPPLE and how well he has done in the field but you already know that.
My affection for RIPPLE has overwhelmed me, he is not only ever vigilant of where I am, which equals his LOYALTY to me, but he has also been an IMPORTANT tool in my business as a FULL TIME Waterfowl Guide.
…I've been fortunate owning good working dogs throughout my career but Ripple is MORE THAN SPECIAL and has brightened this chapter of my life … stay well Capt. Tom ......
Capt. Tom C. – New York – USA - BACK BAY OUTFITTERS
Paul, Always use my name as a reference for ALTIQUIN. The question is always whether or not the prospective owner is worthy of one of your dogs. Have a wonderful Christmas. Say hello to the kids. Star is sleeping next to my desk.
Rick C. – Warwick – New York – USA
Dear Paul and Ruth, I think you've probably guessed just how much I enjoyed myself this past weekend. Lou said I never stopped smiling from the moment I entered the ALTIQUIN gates. You are both such wonderful hosts and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you did to make us feel so welcome. Our visit to ALTIQUIN was the highlight of my trip to Ireland.
Just like the ALTIQUIN Labs, you have raised three beautiful boys. There were times I had to suppress my giggles as they reminded me of my boys when they were young. I'm going to send one of our art catalogues to Isaac and perhaps he could give us his opinion on our paintings that are for sale. Should the boys ever decide to visit NYC in the future, we always keep an extra air mattress for drop in guests. I can't promise a feast like the one their dad made, but we have plenty of great restaurants.Thank you again for everything and as usual, I will keep in touch. Fondly, Diane
Diane and Lou S. – NYC – New York – USA
Hey Paul - I hope all is well with you and your family. Glen is doing great. I couldn't be more pleased with him. I have been working with him every day since he has been here, and he is really an amazing dog to watch run a long blind.
This afternoon when I worked Glen my buddy that hunts with me tagged along to watch Glen, and, as always, Glen performed great.
I was grinning ear to ear this afternoon as Glen made his way back to me when he had just ran a 200 yard blind perfect. He ran a great line straight out for about 150 yards then I blew the whistle and he immediately turned around and I gave him a left over command for the last 50 yards and he hunted the bird up wonderful.
When he got back to me and released the bird, I looked at my buddy and his face said it all. He was very impressed with Glen.
It made me feel really good on the ride home as all he was talking about was how Glen was one of the best dogs he had ever seen. And, I have to add my friend is 48 and has hunted over and seen a lot of great dogs in his day. And, for him to speak that highly of Glen made it that much better.
Glen also did great when he went dove hunting with me back in September. He was steady as a rock. Never once did he try to break when I shot. A lot of the birds I shot that morning fell behind us in a field with tall thick grass. Glen never came back to me without a bird in his mouth.
That same morning he made me start laughing about midway through the hunt, when I found myself just standing there, looking at Glen as he was constantly watching for a bird to come by, me thinking to myself how good he has already done that morning, when about that time, I saw his eyes lock onto something, and by the time I turned around it was too late to shoot.
Then I looked back down at Glen, and he was looking up at me with a look on his face and in his eyes that said, “What are you doing dummy? There went one. Do your job and kill it!” --- That look on his face was priceless to see.
This past Saturday and Sunday morning, I went to an AKC hunt test for labs that were running for their Senior Hunter title. All I can say is “Wow, I saw a huge difference in some of those dogs and Glen. It was an eye-opening-experience after getting a dog trained by you without an e-collar."
If anyone were to watch Glen work and then watch some of those other dogs right after ---- they would see a huge difference in the attitude of the dog. Some of those dogs just looked scared when they were at heel. Also, some just didn't look like they had any desire to hunt. Some dogs would look good until they were on the way back with the bird and, about 20 feet from the trainer, you could tell the dog got scared again and didn't really want to heel.
I hope I made some sense in the last couple of sentences. I guess what I'm trying to say is: “The way you train dogs compared to some of the so-called pro-trainers here, in my eyes, your way is far better.”
The reason I went to the AKC hunt test was to learn a little more about the hunt test here because I'm thinking of running Glen in one near me in a couple of weeks after I send everything in to get him AKC registered. I watched everything a dog is expected to do and asked the judges questions about everything I needed to know to run Glen and to obtain a SH title to his name.
Before I did do this I just wanted to know your thoughts on running Glen in a hunt test here, but, from what I saw, it would be a breeze for Glen and me. If you have any thoughts on any of this just let me know.
But, anyway, I hope you and Ruth and the kids are all doing well.
I want to tell you again thank you for everything, and Glen is everything you said he would be and then some. You are truly a great gundog trainer.
Stephen H. – Alabama – USA
Dear Mr. Toal, i have the pleasure of owning a grand-daughter of your Gem – ALTIQUIN BREEZE and Diablo – International FTCH Myreton Diablo of Glenloch [who won the Irish Retriever Championship in both 2004 and 2006]. Her mother was from the litter in 2005, and brought to America by Robert Clair of Tallgrass Kennels. He bred her to another dog that came from England. My pup is a week shy of one year old. i live in Illinois and hunt ducks and geese on the Mississippi River and in the corn fields.
i am an avid hunter and i hunt over 200 days a year. My pup Briley has retrieved over 500 waterfowl, and 200 doves, several rabbits, found 3 whitetail deer that went over a half mile before they died. She will fetch anything i shoot, she will do blind retrieves of over 250 yards already. She takes hand and whistle commands almost perfectly, and all this before her first birthday. i have trained her myself, with just love and affection, i have never had to raise my voice to her, she just wants to please at all times. i have never seen a dog as good as her at this age. She is awesome.
i just wanted to thank you for all you do to keep these dogs so pure. i am enjoying this pup to the fullest, she lives in my house with me and my wife. i am retired so i have never been apart from this dog for any longer than 4 hours at one time. The trust and bond that i share with her is truly a wonderful thing. When i see pictures of Gem from ALTIQUIN it’s like I am looking at my pup. She takes after her grandma for sure. Thank you again sir and keep up the great work you do.
Randy F. – Mississippi River – Illinois – USA
My wife and I have been working with Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers since 1970, and we have been breeding dual purpose Golden Retrievers since 1973.
We are both Field Trial judges authorized by The Norwegian Kennel Club in 1983 and 1985. We have judged every year since then all over Scandinavia. Instructing and teaching have also been an important part of our “retriever life”. Last summer we were invited to Sweden to be part of a training course arranged by Kennel Djurberga. The instructor was Paul David Toal. We have attended several training courses over the years but this course led by Paul Toal was the best ever!
First of all we got to know Paul as a very likeable person. We had many talks on training methods during the stay in Sweden. Although he has wide experience he always was open to listen to what all of us wanted to talk about, and what we had experienced over the years training retrievers.
We all were impressed by his training methods. He showed us how to build exercises step by step. His methods were gentle and always trying to give the dogs a feeling of success and further on build the next challenge from this successful feeling. We went to Sweden with two good dogs and returned to Norway with two very good dogs. And the best of all was the experience in “method thinking” we brought home to our local region. We regularly train in experienced groups, and now all of our training companions know very well who Paul David Toal is. In 2014 our region is in charge of arranging the Open Norwegian Championship for Retrievers. My wife is the leader of the technical arranging Committee and I am a member of the Board as well.
As a result of our time in Sweden in summer 2013 with Paul David Toal we have recommended the Norwegian Retriever Club to invite Mr. Paul David Toal to be one of the Judges at this Championship. There will be six judges – two from Norway, two from Sweden, one from Denmark and hopefully Paul David Toal from Ireland. We are certain that he will represent the Irish Kennel Club in the best possible way. We would be delighted.
Ann & Arnulf H. – Brøttum – Norway
In every instance, I have found Mr. Paul David Toal to be professional and positive in his approach to training gundogs. Without question, Mr. Paul Toal has been one of the most influential Irish (or UK) trainers here in the USA in promoting a positive approach to gundog training, as opposed to traditional use of punishment like e-collars that are used in the United States.
Because of his efforts, there is a new push in developing these positive methods here. The Irish Kennel Club should be proud of the work that Mr. Paul Toal has done to promote positive Irish training methods to produce exceptional gundogs. I am certain that many others share this opinion.
Callum M. – Atlanta – Georgia – USA
Spike is doing really well. He recently was training in North Dakota and had a little mishap where a thorn got in his eye. The good news is he has fully recovered and did not lose any vision! He is really a trooper! A real trooper! I spoke to Mr. Rollins and he said that we would be happy to be a reference for you. Please feel free to give my contact information out and I will be happy to refer him on to someone else in our group if I cannot answer any questions. Warm regards, Deborah K.– RFA Management Company, LLC
Mr. Rollins – RFA Management Company, LLC – Atlanta, Georgia – USA
Hello Ruth, and Paul, It has been a while since we have visited via email. I live in Nebraska, U.S.A. I have a small Kennel where we produce 1–3 British Labrador litters per year. Most of the litters we have produced as of late have been of Irish lineage. I have one of your Bitches: ALTIQUIN JOY – sired by Altiquin Egan x Altiquin Pride – 2006. Joy is just absolutely wonderful. We love her dearly.
She has turned out to be everything we ever wanted in a bitch. She has become a very important part of our family, as well as our breeding program. Also, a very valuable tool during the hunting seasons. I know it is still a year away, but, do you think you would have anything available to meet this time frame? ……. I would really prefer getting a pup from you directly. You are the only breeder I plan on contacting. I have been following along on your website, as well as your YouTube channel for the last several years. I really appreciate everything you do. Thank you very much for your time.
Steve M. – Nebraska – USA
Paul Toal is a very responsible dog breeder, fully committed to producing healthy quality Labradors. He is using all the best diagnostic techniques to further that aim and he is an asset to the Field Trial community.
Alan R. – Northern Ireland
I am a gun dog trainer and breeder in the United States. I'm sure you work with several of us over here! I've always been impressed with your website and pedigrees. Thanks for working so hard to keep people informed about your business. I'm coming to you because you (according to the web) you have much experience importing. ……. I'm hoping to diversify a little bit on Pedigrees. I look forward to hopefully developing a friendship with Altiquin Labradors that lasts for quite some time!
Barton Ramsey | Owner & Trainer | Southern Oak Kennels, LLC | USA
MAV continues to astonish all that see him. Thanks for bringing him into my life.
Bob C. – Westfield – New Jersey – USA
I love your work Mr. Toal. I am so impressed by your quiet demeanor when handling your dogs. A wonder to watch. A joy!
Mary Catherine | Rosemary Kennels
I have viewed several of your videos on YouTube. Do you have videos for sale that start at the beginning of training, that would be the very START of obedience training, and go through the gundog training? If so, could I get them, your videos I mean? It would be a huge help ...... I really like the way your dogs work and especially the steadiness of your dogs. Thank you for the offer to help me along with Duff's training as I would like to take him further than I was able to take Skye although she was a very good dog for my first.
My brother who has been training gundogs for years is also really interested in seeing exactly how you do it, as he is a purist when it comes to his training methods but has never had the benefit of a British trainer to help. Thank you again for all you do.
Rodney B. – YouTube Viewer
Greetings from SWEDEN! Thank you for a super weekend! Hope you all got home safe and sound. We have got a lot of comments regarding the SUPER JUDGES. You were all very friendly and competent. Competitors also seemed very pleased with the set up of the Working Tests, BEST in the Swedish Game Fair so far. See you soon again.
Patricia, Bitte & Ann Maj – Swedish Game Fair – SWEDEN
I am from the great state of Texas. Mr. Toal, I have seen your YouTube videos and I just wanted to say you are truly amazing at what you do. I have a 4-month-old silver female Lab and I wish I could train her the way you have yours trained. I am really impressed! You have some beautiful dogs.
Cody F. – YouTube Viewer
One day last year, while my husband and I were taking a walk, we met a new neighbor walking the most beautiful and well-behaved black Labrador that we had ever seen; the dog’s name was Star. We spoke for almost a half-an-hour while the dog sat patiently at his owner's side. We were told that the dog came from the ALTIQUIN Kennel and was trained by Paul Toal.
I immediately emailed Paul and told him of our interest in purchasing one of his dogs as a companion. We were very excited to hear that he had a three-and-a-half year old bitch available, who was Star's half-sister. Pepper was very highly trained and had competed in the Irish National Retriever Championship. Paul told us that she would have been sold for breeding --- as she has impeccable blood lines and almost perfect hips --- but upon examination by an eye specialist a small spot was found in her right eye. It does not affect her vision, but it is possible that she may develop a cataract when she gets older. This did not seem very significant to me, but Paul explained that he strives to improve the breed by only breeding dogs with excellent hips and eyes, a shiny black coat, and a calm and intelligent temperament.
We immediately wired the funds and made arrangements for Pepper to be shipped to us. Pepper arrived to us at Newark Liberty International Airport in perfect condition; she came out of her crate and calmly went to my left side as if I had owned her for years. Since Pepper enjoyed retrieving so much, I decided to join a local Hunting Retriever Club to learn more about field work. I am not a competitive person and had no plans of competing with Pepper, I simply wanted to watch her perform what she was bred to do in the field. I learned my hand signals and whistle work from Paul's instructive videos, and in each practice Pepper was the only dog not wearing an electric collar.
She did all of her retrieves with pure joy, always trying her best even though my hand signals and whistle work were far from perfect. It was sad to see some of the dogs cower in fear, sometimes not understanding what they had done wrong as their owners took out their frustration on a hand-held remote control button. Pepper earned the respect of everyone; I was often asked where she came from and was proud to say that she was Irish bred and trained. There were some that had already heard of Paul Toal and his stellar reputation.
Many times, I emailed Paul with questions about Pepper's training, and I always received a quick response with a lengthy explanation on how to correct a problem. He always gave gentle training advice: go slowly, back up if necessary, and remember that Pepper is always trying her best to please you.
Pepper has a very soft mouth; I don't know if this is because of her breeding or training. One day, she caught a homing pigeon that had come to take a rest on our country home property. I called her and she came running with the bird in her mouth and sat at my left side. I gave her the command, "Let go" and she released the bird into my hands totally unharmed. I put the bird in a cage and was able to contact the owner through the bird's leg band.
Lou and I were so thrilled with our purchase of Pepper from Paul Toal that we wanted to meet him in person. Paul and his wife Ruth were kind enough to invite us to visit them at ALTIQUIN and observe Paul training his dogs. This was an experience that I will treasure always. We arrived at Altiquin kennel in May and immediately noticed how immaculately he kept everything and how all of the dogs looked healthy and happy, eagerly anticipating their training time with Paul. We were surprised to learn that Paul fed the dogs FRESH FISH for breakfast. Later, four dogs were let out as we all walked far across a field with them running happily beside us. Paul threw out a bumper as each dog waited patiently for their turn. I never once heard Paul raise his voice or lose his patience in any way; he always praised and encouraged each dog.
We later had dinner with Paul and his family at their cottage. Paul and Ruth have also raised three fine sons, all of whom help at times with the dogs. It is nice to know that when you purchase a pup from Paul Toal they are well socialized with children. When Pepper enters her golden years, I plan on purchasing a young Altiquin bred and trained dog. It will be helpful to have another dog's shoulder to cry on when Pepper reaches the end of her journey with us.
Please feel free to contact me or my husband at the gallery to verify the contents of this letter and our relationship with Paul Toal of ALTIQUIN kennel.
Diane and Lou S. – NYC – New York – USA
I have known Paul Toal since 2004, when I first invited him to my Kennel Training Meets in Sweden. One of the reasons I contacted Mr Toal was his approach to dog training, presented on his website. Subsequently, Paul was then invited to Sweden to conduct Dog Training Classes, the first time in 2005 to the Swedish Labrador Retriever Club’s Training Camp, and again in 2007 and 2013. (From the years 2003 to 2008 - I was Chairman of the Club, however, I have now resigned). Paul was again invited to judge a Swedish Game Fair in 2012. And also in 2013, to judge a Field Trial for the Club.
He is one of the most admired Trainers we have come across, a very humble, kind and sympathetic person. We have never ever seen him being disrespectful or even heard him speak with a raised voice. He has never been seen touching a dog in any way, but tried to make people understand how to get along with their dogs in a correct way. He has never been heard to speak a patronizing word about anyone or anything, either person, dog, or the Kennel Club.
Many of us in Sweden know him personally and have trained with Paul, and, therefore, would like to raise our voices on his and his family’s behalf. From my point of view, anyone could have been attacked in this same way, by someone manipulating pictures and presenting them far away from their context. (It did also happen to our Swedish Royal Family!) When you attack someone as the Anti-Country-Sports people do, it is not actually the person you want to accuse, but a system that you want to make a statement against. It is therefore not right and extremely cruel to let any one person carry this burden on behalf of a hostile organization, not agreeing with a system. The consequences of acting according to their aims are far too unreasonable.
Bitte S. – Askrikes Kennel – Nordic Game Fair – SWEDEN
Star continues to amaze us even after 16 months. Even our vet is amazed by his physique. He has NEVER seen a dog like him. Thanks again for Star. He adds so much to our lives.
Rick C. – Warwick – New York – USA
My name is Robert Clair. Our family (Kiply my wife, and our two sons, Noah and Caleb) --- we own and operate Tallgrass Kennels. We purchased two puppies from Paul and Ruth. We became familiar with their Kennel through a mutual friend in Michigan, whose name was William Kechkaylo (he has passed away since that time). We trusted William and his insight into what kind of folks the Toals were and we have not been disappointed. …. In our conversations with Paul and Ruth, our impressions of them are that they are people of integrity. We have never had any reason to believe otherwise. Over the years, we humbly feel our lives with dogs and working with people and their own dogs, have given us some degree of insight into people, their motivations and quite probably their very characters. This is why we feel a degree of confidence making statements regarding the Toals.
I had a phone conversation with Paul a few years ago. Of course, we discussed dogs and their development, among other things. After that conversation, I had the impression that I had just spoken with a very gentle-spirited, kind person. Watching Paul handle his dogs, I feel my evaluation was accurate. In my experiences in life, a compassionate person is usually that way across the board, whether dealing with animals or people.
The business dealings we have experienced with ALTIQUIN Kennels were thorough and professional. They represented themselves accurately and did what they said they would do. We would not hesitate to buy another puppy or trained dog from Paul and Ruth. We have also highly recommended them to others who were looking for a puppy or trained dog.
On another significant note, from a Character Reference standpoint, while we were attending a working test at Highclere, England : Highclere Castle and Highclere Gundog Events : we happened to be visiting with three gentlemen who were on the team representing the Republic of Ireland that particular year. We were looking over their dogs and inquiring as to who produced nice dogs in Ireland. I specifically remember them all concurring that Paul and Ruth of ALTIQUIN Labradors had very good dogs. At that point in the conversation, they had no knowledge of our previous connection with ALTIQUIN Kennels. They had no reason to recommend them if they hadn’t truly felt that way. Tallgrass Kennels
Robert Clair – Tallgrass Kennels – Bryant, South Dakota – USA