Rex Carr: The Legend
October 16, 1916 - December 13, 2002
-Henry Adams
At the close of 2002, perhaps the brightest star of our sport passed on to another realm, but in his wake left legacies and imprints on souls in every part of this country. Rex Carr was perhaps one of the greatest dog trainers who ever lived, yet it is entirely possible that his best achievements remain with the people whose lives he impacted so completely.
Carr is without question the founding father of contemporary retriever training methods. Modern methods, principles, and application of indirect pressure were pioneered by Carr. In fact, the very program that we loosely call "basics" was engineered by him, as were today's more advanced steps and drills in making an All-Age dog or finished hunting dog.
What was Rex's program? As I wrote in part a few years ago, simply put, he developed a method of basics and advanced training built on the theory of going through the dog's mind. He engineered a yard program for young dogs that established a communication system through which all advanced training could be built. This yard program included obedience commands, force-fetch, force-to-pile, introduction to the e-collar, the swim-by, permanent blinds, and a variety of wagon wheel, handling, and lining drills. Many, if not all, of the names of these drills are still recognizable today.
Basics provided the means for fundamentals and a solid foundation; the means to teach, to condition, and reinforce lessons; and formed communication stepping stones that were available for use should any problems occur in advanced training. This program allowed the trainer a means to break down problems into parts where they could be talked through and ironed out with dog and trainer.
Rex's method of going through the dog's mind was to teach by keeping anything new as simple and free of pressure as possible and doing yard work to activate the communication system. Then, he'd progress to advanced work and "talk out" complicated problems with the dog. Next, his method involved applying pressure when there was no confusion present with the dog to help establish that this was the way, and he'd finish by putting the dog away in a happy frame of mind.
While Rex was making waves in dog training, he was affecting the field trial game in a much larger way, especially in that era. At a time when many dogs were campaigned by professional handlers, Rex elected to teach his clients to run their dogs themselves. Once committed, he devoted his career to this end and became a strict, devoted teacher of dogs and their owners.
A decorated WWII veteran with two Silver Stars, a Purple Heart and other combat medals to his credit, California professional Rex Carr is better known as the Grandfather of modern retriever training. He made inroads in training methods for retrievers that remain significant by combining in-depth understanding of canine behavior with a unique approach of going through dogs' heads to teach challenging tasks for consistent performance. Carr developed original techniques to produce a structured program that has become the foundation of today's successful trainers.
But Rex Carr's imprint on our sport went deeper; the quintessential teacher, he coached clients to train and handle their animals in competition with his unique "stay-at-home" training approach, yet he attended Nationals with his clients to supervise their preparation and to stay abreast of field trial developments. He also perfected the "training pond complex"- with his beloved CL-2 - that serves as a blueprint to many of today's retriever training facilities.
With at least eleven National Champions to his credit, Rex has influenced perhaps more National Champions, Finalists, and top level trainers than any other professional in his era and beyond. He demanded the best from his students, cultivating the desire in them to reach for the "nth degree" of perfection. He is revered in this challenging sport and his light will forever shine on the trainers, participants and above all, the dogs, within this sport we admire, cherish and love.
Respectfully submitted by Vickie Lamb and Reo Carr, Sr.
Established on plaque at Retriever Field Trial Hall of Fame in the Bird Dog Museum at Grand Junction, Tennessee
Momentum was a phenomenon that fascinated Rex; it affected his training program and approach to competition. This coupled with preparation of the canine athlete was his constant focus. He taught his clients and disciples that the dogs should be schooled and in top physical condition before each competitive season began.
Rex's training methods and innovations in applications of electronic stimulation made it possible for any person who was willing to subscribe to his recipe of success to succeed. And that recipe was "blood-sweat-and-tears," dedication, and hard work.
Above all, Rex was a teacher of trainers, but in true Carr style, he didn't stop there. Not only did he impart the very secrets of dog training to those who came to Escalon to learn from him, but he also succeeded radiantly in teaching the very principles of living. Having spent close to two years of my own life under his tutelage, I can speak from the heart about his abilities to mold human lives in tandem with teaching us to train our beloved dogs. What an incredible individual he was, and what a great man he became as he embraced life in this world and above all shared it with others.
And as the sun comes up on another day, those of us who knew and loved him are very aware that he will be with us, watching.
-- Vickie Lamb, Copyright © 2003
Parts previously appearing in The Retriever Journal and Remote Trainer.
A comprehensive writing project/book(s) by Vickie on Rex Carr, his life, his training career, methods and development, and the people and dogs he influenced, was begun back in 1985 with Rex's involvement, and continues post-Rex. Please see the Resources page for updates on this material.
