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Retriever Training CenterConflicts in Retriever Training
by: Amy Dahl, Ph.D.
In training a retriever, we have an advantage that the dog does not: we have a picture in our minds of the result toward which we are working, providing a context in which the commands and exercises we teach all make sense. The dog's point of view is quite different. He lacks the overall picture that adds meaning to everything we teach; all he knows is what we require him to do at each step. To our dog, there are conflicts between many of the commands or principles that we try to teach him. First, we teach him to come along with us at heel; then we want him to stay in place as we walk away. We (Read...) |
Steady to Flush
In the uplands, the retriever's job is to quarter ahead of the gun, seeking and flushing birds within shotgun range. The flushing dog should sit instantly when a bird flushes, mark the fall if the bird is dropped, and remain sitting until sent to retrieve. Upland training, therefore, requires teaching the dog to sit to flush and be steady to shot. A dog that is allowed to break on shot will chase fly-aways, miss multiple marks and interfere with other hunters.
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SpanielsOnline.com Training CenterWild Pheasants and Field Trial Dogs - Good or Bad? - Part II
by: Tom Ness
Last issue I promised to detail some of the situations where I find wild birds particularly helpful. Hunting and training on wild birds speeds up the experience process, no doubt, but it is definitely a two edged sword. A famous field trial trainer told me of the e-collar, “it won’t make a good trainer out of a bad one”. Certainly this is the case with wild birds-in fact; a half trained dog that might sneak through a field trial will be a raving lunatic after 30 seconds in a CRP field full of wild birds and the wrong handler. (Read...) |
Waterfowl HuntingHunting Canada Geese Over Water
by: Dave Hochman
A flight of 15 geese are set up at 250 yards and coming right for our goose decoys, against a dark grey, last light sky. The clock is running out. With 5 birds to go to fill our 30 bird limit this flight is going to have to pick up the pace and hopefully make no more than one pass. Our clucking and flagging get more intense as one of the party calls out "we have 3 minutes till shooting time"! The anxiety and anticipation from the group is so intense you could cut it with a knife. (Read...) |
Wing Shooting USAThe Great American Sporting Ammunition Crisis
by: L.P. Brezny
On the day I sat down to write this story CNN had just announced that China was making a bid for a takeover of a major American oil company. While everyone was running around in a fuss about the whole thing, I was somewhat amused by the fact that foreign interests, like China poking their noses into American business, are far from anything new. I have been watching this element of the new so called world trade structure (China) walk away with the world metals market, and as such, gain a solid foot hold on the basic price of steel, tungsten, lead, and many other basic materials required to manufacture the rifle cartridges and shotshells you use in the field.(Read...) |
The Screw-In or Fixed Choke Challenge - Decisions... Decisions... Decisions
by: Bill Hanus
The main rap against screw-in chokes is that . . . . .. they add a couple of ounces at the muzzle. Barrel walls have to be thicker to accommodate the threading that screw-in chokes require. The extra weight is going to make a 26" barrel with screw-in chokes feel like a 28" barrel with fixed chokes -- and a 28" barrel with screw-in chokes feel like a 30" barrel with fixed chokes. That's no bad thing of and by itself. The extra weight will help build momentum in the swing, which can be very helpful for dove, ducks and sporting clays targets. (Read...) |
Fish RecipesConflicts in Retriever Training
by: Amy Dahl, Ph.D.
In training a retriever, we have an advantage that the dog does not: we have a picture in our minds of the result toward which we are working, providing a context in which the commands and exercises we teach all make sense. The dog's point of view is quite different. He lacks the overall picture that adds meaning to everything we teach; all he knows is what we require him to do at each step. To our dog, there are conflicts between many of the commands or principles that we try to teach him. First, we teach him to come along with us at heel; then we want him to stay in place as we walk away. We (Read...) |
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Fish RecipesSteady to Flush
In the uplands, the retriever's job is to quarter ahead of the gun, seeking and flushing birds within shotgun range. The flushing dog should sit instantly when a bird flushes, mark the fall if the bird is dropped, and remain sitting until sent to retrieve. Upland training, therefore, requires teaching the dog to sit to flush and be steady to shot. A dog that is allowed to break on shot will chase fly-aways, miss multiple marks and interfere with other hunters.
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George Hickox School of Dog TrainingThe Value of Steadiness
by: George Hickox
I must admit to having many fond memories of days spent hunting over dogs unsteady to wing and shot. Yet, I cannot deny that I am a strong proponent of training dogs for steadiness. In presenting my case, I must assert that a dog cannot be considered truly finished unless it has mastered this ability.(Read...) |
K9 Advantix - Flea, Tick and Mosquitoe CenterProtection From Pests Needed After Swimming
A German Shorthair Pointer jumping feet-first into a pond … an English Setter sprinting across a shallow stream … a Labrador Retriever enjoying a quick swim in a cool lake. These are common sights during hunting season. Splashing through water is part of an active hunting dog’s life. It is what helps separate them from the average family pet. That is why it is important for hunters to feel confident that protection from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes will not wash off during work or play. “Because many hunting dogs come in contact with water, we suggest using K9 AdvantixTM. K9 Advantix repels and kills fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes — even after a dog has spent a great deal of time in the water.(Read...) |
Conservation USASporting Dog Breeders Threatened by U.S. Senate Bill
In May, U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pennsylvania, introduced SB 1139. It licenses dog breeders, including those who raise dogs for hunting or hobby. Called the Pet Animal Welfare Statute (PAWS), the bill requires dog breeders who annually raise more than six litters, gross upwards of $500 per year or sell more than 25 dogs per year to be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Sen. Santorum has sponsored three previous versions of this legislation.(Read...) |
National Hunting and Fishing Day Marks Its 34th Year
September 24th will be the 34th annual National Hunting and Fishing Day and plans are underway for a nationwide celebration. One of the best ways all of us can create a better public understanding of hunting and fishing is to create a better public awareness of the important role that outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen have played in conservation and improving our natural resources.(Read...) |
Food and Nutrition CenterTraveling With Your Dog
Most dog owners at some point will travel with their pet, whether it is for a trip across town, a weekend trip or long drive or airline flight to a new home in a distant city. Proper planning in advance of traveling with your dog can help ensure his comfort and minimize the chances of trauma or accident.(Read...) |
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