Training birds

[Corey Stacey]

Any one know where you can buy some upland birds for training in NF? (ie Pheasants ,chuckar, quail etc)?

 

Corey

[Fred Woodman]

I used to get my quail from a guy up your way.
Up in Lawn i think. His name is Tom.
If you cant find him let me know and I'll go and dig out a number.

[Fred Woodman]

Found number
The guys name is Tom I think Lawn or Lamaline
873-3370

[Fred Woodman]

what is it that you hope to do with the birds? You are not permitted to shoot any gun before hunting season anywhere except at the rod and gun club. For training purposes I didnt kill any birds.In fact with quail you can catch and use over and over.
I did all my "bird" work with a starting pistol. Just remember to train in stages, and progress accordingly.
When i released birds ( quail) i used to tie flagging tape to its legs, they would fly so far and land. I could find by looking for the tape.
If your goal is to steady your dog,keep in mind that steady is little more than a stay. It can be pretty much taught with obedience.If your OB is good the dog soon learns that STAY is STAY, no matter what the distraction.
I am a big proponent of the DOWN command.Chase was taught to "hit the dirt" on all flushes and all gunfire.Its a command that can save your dogs life.Great around roads and traffic, chasing neighbors cats etc. Be careful using it around other dogs as it can but your dog at a disadvantage

[Wesley McCabe]

Have you considered using a dummy launcher once your dog points the bird, you can connect real wings to your dummie with plastic ties. I know not a true flush and drop but close, with shot sound simulated with the launcher, add some scen to dummie and the feathers on the wings will be a decent replacement reward for the retrieve. Nothing replaces being able to get out during the season however. I have also heard of people trapping pest pigeons at an owners request and releasing them in the feild. Still don't beleive you can shoot them unfortunately.

[Fred Woodman]

Steady to shot is but the final step in a progressing training program.It followssteady to point and steady to wing.Actually once the other two are well imp[lanted the steady to shot comes easily.

Start with pen raised birds or go catch pigeons. Make a harness that only allows bird to fly so far.Its my personal view that the introduction of gunfire is more about the dog reacting to the trainer than the gun.You cant train and shoot at same time.At first you will have to handle your dog and let someone else shoot.

If your really interested give me a call sometime and I can explain the process I used to steady Chase

[Wesley McCabe]

I am expecting my pup to be ready to bring home in May. He is a WPG. I would love any advice you might be able to offer when I train him. I have been reading alot however nothing compares to experience. Thanks

 

[Fred Woodman]

do you plan to test him?If you do I think theres lots of help.

[Wesley McCabe]

I do plan to test him. My breeder and pup are regestered with the NAVHDA and they encourage you to have your pup pass a natural abilities test.  I would however love to get him Utility title. His Grandmother was a two time invitational, I think it would be a shame not to test his limits. I joined NAVDA recently however the closest chapted I could find was Bluenose in the Shubenacadie, NS area.  Is there a local group which hold VHD events? I would love to be able to train with others? I am brand new to this so any advice you could offer would be graciously accepted. Thanks

[Fred Woodman]

I agree you should test him. I used the testing system to aid in training my DD and I loved every moment. I took Chase to a 312 score Prize 1 in his VGP. Most gratifying thing I have ever done.

There has been VJP tests done in Nfld. I suggest you contact member Ken Dinn he is the current President of the VDD Canada and he lives next to you in the Goulds.

Let he know if I can help in any way.

[Ken Dinn]

Wesley you can give me a call or email... my contact info is on my web site www.vomwillowrock.netkennel.com I formed a local NAVHDA Chapter here many years ago and it lasted for a few years. I have tested in NAVHDA and like Fred under the VDD system. Anyway drop me an email.

 

Ken