Training:

Frequently asked questions:

• How do you choose a trainer?                        

• Will training make my dog do what bird dogs are supposed to do? 

• What kind of food will you feed my dog during his stay?

• Do you feed once or twice a day?

• How often will you work my dog and how long?

• What kind of birds will you use and how many?

• Will you work my dog yourself, or will a helper?

• Will my dog be exposed to other dogs?

• Do you use electric collars?

• How much do you charge?

Can I visit or get periodic video’s of my dogs progress in training?

These are all questions that will be answered at your free consultation with you and your dog before training begins.

Each dog is blessed with their own personality and will react to new training situations in their own way and at their own pace. Each hunter, if experienced, will have their own idea how they want their dog trained to their style of hunting. You would not train a dog that hunts released bird on game preserves the same as a dog that will be hunting for wild birds in western Oklahoma or Texas.

While we are breeders for German Shorthair Pointers, does that mean I think they are best or better? No, I believe any dog that has desire and is a "bird" dog is a great dog. We breed German Shorthair Pointers, fine dogs that are easy to train and handle. Different breeds have different style. However, pointing, backing, and retrieving stay the same. I often hunt with a friend who has an English Setter. They work great as a team hunting, finding birds, retrieving and backing because they are well trained.

Sample Dog Training Tips

Introducing Guns and Birds 

Properly introducing a dog to guns & birds is of paramount importance. A dog that blinks birds, turns off at the flush or heads for the truck at the first shot is a real disappointment in the field. Birds, flush problems and gun shyness are environment or trainer induced problems. Dogs are not born gun shy; they are made that way. Because a gun or bird problem is often extremely difficult to fix if indeed it can be fixed I handle the introductions of such elements with extreme care.

I go into it assuming the dog will have a problem with the raucous flush of a rooster and that Fido is going to have an aversion to the report of a gun. By approaching the task with caution, I try to ensure that the dog will not react negatively to the sound of a gun or the sound, smell and sight of a flushing game bird.

Whoa' Isn't for the Birds
Training a dog to hold point should come after the dog is comfortable with "Whoa" and when it responds with excellence the first time the command is given. Holding point, backing, and the icing on the cake, steadiness to wing & shot are all built on the yard command "Whoa." "Whoa" is simply a command or cue, instructing the dog to stop where it is and stay put at that spot until instructed otherwise. Attempting to teach a dog "Whoa" by leading it on a check cord to a planted bird and giving the command prematurely can create disastrous results such as blinking.

The Rudiments of Retrieving
Water work should not be approached with a sink or swim attitude. First, it is best that the pup enters the water voluntarily which means warmer temperatures in northern states. It also helps if the dog has been running and is a little hot as a pup that has been exercising will waste little time getting its belly wet. Don't start in water with a bottom that drops off sharply or is soft, and keep in mind that a pond is preferable to a river or stream where the current may cause your dog to be tentative. A gravel bottom is ideal for providing solid footing, and this will allow the pup to walk farther out as it builds confidence. If other dogs are accustomed to water and will play in it, allow your pup to join them. The young dog's desire to participate will normally override its apprehensions. However, allow the youngster to test the water at his own pace; this will save you time later on trying to overcome a negative first experience. Things perceived to be very positive or negative are more quickly imprinted on the dog.