Bird Dog Training
"Word for
the Month"
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PROPER CONDITION
A dog preparing for hunting tests needs to be in good shape. He needs to have good lung capacity and be agile. He needs to have good muscle mass and the energy to swim well. Getting your dog in good hunting condition before he comes to hunt camp can save time and money. Try giving your dog two days a week of good physical exertion for 30 minutes at a time or so. Gradually increase this to four days a week. Good workouts for you both- canoe or kayak, you row and the dog swim. Walk in the field, thowing a ball ahead and letting your dog get some good hard romps in. This sort of regular exercise will benefit your dog and make him more competitive in this venue just as it would in conformation or agility.
Bird dog training is quite different from retriever training. The tests are quite different as well- for one thing, all handling is done on foot and the judges and marshalls ride horses. There's lots of running involved by dogs and handlers alike! The dogs are scored on whether or not they find the birds, how stylish they are while pointing (and we call this staunchness and intensity) , as well as on categories that both are scored on- retrieving, trainabilty, actually hunting for the birds, and the honor (if required at the level being tested). The hunts are conducted in braces, with two dogs running at a time. A pointer test happens very quickly, and it is almost over before you know it.
Kim teaches Styling Up
Lee and dog at point.
Daisy -
beloved girl belonging to Laura Land
Here Freckles is shown on the barrel for staunchness training.
© 2008 Kim Trafton - Turtle Creek Sporting Dogs All rights reserved. WebDesignbyBob.com
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"It's not just a passion... It's an Obsession"
Kim Trafton
Visits are scheduled 24 hours in advance and preferably on Mondays
478-763-2053
478-299-3815
