Training Days
There are generally three areas of training we work on: Field, Water, Obedience*
Field work includes
Water work includes
*Obedience is not explicitly taught on our training days, but it is required in everything we do. The most obvious example of obedience on a training day would be heeling (your dog keeps pace and walks side-by-side with you).
Field work includes
- Bird and gunfire introductions for puppies
- Developing independence and range
- Pointing
- Steadiness to flush, wing, shot, and fall
- Retrieving
Water work includes
- Swimming
- Duck search
- Steadiness by a blind
- Marked retrieves
*Obedience is not explicitly taught on our training days, but it is required in everything we do. The most obvious example of obedience on a training day would be heeling (your dog keeps pace and walks side-by-side with you).
A TYPICAL TRAINING DAY
The first few spring training days begin at 8am. Summer training begins at 7am. Check for updates and announcements on Facebook, reminder emails from the Secretary, and/or the NCWNAVHDA.org website.
7am or 8am The agenda for the day and important announcements are made. Use the clipboards at the pavilion to sign up for the area you want to work in for the day.
PLEASE SIGN THE ATTENDANCE LOG. We keep track of how many people attend our training days. This shows the DNR that the Mead Dog Training Grounds are being well-utilized by the public.
8:30am Split into groups based on your dog's level of training (remember to sign up on the clipboards before the meeting begins). Each group will have experienced members available to help you. Some fields may also have gunners. Everyone is welcome even if you are not training for a test.
Each group will have the option to work on water skills after the field – weather permitting.
Noon Break for lunch. Bring a dish to pass and $5 to cover the main course – provided by a volunteer Chapter member. Please consider volunteering to prepare the main course – you will be reimbursed for your expenses. (Deli sandwiches, burgers/hotdogs/brats, sloppy joes…) The chapter will reimburse you for the expenses.
Afternoon Continue to run field and water. Time for special training needs will be addressed as needed.
The first few spring training days begin at 8am. Summer training begins at 7am. Check for updates and announcements on Facebook, reminder emails from the Secretary, and/or the NCWNAVHDA.org website.
7am or 8am The agenda for the day and important announcements are made. Use the clipboards at the pavilion to sign up for the area you want to work in for the day.
PLEASE SIGN THE ATTENDANCE LOG. We keep track of how many people attend our training days. This shows the DNR that the Mead Dog Training Grounds are being well-utilized by the public.
8:30am Split into groups based on your dog's level of training (remember to sign up on the clipboards before the meeting begins). Each group will have experienced members available to help you. Some fields may also have gunners. Everyone is welcome even if you are not training for a test.
Each group will have the option to work on water skills after the field – weather permitting.
Noon Break for lunch. Bring a dish to pass and $5 to cover the main course – provided by a volunteer Chapter member. Please consider volunteering to prepare the main course – you will be reimbursed for your expenses. (Deli sandwiches, burgers/hotdogs/brats, sloppy joes…) The chapter will reimburse you for the expenses.
Afternoon Continue to run field and water. Time for special training needs will be addressed as needed.
Handlers are encouraged to walk with all dogs in the fields! This is the best learning experience for handlers AND dogs. This allows handlers to see new situations and allows dogs to acclimate to crowds.
Puppy/Natural Ability Field: Young dogs ready for introduction to birds and basic hunting skills. There is no gunfire on this field so even the smallest pups can participate. Older dogs that will benefit from basic skills are also welcome.
Intermediate Field: Dogs who have advanced beyond Natural Ability and are beginning to train for the Utility Test or Utility Prep Test. Gun fire will be introduced, as well as more advanced hunting skills.
Please let the field leader know if your dog has NOT been exposed to gunfire.
Utility Field: Dogs who are training for the Utility Test. Please do not bring your dog to this field if he/she is not fully acclimated to gunfire.
Puppy/Natural Ability Field: Young dogs ready for introduction to birds and basic hunting skills. There is no gunfire on this field so even the smallest pups can participate. Older dogs that will benefit from basic skills are also welcome.
Intermediate Field: Dogs who have advanced beyond Natural Ability and are beginning to train for the Utility Test or Utility Prep Test. Gun fire will be introduced, as well as more advanced hunting skills.
Please let the field leader know if your dog has NOT been exposed to gunfire.
Utility Field: Dogs who are training for the Utility Test. Please do not bring your dog to this field if he/she is not fully acclimated to gunfire.
CLUB EQUIPMENT
Club equipment is available for use to all club members. Launchers and pop-up/backing dogs can be checked out by members for use between training/test days for a small fee.
It is the member’s responsibility to return the equipment by the beginning of training/test day.
Equipment is to be returned in working condition – fully charged and ready to use.
Failure to return equipment for training days will result in loss of equipment use privileges.
EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FOR RENT
Dogtra Launchers
8 sets available
Sets included 3 launchers +1 remote, stored in a wood case
Rental fee: $20/month
Innotek Backing Dog
Rental fee: $30/month
You must receive instruction for care and usage from a club officer/director
Club equipment is available for use to all club members. Launchers and pop-up/backing dogs can be checked out by members for use between training/test days for a small fee.
It is the member’s responsibility to return the equipment by the beginning of training/test day.
Equipment is to be returned in working condition – fully charged and ready to use.
Failure to return equipment for training days will result in loss of equipment use privileges.
EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FOR RENT
Dogtra Launchers
8 sets available
Sets included 3 launchers +1 remote, stored in a wood case
Rental fee: $20/month
Innotek Backing Dog
Rental fee: $30/month
You must receive instruction for care and usage from a club officer/director
- Equipment is to be checked out with a club officer/director and fee paid at the time of checkout
- Equipment is to be logged in the Equipment Checkout Binder upon checkout and return
- Equipment must be checked back in with a club officer/director