Training Days

There are generally three categories of training we work on:

• Field work includes bird and gunfire introductions for puppies; developing independence and range; pointing; steadiness to flush, wing, shot, and fall; and retrieving.  In advanced situations, field work expands into honoring other dogs when they are pointing.
• Water work includes swimming; duck search; steadiness by a blind; and marked retrieves.  In advanced situations, water work expands into blind retrieves and double 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.

Typical Training Day
8:00 - Training day begins.  The agenda for the day and important announcements are made.   Please sign the attendance log so the DNR knows this facility is being well-used.

8:30 - Training demos and bird pick-up (see the Bird Orders page)
9:00 - 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.

• 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.  Handlers are encouraged to walk with all the pups as a learning experience.
• 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.  Handlers are encouraged to walk with all the dogs as a learning experience.  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.  As always, handlers are encouraged to walk with all the dogs as a learning experience and to aclimate the dog to crowds.
• Each group will have the option to work on water skills after the field, weather permitting.

Noon - Lunch - bring a dish to pass and $5 to cover the main course.  Consider volunteering to provide the main course.  The chapter will reimburse you for expenses.  
Afternoon - Continue to run field and water.  Time for special training needs to be addressed.  ​

Training Etiquette

• Be sure your dog is current on all vaccinations.
• Keep dogs in a crate or on a tie-out until it is your turn to run.

• Be prepared to run when it is your turn.
• Help others – everyone can help regardless of their age or experience level.  If you haven’t done something before ask someone, we will be glad to teach you.
• No barking or excessive whining. If you need help quieting your dog, please ask.
• Respect others’ space. Please ask before allowing your dog to approach another dog.

• Use the grounds with respect: Pick up after yourself and your dog. This includes picking up poop around the pavilion, picking up empty shotgun shells in the fields, and properly disposing of expired training birds. If you see garbage anywhere throughout the grounds, be a good steward and pick it up.​  

Suggested Equipment

• For You
  • Blaze orange hat
  • Blaze orange vest or shirt - a lightweight vest is useful for carrying much of your training equipment to the field
  • Break open shotgun – break open style is a requirement for safety reasons.
  • Ammunition – if you are not bringing a gun, be courteous to those who gun for you and provide them with the ammunition used to train your dog.
  • Rain gear and rubber boots
  • Bug spray - the mosquitoes and flies can be extremely bad at times.
  • Money to pay for your birds and contribute to the lunch.
• For your Dog
  • Collar with ID tags
  • Leash – please keep your dog under control at all times.
  • Tie-out or crate – a way to contain your dog while you are not directly with him. Remember, in the warmer months, you will not be able to leave your dog in the car unless you have containment that allows you to keep all the doors and windows open.
  • Bird cage – this can be anything from a homemade cage to a commercial bird crate. You need birds to train a bird dog, and a container to keep your birds in a humane manner.
  • Bird bag to carry birds into the field. The chapter has nice bird bags available for sale.
  • Long check cord – this depends on your dog’s maturity but is often used for puppies or young dogs.  If you need a check cord, remember to wear gloves to prevent rope burns.
  • Water bottles for your dog. Carry water into the field for your dog. It not only cools them down in the heat, but it gives them a chance to settle down and regroup if they are running too hard or fast.