On some of my best hunts, I don’t even carry a shotgun.
Letting a friend shoot while I handled Buddy was a brilliant move today, if I do say so myself. Knowing flying birds would probably yield to Rob’s shot, I was free to focus completely on Buddy: steady to wing, shot and fall, then a more complete retrieve to hand.
No gun = better dog work. Try it some time.
Birds were no worry, we were at Ron’s preserve, where the cover is good and the pheasants would fly strongly. Our mission was to get Buddy into them, keep him solid on contact, and good work after the shot.
Each find was gratifying for this trainer, a little creeping until reminded on the first couple birds but then solid as the Tri-Tronics hawk scream signaled a point. I believe that beeper scream pins birds, ensuring staunch points, and the more I use it, the more strongly I believe it.
The first few points, I clipped a short lead to Buddy’s collar to ensure we started off on the right paw. As more birds fell to the gun, we extended the time between shot, fall, and retrieve. But Buddy’s still at the point where a dropping bird is the main incentive for a retrieve, so the thud of a bird was quickly followed by “get it.”
Ron reminded me that every time Buddy didn’t bring the bird back, it was due to operator error. I would praise him for picking up the bird, he’d think “game over,” drop the bird and come back for more praise. When I bit my tongue until the bird was delivered, the retrieving improved dramatically.
Rob’s shooting was accurate and Buddy was bringing birds back … to the shooter. I guess I can’t blame him; he’s the guy responsible for all the fun!
[Where would you lace up a new pair of Irish Setter boots? Tell me your story in the comments section below and you might win a pair.]
Scott Linden Outdoors 
Several months ago I had to put down my female GWP… Anybody know of any GWP pups available in Pacific NW?
…….. Thanks
Aha! That’s the ticket! All I had to do was stop praising my dog DURING the retrieve, and he’s now bringing dummies/birds to hand. It’s the little things that make a big difference. Thanks!
You’re welcome. Even the blind squirrel finds the occasional acorn. On this one, I did.
I’ve started hunting with my 12 year old son this season and on occasion I’ve taken to handling the dog while I let him gain some experience in as a controlled situation as possible. The joy of watching my son grow in the sport has easily out-weighed any loss from the excitement of rounding on a rising Pheasant that I thought I might have. As we walked back to the truck the last time we were out my son turned to me and said, “Dad, I can see why you like doing this so much. Can we do it again?” Needless to say, we will be going out again and hopefully he’ll be wearing a new pair of Irish Setter boots.
[…] better dog work. Try it some time. Birds were no worry, we were at Ron’s preserve, where Source: https://scottlindenoutdoors.com/2008/12/07/awesome-upland-road-trip-gunless-version-10/ Dec 07, 2008 | | Dog […]