Scott Linden Outdoors

There’s been a lot of water over the dam for both of us, Flick’s been a part of our kennel for just seven months and the number of skills he’s acquiring – at least partway there – is stunning. Maybe you’re living this too, or hope you will be soon. Sure, I provide the structure, but as many of you know, well-bred dogs will basically teach themselves and their humans, if only we pay attention.

It’s time to give a shout-out to some of the kind folks who have influenced my meager training efforts and assuredly made them better. And some of the gear that is indispensable to the process.

The point-of-contact method of direction, and quiet compelling of a dog to do right are mainstays of Rick and Ronnie Smith’s philosophy. They help a dog teach itself, minimize stress on owner and dog.

As Flick matures into a retriever, Larry Mueller’s suggestion that a dog should believe virtually every flush leads to a retrieve has merit when extending the pointing portion of the sequence.

In Bob Farris’ new book, he mentions that a dog doing something right in a training session is the cue for us to put him back on the chain or in the crate … let him “think about it.” My lovely wife reminded me that a crate should never be a jail for screwing up in training. Always end on a high note, a well-executed skill … even if it’s “here.” Then, “kennel up!”

Many, many NA tests ago, NAVHDA judge Phil Swain pointed out that a dog wants to see your face, and will maneuver to the front so he can. Using that knowledge gets a pup started on a strong field search.

The monks of New Skete, in their book, constantly remind me that training is bonding. It tempers my temper, so to speak, when I think about how much force-discipline-frustration should be part of the interaction.

Breeder Jeff Funke left me with one bit of advice as we loaded Flick into the truck for home: practice retrieving every day with a young dog. While it is more play than work for a pup, it sets the stage for force-fetching.

So, what tools am I using most these days? Checkcord, to guide Flick into a scent cone, or set up a steadiness drill using the Smith’s half-hitch. Farris’ version – belly cinch is his term – is a more portable version of the half-hitch. Bird launchers – ultimate control of where and when a bird is found and flushes. The Smith’s “command lead” introduces and reinforces their point-of-contact approach. Paper plates are handy, cheap and portable … the perfect bird surrogate when you have a pup on a training table and want to teach steadiness. My own Real Bird Bumper acquaints a young dog with all the challenges of retrieving a dead pheasant without having to stow a dead pheasant in your pocket. GPS collar (thanks Laelaps) relaxes me in the big fields where I am constantly afraid Flick will head for the far horizon. If he does, at least I can find him!

And of course, the unsung heroes of bird dog training, pigeons. Thanks George Hickox for reminding us “no birds, no bird dog.”