Scott Linden Outdoors

Flick’s NAVHDA Natural Ability test is Sunday and there’s no doubt he has all the skills and “natural abilities” required. But that doesn’t mean he’ll pass. As I’ve learned the hard way, a rock-star-of-a-dog can go off the rails any time. In Manny’s case, wet weather meant birds that didn’t fly and the one he caught ended up in pieces. Based on the forecast, that will be the least of my worries.

A good trainer would have anticipated that scenario. “Hope for the best, plan for the worst” may have started as a war-time strategy but it’s relevant in dog testing as well. As me and my crew learn on every trip shooting every episode, other dogs, birds, livestock, camera-shy or camera-hogging guests, unusual terrain … any or all of these variables will affect a dog’s performance. Bearing in mind the axiom, I’m confident Flick could ace this test on any given day … or not. Why?

1. I’m a better trainer and have been guided by many gurus from the Smith cousins to Larry Mueller to Bob Farris and the Monks of New Skete. Remember, Flick is my “by the books” dog.

2. Flick is the result of decades of genetic refinement, the sine qua non of wirehairs from Three Devils Kennels. Buddy was good. Manny is great. Flick could be phenomenal.

3. As in my music career, I am adhering to one adage over all others: perfect practice makes perfect. Training is strategic, stage-managed and orchestrated to ensure, as Delmar Smith first said, that I “never give a dog a chance to fail.”

4. My pigeon inventory is at its peak, and being used generously. As George Hickox said, “no birds, no bird dog.” The corollary is “more birds, better bird dog.” Nothing builds desire, hones skills, and wakens instinct like the smell of birds.

Make no mistake, the natural ability test requires training and practice. Sure, much of the “testing” is of instincts including pointing, prey drive, water love and use of nose. But it’s the getting from one to the other where cooperation and obedience are critical (remember Manny’s bird deconstruction). These things you must train, period.

And even though the “natural” abilities are supposedly baked into a good pup, careful training awakens them. I saw this again at our club’s final training day prior to the test. The dogs that excelled had been exposed to a ton of birds, acre-feet of water, many other dogs and people. There were no surprises when the lead was unclipped, so the pup could focus on the important stuff.

He’s ready. So as in most other dog-related activities, if Flick doesn’t score well, it will likely be due “operator error” … me.