first hunting dog. need advice and supplies

[scottcrb]

thanks happy . yeah its hard to know what is good and bad just from hearing things from random people . i like the idea of the hrc clubs just to have more access to training and areas especially being on the west side where i cant shoot or have room for live birds in my backyard or anywhere real close. plus i think interaction with other dogs and trained dogs would be good. i would like to do some training on my own but also have a pro help or even down the road have a pro take the dog for a month or so to polish up what i have started, i work 40+ hrs a week so having a lot of time to train will be hard but i plan on at least 20-30 min a day hopefully more on the weekends. Also i dont have thousands of dollars to just send him away to be trained and i want to build that connection and relationship with him.  just really excited about the process and getting a new dog and don't want to miss out on anything or do something wrong. all the info really is helping. any recommendations on collars and when is a good time to start with those? dog will mainly be waterfowl and some upland and dont have a need for multiple dog option or a mile plus range.

[KFhunter]

I ran labs as a kid with no professional knowledge, no books, and zero guidance on how it was "suppose" to be done, but I'd take any one of my dogs from the past and put him up against anything in the field today...especially Jet.  man what a fantastic dog with insane hunting drive.   He fetch ducks in order, lay down on a retrieve and sit still in a blind all day long.  He ran straight and true according to the direction I pointed and would take a blind retrieve with nothing more than my idea of a hand signal.   Everything was "wrong" and I'm sure everyone would shake their head at a competition...but he'd go find all the ducks with an energy and fervor that would be hard to match.  And no whistles 


I did know to be careful with introducing gun fire,  when I was about 5 someone gave us a ruined lab that was scared of gunfire and lightning.  I couldn't even use my daisy bb gun around her.

Then I entered the pointing world and had to relearn everything

[scottcrb]

yeah im sure it will be a long and fun and rewarding process.

[scottcrb]

just an update . his name is Lemmy.

[JJD]

Lemmy is a handsome boy.  Hope you enjoy many hunts together.

[weathergirl]

anybody know anything about whistling wings hrc ? or andy fontenot of water dog U ?

I joined Whistling Wings last year and have only really positive things to say.  Everyone was SO helpful--great people.  I don't think things start up again until the spring, but I would highly recommend them.  There is a trainer that is part of the group, Jeff Hunter.  We haven't had him do any training for us yet, but if I do that's where I'll go.  I think he also is available in the spring/summer (?) or maybe more (?) to help you learn how to train.  I can't remember details, but he is definitely a good one to talk to.  I'm sure I can find his contact info if you want to know more.

Anyway, by going to a couple of practices with WWHRC, my dog was easily able to finish her SHR title in August.  Another member here, RainingSteel, is also active in the club. 

Kelli

[scottcrb]

Thanks kelli . I.plan.on joining after the first of the year. I.met with.one of the Members on Friday and had a quick training session . He said great things about jeff hunter as well. Guess I'll see ya out there this spring . I can't find any info on the net about Jeff though .

[RainingSteel]

I agree with everything Kelli said. Also, Lemmy looks great!

[scottcrb]

Thanks rainingsteel guess I'll see you.out there too

[Armysfdiver]

I hope you all don't mind me chiming in. I'm a new member to this site and just exploring and came across your all's posts. I am an avid hunter, and for my birthday last January, my girlfriend gave me a beautiful Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Her name is Dushka, and she just turned 1. I started working with her when she was 11 weeks old. As you all have stated, retrievers, labs, etc. Just want to retrieve. It's in their blood. I've been teaching her on my own, and using this book titled "Water Dog", which was recommended to me from another hunting friend of mine who also has a Chessy. Dushka now has some dove and geese under her belt, but she still has a long way to go, and me being a novice to training gun dogs, I feel I'm not doing her just, or bringing her to her full potential, and would also like to consider taking her to a professional for next years hunting season. A friend of mine has recommended this man on the East side named Al (not sure of his last night but do have his phone number) but every time I call him he is always booked up. So I will continue working with her until I can get her into his next class.

[Happy Gilmore]

If you notice I don't make many referrals about training however, I've sent numerous people to Butch Higgins for their gundog training and all have been happy. Butch is a good honest guy who will do a good job with a Chesapeake.

http://www.butchhigginsretrievers.com/

[Armysfdiver]

Happy!! Thank you very much for your support and help with this. Dushka is one fantastic partner with a great temperament. I will contact them asap to see about getting her in. Thanks again