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Can’t run, so may as well make hay
“Feisty” is not just an adjective. According to most definitions, a feist is a “small mongrel dog, especially one that is ill-tempered; cur; mutt.” The less-perjorative definition includes some...
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“Whoa,” and I mean it – just try me (and my transmitter)
Electronic training collars have many uses, but until recently I avoided using one around birds like a dog avoids baths. But once you figure out that steadiness on birds is a two-part process, your...
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Q&A …
You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers. Via Facebook, this blog, email and at events like the upcoming Pheasant Fest/Quail Classic you are not shy about wanting to learn more … about dogs, birds,...
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Making progress here … you?
One step at a time, the saying goes, and the steps are encouraging. Despite two TV seasons of breaking at the shot, Manny is making progress on his steadiness to wing, shot, and fall. We had a few...
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To Manny, on his third birthday
Manny, thank you. You have taught me so much in three short years: patience, introspection, tolerance. And you have learned much of the same. We’ve been through a lot together. Some not so fun, a bit...
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Lemons to lemonade
I love it as much as you do when a plan comes together. But when it crumbles to dust and there is a positive outcome, it’s like winning the lottery after forgetting you bought a ticket. The temperature...
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Fresh off the truck …
And ready for your order. Go here to get more information and order your copy. Filed under: bird hunting, dog training, hunting dog, News, What the Dogs Taught Me
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Manny becomes a man
Whirrrrrrr! A long, dry slog down canyon went from relaxed camaraderie to high alert as four valley quail flushed wild on both sides of us. Manny’s attention was seized, he arrived at the scene of the...
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Happy Birthday, Manny
Today is your fourth birthday, Manny. And as many have said before, that’s about when a wirehair actually matures enough to be a good hunting partner. Actually, you’ve been a good hunter since your...
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The best advice you’ve ever been given
“Never give away a bowl of dog food.” That’s what a grizzled old trainer said, almost off-hand, decades ago. Being a bit slow on the uptake, I asked what he’d meant with that tossed-away comment. His...
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Give him the once over. Twice.
This is the best time of year for humans, but the worst time of year for our dogs. Maybe I’m not telling you anything new, but just in case … Everything out there can cut, irritate, scratch or...
View ArticleRock steady: sight, sound, smell … it’s about the flank, not the neck.
I’m working pretty hard on steadiness with Flick. Here, that means hitting the scent cone and slamming on the brakes, holding through the flush, shot and fall. Maybe you are faced with some of the same...
View ArticleWhat do dogs want?
Whether this works for you, you’ll have to decide. If a more experienced trainer has an opinion, I’m sure I’ll hear via Facebook. But at least one of those, pro trainer George Hickox, thought enough to...
View ArticleWhat’s left before the opener?
Admit it, you too woke up in a cold sweat one recent night. “MY GOD! There’s so much left to do and there’s only (blank) weeks until opening day!” Here, it’s polishing Flick’s steadiness: when he hits...
View ArticleThe practical application of “place learning”
At the time, I thought it was a red herring … an excuse … a pro trainer’s nomenclature to make us feel um, well, less professional than them. But time and time again, I am reminded (and often humbled)...
View ArticleFeeding for top performance – what, when, why, and how
By Scott Linden, Wingshooting USA TV You’re a dedicated hunter. Or field trialer. For all I know, you do agility too. Maybe, all of them … plus a bench show once every while. When you need a boost,...
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