Our Quail Season has been over since mid February.Until its time for me to head north for our Fly-Fishing SeasonI try to spend as much time as possible working Bird Dogs.It’s the perfect time to get the dogs focused on such things as steady to wing and shot,plus correct any backing issues.There is always a Spring Time Puppy that needs to have his foundation built on what bird hunting is all about.This Year’s youngster is “Ace”a Brittany who is coming along pretty darn good.
When Ace is on the ground I work on basic handling skills and get him up to the Big Dogs when they are on point.I also fire a starter pistol while he out running in front of me,Ace begins to associate gunfire as fun,it seems to work pretty good.With the dry scenting conditions the dogs are working hard for “finds” ,which leads me to believe that this makes them trust their nose that much more,which in the long run will lead to some cautious dogs,especially here in the Desert.Cautious Dogs on wild birds is a good thing!
Spring is the time to be getting out with your dogs and sorting any issues out after all hunting season is only six months away.Speaking for myself,If issues arise in the Fall its my fault for not being diligent with a very basic spring time training regime.Not having any pressure to shoot allows me to be totally tuned into my dogs,which is more of a blast than a shotgun going off.Of course the exercise benefit is also there for both Canine and Human,I know walking is something I don’t do enough of in the off season.See you out there and enjoy !
