Right after our Arizona Quail Hunting Season our Bird Dog training season starts running until it’s to warm which could make for an unwanted Rattlesnake encounter.The area we train it is home to Scaled and Mearns Quail and usually on each of our two hour long loop’s we connect with both species.
Each day that we venture out I set objectives for the young dogs,who are being ran with 2 older dogs and usually one of our Lab’s is out to.The goals are simple,get the young ones into birds and work on handling and backing.
The “Young Guns” pick up a lot from the older “Experts” and tend to follow the older Dog’s lead on handling , backing and range or run.
It’s also a great way to burn off a bunch of dog energy long with some calories for your truly.Equipment wise I bring check cords,Beeper and Tracking collars,A starter Pistol and my camera.
The mood is relaxed as I am not worried about anyone having to shoot birds,if a young dog screws up then so be it.I try to correct the mistake on the next contact.
I am a firm believer in training on Wild Birds,in this experience our dogs are dealing with generally tight sitting Mearns Quail and running Scaled Quail.The experience they gain from having contact with both species is something that you cannot replicate with planted quail or pigeons.
I also think that because the conditions are drier and warmer the dogs learn to really trust their nose,the result is cautious dogs that get it done.
