Dove, Dogs, and Shotguns

Enjoy the collection of Layla growing up set to Eric Clapton’s ‘Layla’.

• When To Start Training I'd like to introduce you to Layla. She's six weeks old and I just brought her home two days ago. Soon she'll be retrieving my dove but for now I have to start the training process. Let's face it, at six weeks old her attention span is short and......
• Shotgunning Tips I was looking through some past articles on Field & Stream's website site and came across an article with some very good tips on five tough shots for dove hunters. It covers: The Incomer You See Forever The Dove With Its Jets On The Long Crosser The Dove That Comes......
• Farmer vs. Lawyer From Field & Stream: Farmer vs. Lawyer joke. (Bird Hunting)  A big city lawyer went duck hunting. He shot and dropped a bird, but it fell into a farmer's field on the other side of a fence. As the lawyer climbed over the fence, an elderly farmer drove up on......

Okay, it’s been almost two months since Layla’s last video. I’m no expert trainer, but I am one proud papa. She aims to please. Notice the distance has increased and she has graduated from a toy to a camo decoy.

I spend 15-20 minutes on training a day (or most days) and Layla does the rest. Positive reinforcement has worked well. She has been sitting since she was 7 weeks, retrieving since 8, and actually is hunting the decoy when she loses sight of it.

I think the next step will be using some scent on the decoy. I’ll keep you posted on how that goes. For now, I couldn’t ask for a better dog.

• 2009 Electric Collar Review An electric collar can be an effective tool when training your hunting dog. E-collars can be used to reinforce commands and keep your hunting dog from getting into a bad spot. Today's collars have many features and levels of stimulation to help control your dog in any situation. Remember, e-collars are only......
• When To Start Training I'd like to introduce you to Layla. She's six weeks old and I just brought her home two days ago. Soon she'll be retrieving my dove but for now I have to start the training process. Let's face it, at six weeks old her attention span is short and......
• Tips on Starting Kids Out Shotgunning Starting a youngster out with a shotgun can be a great experience for both of you. If you follow a few guidelines, you can help ensure that you pour a solid foundation. A foundation that will be the basis of a lifetime of hunting and shooting. I'm not going to......

• The Positive Reinforcement Training For Your New Puppy Psychologists have been promoting positive reinforcement as a way to change undesirable behavior to acceptable behavior in humans for some time. The method can be described simply as rewarding behavior that is considered acceptable and ignoring behavior that isn't acceptable. Animal trainers have learned lately that this same method......
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Since Layla came in my life, I’ve been told one hundred different ways to train her.

I’ve read articles on positive reinforcement training, clicker training (which is positive reinforcement training with a clicker), negative reinforcement training and everything in between. Hell, last night I read an article that recommended putting your dog in time out for mis-behaving. How does a person know what to do?

I’ve came to a realization, it’s not how you train, it is that you actually train. Whether you want to give your dog treats for good behavior or punish for bad, just do something.

Time is the key. I have four kids, a 50+ hour a week job, a blog, three other dogs, and now Layla. So I have my own time restrictions. It is just like anything though, if it is a priority to you , you will make the time. Here are some tips to finding more time with your puppy.

First of all, we are not talking about hours a day, in my opinion, thirty minutes of concentrated time with your dog will go a long way in the long run.

Get up a little earlier than the rest of your household on the weekends. My family sleeps in to around eight in the morning, so I’ve found getting up around seven is a great time to train. Layla is raring to go in the mornings and having a good hour before everyone is up to spend with her is priceless. I might mention that having a good plan on what you want to work on is vital to making the most of the time you have.

On days that I work, getting up earlier is not an option seeing how I’m off to work at 5:00 A.M., so I make the time as soon as I get home. I greet the family and Layla and we go outside for twenty to thirty minutes to train. My kids and wife usually come out with us so the training isn’t as focused but better than nothing.

Making the training a family affair really helps. If everyone gets to see Layla’s progress then it is easier for them to understand what it is I am doing. The kids are great with her, but it is as important to train them on how to interact with her as her with them. By teaching them to use the same commands and not letting them gorge her with treats, I have four extra trainers.

Layla is already making huge progress in becoming a well minded hunting dog. By following these simple steps, I’ve been able to find time in a very busy schedule and if I (the worst at budgeting time) can do it, so can you.

Dogs are like anything, the more time you put in to them, the more reward you get out of them. When you step out into the field, having put the training time in, and your dog is head and shoulders above the others around, you will have a sense of pride so big your hat won’t fit on your head.

• Humane Society Trying to Control Hunters In an article from West Virginia Outdoors News, the government in Kanawha County in conjunction with the humane society has passed an ordinance requiring hunting dogs to be be brought inside if the temperature outside is over 80 degrees or below 40 degrees. I mean really, how can an ordinance......
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Well, Layla’s growing like a weed. Already weighing in at 22 pounds.

I’ve been trying to mainly use positive reinforcement during all of her training, and believe me, she knows which behaviors call for a treat or other reward.

I try to reinforce basic commands at least twice a day, and fetching at least once a day. I think the progress in tremendous.

If you remember the first training video, it took like five takes to get her to bring the sock back correctly. I’m proud to say that today, it was only one take. Forgive the camera work, as I’m not the best producer (yet).

You can view Layla in action right here.

• Tips on Starting Kids Out Shotgunning Starting a youngster out with a shotgun can be a great experience for both of you. If you follow a few guidelines, you can help ensure that you pour a solid foundation. A foundation that will be the basis of a lifetime of hunting and shooting. I'm not going to......
• Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-06-21 Using positive reinforcement training yo train your hunting dog. http://bit.ly/Zt81d # Tips on Starting Kids Out Hunting http://bit.ly/jdFYt # Just broke 100 followers, THANKS to everyone. # Good night tweeters # An interesting article on dreams http://bit.ly/dWX4Z # 96 pound catfish!! http://bit.ly/Q1ITZ # Just broke 200 followers, THANKS EVERYONE,......
• Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-06-21 Using positive reinforcement training yo train your hunting dog. http://bit.ly/Zt81d # Tips on Starting Kids Out Hunting http://bit.ly/jdFYt # Just broke 100 followers, THANKS to everyone. # Good night tweeters # An interesting article on dreams http://bit.ly/dWX4Z # 96 pound catfish!! http://bit.ly/Q1ITZ # Just broke 200 followers, THANKS EVERYONE,......

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What exactly is positive reinforcement training?

According to expert dog trainer, Don Hanson, it is the practice of rewarding your dog with food or play for behaviors you want repeated. Hanson says that “rewarded behaviors tend to be repeated and unrewarded behaviors tend to be extinguished.”

By using using positive reinforcement your hunting dog will be performing certain behaviors in order to get a reward instead of to avoid being punished. Hanson says that the most effective negative punishment is “simply withdrawing your attention or the opportunity for a reward.”

Actions such as sitting, coming, staying, and fetching can all be easily taught by using this method. Furthermore, breaking your dog from jumping on you or other people or any other undesired behavior can be broke efficiently using positive reinforcement.

I have implemented this method with my new hunting dog, Layla. The results have been fabulous. By seven weeks old Layla was sitting and would come when called. She is nine-weeks old now, and is by far the most well minded dog I’ve had.

For just a pup, she has got it together. She goes to the door to potty, sits when she wants a treat, retrieves well and is a pleasure to own.

The only thing I’m having trouble with is getting her to stop biting my hand when she gets excited or wants to play.

Does anyone have any advice to help stop this? Your thoughts are welcome..

Time to RELOAD!

Dove, Dogs, & Shotguns

• Layla Learning to Fetch Layla has rapidly became a part of our family. She is spoiled and loved by all four of my boys and my wife. My youngest son, who is 15 months, has a playmate. They fight and play just like siblings. Make no mistake about it though, she is my dog.......
• Twitter Updates for 2009-06-27 RT @DoveHunting101: New blog post: Man Fined Over Migratory Bird Treaty http://bit.ly/dHVQM FOR BEATING A SEAGULL # Swine Flu declared pandemic, 1st in 41 years http://bit.ly/CnWqt # Using positive reinforcement training yo train your hunting dog. http://bit.ly/Zt81d # Tips on Starting Kids Out Hunting http://bit.ly/jdFYt # Just broke 100......
• Texas Migratory Bird Report Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February. North Zone Dove: The High Plains are wet from recent rains. An abundance of water in playa lakes has doves scattered around watering sources. Corn, milo and sunflowers continue to produce near Amarillo and Dumas. Abilene and......

• Potty training for dogs How can I potty train my dog? To learn how to potty train your dog, I’ll tell you a little story that you might be familiar with. Mr. James is very excited with his new puppy that he bought in the local pet store. He comes home, places a few......
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Layla has rapidly became a part of our family. She is spoiled and loved by all four of my boys and my wife. My youngest son, who is 15 months, has a playmate. They fight and play just like siblings. Make no mistake about it though, she is my dog. No matter who throws the ball , she brings it to me.

She is sitting and comes when called (most of the time). I’m using treats to reward her for good behavior and it seems to be working great.

 Here is quick video of her learning to fetch:

Layla’s 1st Lesson

So she’s not perfect yet, but for seven weeks old I’m more than happy.

By spending a little time each day, Layla is going to be a great hunting dog. Not to mention, a lot of fun.

Time to RELOAD!

Dove, Dogs, & Shotguns

• When To Start Training I'd like to introduce you to Layla. She's six weeks old and I just brought her home two days ago. Soon she'll be retrieving my dove but for now I have to start the training process. Let's face it, at six weeks old her attention span is short and......
• Training Time Since Layla came in my life, I've been told one hundred different ways to train her. I've read articles on positive reinforcement training, clicker training (which is positive reinforcement training with a clicker), negative reinforcement training and everything in between. Hell, last night I read an article that recommended putting your......
• Humane Society Trying to Control Hunters In an article from West Virginia Outdoors News, the government in Kanawha County in conjunction with the humane society has passed an ordinance requiring hunting dogs to be be brought inside if the temperature outside is over 80 degrees or below 40 degrees. I mean really, how can an ordinance......

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Layla is making huge strides, as you can see. Alert and always ready to hunt dove:)

• Save the Bob Whites   Texas' wild quail numbers continue to decline     Its sound is distant as it whistles out its name: Bob-White. but the sound is becoming increasingly muted as the quail population across the state decline.  "The landscape for quail has changed very significantly over the last 40 years," said Dale......
• Proposed legislation to infringe on hunter's rights Infringe is putting it mild. There are two bills in the Texas House of Representatives that are aimed directly and Texas hunters and gun owners. If passed, we could find ourselves needing some legal counsel. The following is from Texas State Rifle Association's website: Bad Bills~Bills to Stop HB 736 by......
• Left-Handed Shotguns Left-Hand Shotguns are few and far between. Finding one that has any style can be hard and expensive. I'm in the market for an over-under 20 ga. or 28 ga. and am getting frustrated. I listen to my brother going over all his options and I'm stuck choosing between plain......

I’d like to introduce you to Layla. She’s six weeks old and I just brought her home two days ago. Soon she’ll be retrieving my dove but for now I have to start the training process.

Let’s face it, at six weeks old her attention span is short and so is her energy level.

My goals at this age are pretty simple. Spend a little time each day playing and building her trust. Teach her her name and use it often so she will begin to recognize it and come when called. Start the potty training process, even though she will eventually stay outside, for now she will learn where to go. She is very curious now, which is good, but showing her her boundaries early will go along way in the future.

These things are simple and she will graduate quickly to more advanced training. Now is the time for me and her to bond and by making a little time everyday I’ll be on my way to a great hunting dog.

Dog Trainer Pet has some very good training tips for your hunting dog.

Time to RELOAD

Dove, Dogs, & Shotguns

• Layla Learning to Fetch Layla has rapidly became a part of our family. She is spoiled and loved by all four of my boys and my wife. My youngest son, who is 15 months, has a playmate. They fight and play just like siblings. Make no mistake about it though, she is my dog.......
• Picking a spot in the field Who hasn't done it, shown up for a big dove hunt and put yourself in a bad spot. It is simply miserable to listen to all the blasting around you as you contemplate everything from moving spots to what you did to deserve this. The best bullets, most expensive shotgun,......
• 2009 Electric Collar Review An electric collar can be an effective tool when training your hunting dog. E-collars can be used to reinforce commands and keep your hunting dog from getting into a bad spot. Today's collars have many features and levels of stimulation to help control your dog in any situation. Remember, e-collars are only......

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• Potty training for dogs How can I potty train my dog? To learn how to potty train your dog, I’ll tell you a little story that you might be familiar with. Mr. James is very excited with his new puppy that he bought in the local pet store. He comes home, places a few......

An electric collar can be an effective tool when training your hunting dog. E-collars can be used to reinforce commands and keep your hunting dog from getting into a bad spot. Today’s collars have many features and levels of stimulation to help control your dog in any situation. Remember, e-collars are only a tool, not the only way to train your dog. Your dog should have a basic grasp of the simplest commands before introducing them to the collar. After introducing the collar , use it to aid in training, not hurt your dog. The combination collars that have both stimulation and beep, are extremely helpful with training. Select a model that fits your dog and is easy to use and you’ll have much less stress on your next dove hunt. Your hunting dog will be right beside you, doing what the both of you love, looking for dove.

There are several new models from various manufacturers. Let’s look at the top picks for 2009.

• The Remington Sidekick Training Collar takes top new collar in the bang for the buck category. This is a new product in Remington’s arsenal. The sidekick retails for about $190 and features nine levels of push button stimulation and patented “Consistent Reliable Stimulation” technology. This feature gives the ability to apply steady stimulation, which could save fido from getting in a lot of trouble. The sidekick does give up a little range at only 400 yards. I’m a big Remingotn fan, so I give it a thumbs up.
• The Dogtra 2500/2502 T Series Electronic Dog Training Collars take the award for best all around collars. Dogtra has become one of the top manufacturers of e-collars. All Dogtra collars come standard with durable, lightweight, easy to activate collar receivers and hand-held transmitters with simple controls. The 2500 model offers 127 levels of nick and constant stimulation. The beeper activates up to 400 yards out and the stimulation has a range of 1 mile. The price range is around $380 for one dog and $540 for two dog collars.
• D.T. Systems SPT 2400 Series Electronic Dog Training Collars have the best new feature. They come with a ‘Jump’ button that automatically increases stimulation as long as you hold the button. This feature allows you to quickly get your hunting dog under control. D.T. offers the best warranty of all manufacturers of e-collars, lifetime warranty on parts and one year on labor. The collars of 50 levels of stimulation with three beeper modes and a 1.3 mile range. Prices range from $380-$600.
• Tri-Tronics has three new models out. The Classic 70G3EXP, Field 90G3EXP, and the Upland G3EXP. These are probably the simplest e-collars to use . The old style tube transmitter with single push button controls take all the confusion out of training. The ‘EXP’ models allow the use of multiple collars. The Classic EXP can control up to six collars and the Field and Upland EXP control up to three. All three models have a one mile range and can be fully recharged in two hours. There prices are roughly $320, $360, and $520 respectively.

In an article in Wildfowl Magazine, they listed the top ten guidelines from professional trainers for choosing and using e-collars. These were a consensus of advice given by several experts.

1. Use an e-collar to gently, not painfully reinforce lessons in canine obedience as taught by traditional hands-on methods.
2. Calibrate e-collar stimulation power at the lowest level that is effective.
3. Set e-collar stimulation to higher levels to stop your dog from committing dangerous or self-destructive acts.
4. Know how to use the e-collar before putting on your hunting dog.
5. Use your e-collar while training and hunting, i.e, be consistent.
6. Choose an e-collar that is easy to use, because the timing of stimulation is key.
7. Pick an e-collar to fit your dog’s temperament and hunting style, e.g., a running dog will need a collar with longer range and higher stimulation levels.
8. Determine your need for an e-collar by counting the number of times you give your dog commands for basic obedience. Sometimes it helps to have a friend count, as you are not as aware of how much repetition you have with your dog.
9. When shopping for e-collars pay close attention to warranties, expected lifetimes, and how quickly they can be repaired.
10. Learn to love your e-collar because they are one of the most effective way to training your hunting dog.

Time to RELOAD!

Dove, Dogs, & Shotguns

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The following is the first article, written by my brother, in a series on how to train your bird dog. Darla. his lab, is an awesome bird dog. He has trained her since she was a puppy. Not only is she awesome hunting dove, she’s great hunting quail also.

If you’ve never hunted with a dog, it’s as rewarding or more to watch your training efforts pay off as you and your dog become a team. Enjoy the article!

————————————————————————————

I’m not a professional dog trainer. Don’t pretend to be one. I’m sure Darla (my black lab) does some things that would drive a professional crazy. However, she’s one of the best dove and quail dogs around. Whether it is South Texas dove season or a quail hunt, she’s right at home. She’ll flush quail, retrieve downed birds, and not drive me crazy in the process. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the basics to get going with your dog.

Patience and consistency are essential to training your dog for anything from basic obedience to retrieving dove. There are a few things I did buy to help out with the training

• Soft decoy
• Dove and quail scent
• Electronic collar (you won’t need this until later, but it makes life a lot easier)
• Handheld decoy launcher. This isn’t essential, but it helped me get Darla to expect birds to fall when the gun is fired. She wasn’t afraid of the gun - just the opposite. She would get so excited, that she was looking at me instead of where the bird fell.

Depending on the age of the dog and level of training, some of this may go faster or slower. Darla’s training was broken down to:

1. Basic obedience
2. Basic Retrieving
3. Decoy Work
4. Field work
5. Correcting problems

Basic Obedience

 Basic obedience training is the foundation for everything. If she won’t listen to you at the house, she’s not going to listen to you in the field. There is already a lot written in about how and what you should teach a dog. Some people preach using a reward only based method. Others are more disciplinarians. I used a combination of both, leaning more toward rewarding, but correcting when I had to.

If you’re working with a puppy, makes sure you don’t try to do too much at one time. Keep dedicated training sessions short and focused. Be consistent in everything you do. If you are teaching her to sit or come to you, use the same command each time. After she’s learned the command, don’t let her slack off outside of training sessions. Be patient if she’s having problems learning a command, it’s generally your fault - not hers.

The most important basic command is to have your dog come to you when called. There are so many distractions in the field between the birds, guns, and other hunters that there’s bound to be a time when your dog wants to explore a little bit. You don’t want to be the hunter who is marching across the field trying to get your dog while everyone else is focusing on the birds.

In the next post, we’ll talk about basic retrieving and decoy work.

Time to RELOAD!

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