As this board reads like a "who's who" in the breed most of which run the "white coat" game where style is of higher priority than in HT's or Hunting, what "style sapping" things/issues can you share to avoid for the young Browndawg trainer?
Thanks,
Dave B.

Hey Dave,

Good morning! Style counts in every arena; a person who states that they do not want their dog to be a "willing performer-an aesthetically appealing performer" is full of baloney-from WD thru FC.

To read your dog properly, make clearly understood/timely corrections, and above all CULTIVATE EFFORT! ! ! Yeah, I know, its not reinventing the wheel; these things will, (assuming all the other natural ingredients are there) allow you to train "Barffey" to his/her highest potential. Oh, did I mention . . . FLYERS! ! ! FLYERS! ! ! FLYERS! ! !

Dave, you're on the right track-asking the right questions! Go to school on every dog that you train/spend time with; watch what other trainers do. Where is their dog "in the program" compared to yours. "Did he understand what was expected of him?" etc.etc. When in doubt, ask someone for an objective opinion. Remember every last one of them[ALL DOGS, MOST PEOPLE], is a case study--some generalizations apply, but they are ALL individuals!

The Very Best in All your K - 9 endeavors!

Bruce

[QUOTE]Remember every last one of them[ALL DOGS, MOST PEOPLE], is a case study--some generalizations apply, but they are ALL individuals! /QUOTE]

"...Is a case study...," quite possible the best big picture advice I've ever seen on a dawg training board, thanks.
Dave B.
PS Good to see another Browndawg player over on RTF!

[This message was edited by Dave B on Sat March 06 2004 at 10:34 AM.]

Dave,
Bruce made a point of "Flyers, Flyers, Flyers". You might also consider using live birds on your blinds. I really like to shackle Guinea Hens and Banty Roosters so that they can't run, but still can fly. When the dogs get to the blind, the guineas will often fly 50 yds( with the dog in pursuit) and the banties will fight the dogs(cut the spurs off the roosters). This really gets them excited about running blinds, although it is bad for control. It's a balancing act. Why don't you see if you can do some training with Bruce?

Bill

I read your post and I really like the idea of putting a live bird at the blind.

Hey Dave,

I agree with the last few comments from Bruce and Bill.

I do not use a collar and train gundogs/hunt-test dogs...the one thing all trainers have is birds. Pigeons are the easiest to get but ducks and pheasants can also be gotten almost anywhere.

Like Bruce said FLYERS FLYERS FLYERS. I think that you will se a marked difference in their attitude. I also will plant live birds in my blinds with great success. I think that is where pro and or very good ametuer trainers move past most of his in seeing a dogs potential come through...birds do this...it gets the juices flowing in our dogs.

I do not know about your area but where I live farmers are more then glad to let you trap pigeons as they messy and cause damage to barns...you can also get them at bridges at night or parking garages with a light and a dip net. Hope this helps.....birds sure will?

Pau