Minnesota 2013: summer gun dog training report

During training sessions, dogs wear ecollars on both neck and flank. Model-student Lottie could hardly hold her head loftier when pointing pigeons in the field.

Temperatures in June might have been a little chillier than many people would have liked but it sure made for excellent dog training weather. Jerry, Dan and Jeff only missed one day due to rain. July brought more summer-like temperatures—including several hot and steamy days—but the guys were up early and trained every day.

Our summer Gun Dog Training Program is geared toward young dogs and focuses on steadiness around birds and handling in the field.

It was a reunion of sorts for our 2012 Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis litter. Females Lucy (Ken Johnson) and Tana (Brad Gudenkauf) joined brothers Snickers (Bart Salisbury) and Roy (Chris Bye) for the training.

Two other setters included Jameson, the second dog we’ve trained for Justin Hall and Lottie, a female owned by Ross Grandlienard. The lone pointer of the group was a classy female, Dagny, owned by Scott Berry.

The group completed the training with flying colors and we’re proud of them all!

How’s this for both steadiness and retrieving? Snickers gently holds a pigeon he has just retrieved while on point on another pigeon.

Our training programs end with owner participation in the field. Justin Hall was the shooter when Jerry demonstrated Jameson’s staunchness on point.

Jerry uses a check cord for this training but a very composed Roy shows no need of his while pointing pigeons in releasers.

Dagny displays impeccable manners during a backing drill with a backing dummy.

Sisters Lucy (above), who looks much like her dam Chablis, and Tana (below) are beautifully staunch on point on pigeons.