Gert is a cool dog. She has a snow-white body, just lightly ticked, and her 40-lb., strongly muscled conformation seems perfect for a grouse dog. The deep orange on her handsome, blocky head nicely sets off a dark nose and eyes.
Gert is owned by Rochel and Dave Moore, who live on a nice spread outside Big Lake, Minnesota. Ever since their marriage in 2002, they have owned bird dogs—setters and pointers both. They train, condition and work their dogs together and share chares, too. Even though Rochel and Dave are hunters, they especially train for field trial competition. They enjoy putting their dogs up against the best in the country. “I like to watch my dog but especially I like to watch my dog win,” Rochel said.
The last pick.
Gert was whelped in 2006 out of Paul Hauge’s talented I’m Houston’s Image (Houston x I’m Jet Setter) and our own Blue Silk (CH First Rate x CH Blue Streak). Even though Dave and Rochel were on the list early, they didn’t care which puppy they got. “I’ll take the last one,” Dave said.
Gert’s name.
I’m Blue Gert is a cool name. Each word has special meaning. I’m is in honor of her sire’s impressive pedigree which goes back to Paul’s favorite setter, Houston. Gert’s dam’s side is formidable, too, for both of Blue Silk’s parents were multiple champions. Gert is short for Gertrude, the daughter of friends of Moore’s. Dave said, “Gertrude was rock-star good-looking and if we’d had a daughter, I’d want her to look like that.”
Dirty Gert.
Most dogs have several nick-names—some are endearing, others playful. Gert earned her name of Dirty Gert many years ago. “By about 40 minutes into training sessions, Gert usually ends up dirty,” Dave said, whether by rolling in something dark and stinky or by pushing hard through heavy cover.
Gert as a house dog.
Even though Gert lives in Moore’s kennel with pals Slew and Elle and her son Zack, whenever she gets in the house, she makes a beeline for the master bedroom. According to Dave, “She lies down on our bed and won’t get up.”
Gert in the field.
Rochel deserves credit for Gert’s debut as a field trial competitor. She handled Gert to a placement in a puppy stake at a 2007 spring trial held by the Minnesota Grouse Dog Association. That was the only time Rochel handled a dog in a trial, preferring instead to scout, but it was exactly the start Gert needed.
While Gert has been worked to bring out her best, sometimes it’s the things that can’t be trained that become paramount; other characteristics can catch the hearts and minds of judges. What sets Gert apart? “Gert has zero quit. She’s always searching for a bird. There’s just no quit,” Dave said.
After the 2013 North Country Walking Shooting Dog Championship, Rochel Moore poses RU-CH I’m Blue Gert (on right) and Dave Moore holds the plaque. Scott Chaffee poses the champion on the left.
Gert’s championship placements.
2013 RU-CH North Country Walking Shooting Dog Championship
2013 Minnesota/Wisconsin Pro Plan Cover Dog of the Year
2012 CH Region 19 Amateur Walking Shooting Dog Championship
2012 RU-CH Minnesota Grouse Championship
2009 CH Region 19 Amateur Walking Shooting Dog Championship
Gert is a producer, too.
The 2013 runner-up champion of the National Amateur Grouse Championship is Woods R Callen Sam, a male owned by Bill Frahm. Sam is out of Gert’s only litter by Tom Jones, Scott Anderson’s dog out of his CH A Rolling Stone.
Congratulations to Rochel and Dave on your success with such a cool dog, I’m Blue Gert!
Usually a photo from Jeff includes CH Izzie (CH Westfall’s Black Ice x Northwoods Prancer, 2011) and a trophy or two. But this autumn scene is pretty nice, too.
“Great pup at home and in the field. Thanks again.” Tom, owner of Zada (CH Ridge Creek Cody x Northwoods Chardonnay, 2013)
“Cammie is keeping in shape chasing sticks in Lake Michigan. Only three days until the grouse season opener here.” Dick, owner of Cammie (Blue Chief x Blue Blossom, 2008)
“Snicker on point . . . I missed this woodcock . . . still pretty green in there.” Bart, owner of Snickers (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2012)
“I returned Monday evening from North Dakota where I was hunting with Barry and Jill. As you know, besides a bit of rain the weather was perfect. Barry and I filled up Saturday and Sunday by 9:30.” Chris, owner of Roy (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2012)
“Seems kind of disrespectful to Labs if you ask me.” Brad, owner of Riley (the Labrador) and Tana (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2012)
“Just had Gus out this morning. Only needed one minor correction and he was great on the remaining birds.” David, owner of Gus (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2011)
K9 Advantix II and Preventic tick collars are two products used to combat tick-borne diseases.
Tick-borne diseases are a hot issue across the country. Recently, local, city and state-wide newspapers have published articles about the subject. Even The New York Times deemed the issue worthy and wrote an editorial about Lyme disease in people on Sunday, September 22.
But I particularly noticed a feature story in the current issue of Purina ProClub’s Update . More than any other source, this piece was clear and concise. In addition, an excellent chart (Common Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs) was included that detailed disease name, tick carrier, pathogen and signs for each of the seven common, tick-borne diseases in dogs.
From that article, listed below are some interesting facts about ticks and tick-borne diseases that all dog-owners need to understand.
Tick facts.
• Tick populations are at an all-time high this year.
• Ticks don’t usually transmit disease until 24 to 48 hours after attachment.
• Ticks often transmit multiple diseases simultaneously.
Diagnosis is tricky and complicated.
• 50% or more of dogs living in Lyme disease endemic regions have positive titers (blood tests) but don’t show symptoms and so aren’t sick.
• Other tick-borne diseases can cause positive titers also but, again, the dog doesn’t show symptoms and so isn’t sick.
• The most common indicators of tick-borne disease are nonspecific, such as lethargy, decreased appetite and gastrointestinal signs.
• There is no perfect test* for tick-borne diseases. A veterinarian should use a combination of historical information, physical examination findings, laboratory tests and how well a dog responds to treatment.
Jerry and I are extremely pro-active about ticks throughout the year but especially during spring and fall when they seem to be most prevalent. We’ve cobbled together our own protocol.
1. We regularly monitor dogs for ticks, which isn’t difficult because they are easily noticed by petting and stroking.
2. After time in the woods or fields, we check for ticks. We use a narrow-toothed comb that works well.
3. We vaccinate puppies with LymeVax by Pfizer (requires two shots the first year) and then administer an annual booster.
4. During spring and fall, we apply the topical Canine Advantix II every three weeks. This repels and kills black-legged ticks (deer tick), brown dog ticks, American dog ticks and lone star ticks. Active ingredients are imidacloprid, permethrin and pyriproxyfen. It is waterproof but the dog must be dry for 24 hours both before and after application.
5. During spring and fall, we put on a Preventic Tick Collar by Virbac. This aids in the prevention of Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and babesiosis. Active ingredient is Amitraz. We have one serious precaution—don’t allow a dog to ingest the collar. It only took one time for Jerry and me to learn our lesson. We had two young dogs kenneled together and one chewed the tick collar off the other. All we found was the metal buckle. She became very ill but after induced vomiting and several worrisome days, she survived.
Seresto is a new tick collar from Bayer, introduced in January 2013. This collar slowly releases a chemical that stays on the coat of the dog for the eight-month protection period. Upon the recommendation of our vet, we didn’t try it. He was uncomfortable with the possibility of the chemical’s exposure to people through petting and handling. We’ll revisit this option as more information becomes available.
Even with all the monitoring Jerry and I do and the precautions we take, several of our dogs have become ill with a tick-borne disease. If we notice tell-tale symptoms, we consult with our vet and usually administer the antibiotic doxycycline for 28 days. For puppies, we use amoxicillin. Generally, the symptoms disappear within one or two days and the dog is on the mend.
* Dr. Linda Kidd, Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona, California, is leading a one-year research project. Among other issues, her study will determine if comprehensive testing, i.e., using both tests (serology and PCR) instead of the current protocol wherein vets usually test one sample using one test. Another possibility is to test more than one sample.
The two tests are:
Serology detects the presence of antibody, which is one product of the body’s immune response against a pathogen.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) screening detects the nucleic acid, the DNA, of the organism itself.
At four years of age, pointer female Northwoods Prancer is an experienced and fully-trained grouse dog.
For today’s Minneapolis Star Tribune Outdoors section, Jerry and I co-authored a piece, “Young dog’s first grouse season tells tale.” Yesterday was the season opener for ruffed grouse in Minnesota and the northern part of Wisconsin.
The key components of the article were fairly easy for us to put together.
Of all the training levels we offer, Jerry especially likes to work with young dogs, which includes bringing them through their first hunting season. A significant portion of my responsibilities includes rearing and developing puppies. Not only do we both love spending lots of time with young dogs but it’s the best way to evaluate our breeding program.
“The process of developing a puppy into an experienced grouse dog begins with the all-important first season,” we wrote. We then detailed four important considerations “to make the most of this time.”
• Owner preparedness
• Exposure to grouse—lots of grouse
• How to handle in the woods
• Owner attitude and expectations
Our sincere thanks to Dennis Anderson, Outdoors Columnist and Editor, for offering us the opportunity.
Caroline gives Tyler (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2011) a big hug. According to Ken, “As you can see, we are getting along just fine. Tyler is a lover.”
There’s something special about kids and puppies. Minnie (Houston’s Blackjack x Northwoods Chablis, 2013) recently flew off to her new home in Pennsylvania and settled right in for a nap on the lap of James’ daughter.
Mike’s son Jay with their puppy Orb (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2013). “We love the pup! He is so calm and socialized.”
Even if the child is a teenager and the puppy is five months old, the bond remains strong. Kate gives Willow (Ridge Creek Cody x Northwoods Chardonnay, 2013) a hug before she leaves town.
Who says pointers aren’t wonderful house dogs? Our own Vixen (Westfall’s Black Ice x Northwoods Prancer, 2011) comes from a long line of pointers—Dancer, Dasher and Prancer—that have lived in the house with Jerry and me.
Always-cool Roy (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2012) relaxes in his favorite spot. Chris wrote, “If we don’t make it to the river or lake, this is where he wants to be—in the shade of the deck in the water.”
Life is puppies! Barry is already working his new puppy Jack (Houston’s Blackjack x Northwoods Highclass Kate, 2013) in the field each day. “We keep heading into longer grass. A little whistle and a call of Jack and he comes right to you.”
Houston’s Blackjack, left, and Northwoods Ahniwake Grace on point in a picturesque native prairie. Zack, Frank’s horse, ground ties and seems oblivious to the pending action.
Days start early at prairie training camp. Alarms ring at 4:30 to allow plenty of time for dark-roasted coffee and perhaps an English muffin or two. Outside, not a sound can be heard.
Within an hour, though, things start happening. Horse trailer doors squeak as they open and halters, bridles and bits are readied. Horses whinny as they’re gathered from the corral and loaded. Dogs are awake now, too. They lazily uncurl, stretch, shake and then begin barking in anticipation.
The colors of a North Dakota sunrise are gorgeous.
By 6:30, the sun has risen above the horizon and the first brace of dogs is turned loose.
Jerry and Frank LaNasa, his friend and partner in this prairie training camp since 1998, have spent the better part of August driving to southeastern North Dakota. Previously, each had traveled to the prairie to train their strings of dogs, but to different destinations—Jerry to the Sheyenne National Grassland and Frank to the camp of professional trainer Randy Downs in the far western part of the state.
Frank’s setter Northwoods Nirvana displays his stunning posture when pointing a brood of young pheasants.
Sometime in the mid 1990s, the pair decided they wanted their own place and a more permanent situation. They did their research and scouted out likely areas. Then they discovered a unique area that borders the Coteau des Prairie, a plateau 200 miles long and 100 miles wide. It rises above the prairie flatland and is punctuated by beautiful, glacial lakes. The farms were few but vast and landowners were warm and welcoming. They found a place to rent that had a nice horse barn and room for lots of dogs and thus began their now 15-year tradition.
Changes—all on a vast, and perhaps, irreversible scale—have hit North Dakota since Jerry and Frank began their camp.
• Taking advantage of the steady winds on the high Coteau des Prairie, wind farms were constructed on about 14,000 acres of land. Each turbine is 262 feet tall and has blades that are 122 feet long.
• The discovery of oil in the Bakken Formation shale to the west and north has affected the entire state.
• Changes in the federal farm bill allowed more than 1,000,000 acres of CRP land to be planted to commodity crops like soybeans and corn. All those fields of alfalfa and prairie plants are now gone.
Tack for Frank’s five horses is neatly stored.
Jerry and Frank are well suited as training partners. They have similar work ethics and are extremely knowledgeable, whether discussing field trials, training methods, bird dog history or bird dog health. Both have remarkable memories, too. Not only can they rattle off pedigrees of dogs here and long passed but they seemingly remember every placement of every field trial.
It just might be the highlight of the year for both. Even though Frank is a serious competitor in horseback shooting dog and all-age field trials and Jerry is a professional dog trainer, the fun and gratification for both springs from this basic training and exposure to wild birds. Frank uses this time on the prairie to get his dogs in peak condition and readiness for fall field trials. Jerry focuses on steadiness training, handling and young dog development.
Among the long shadows of a prairie sunset, pointer Northwoods Vixen is high and tight in a field of alfalfa.
Frank is a St. Paul guy, born and raised, and graduated from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, where he was the starting star quarterback for three years. Frank and his wife, Jean, own Frank LaNasa Insurance, an independent agency that offers both commercial and personal coverage.
Jean is not only a partner in business but she’s an expert horsewoman and usually travels with Frank to field trials. She knows dogs, too, and acts as Frank’s scout.
Frank flushes for a divided find by pointer True Confidence, on left, and setter Northwoods Grits. The dogs had a nice sharp-tail covey.
Frank is generally known for his pointers but lately he bought, and has been winning with, two very nice setters—Houston’s Blackjack and Northwoods Nirvana. His string of winning dogs is impressive.
• 4X CH Chief’s Prospector
• CH Creole Storm
• 2X CH/RU-CH Trouble My Friend
• 3X CH/RU-CH Isanti Blacktop
• RU-CH Dancing Queen
• 5X CH/RU-CH Front N’ Center
• 6X CH/2X RU-CH Centerpiece
• 2X CH Homemade
• CH Lil’ Miss Sunshine
• 2X RU-CH True Confidence
• CH Houston’s Blackjack
Training on the North Dakota prairie isn’t a simple operation. A heavy-duty diesel truck is necessary to pull a fifth-wheel horse trailer that has room for horses, dogs and gear. The rig is parked just off a gravel road where a section of the Tatanka Wind Farm is visible on the high Coteau des Prairie.
On a windy morning and with ear flipped back, Northwoods Parmigiano points in a prairie.
Sometimes you just have to stop and relish the moment.
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.
Jeff Hintz, left, and Dave Moore pose their winning dogs, CH JTH Izzie and 2X CH/RU-CH I’m Blue Gert.
Congratulations to Dave Moore and Jeff Hintz!
Dave’s Gert and Jeff’s Izzie won the Minnesota/Wisconsin Pro Plan Cover Dog and Cover Derby Dog of the Year, respectively. The awards are sponsored by Purina Pro Plan. Placements in trials conducted by three local clubs—Minnesota Grouse Dog Association, Chippewa Valley Grouse Dog Association and Moose River Grouse Dog Club—are considered for the awards.
2XCH/RU-CH I’m Blue Gert has been a consistent winner throughout her career. She won the Region 19 Amateur Walking Shooting Dog Championship in both 2009 (when she was three years old) and 2012. Both venues were on sharp-tailed grouse.
To win the award this year, Gert was RU-CH at the 2012 Minnesota Grouse Championship, a trial run on grouse and woodcock.
Gert is owned by Dave and Rochel Moore of Big Lake, Minnesota. She is out of the 2006 successful nick of Paul Hauge’s talented I’m Houston’s Image (Houston x I’m Jet Setter) and our own Blue Silk (CH First Rate x CH Blue Streak).
Gert has style, enthusiasm and verve that draws people in to root for her. She always gives 110% and seems like she’s having a blast. Plus, she finds birds and looks beautiful on point.
CH JTH Izzie won both the amateur and open derby awards with a first place finish in the Moose River Grouse Dog Club Open Derby and a second in the Reuel Henry Pietz Derby Classic held in Minnesota.
Jeff also entered Izzie in several field trials in Arizona last winter–both horseback and walking. Not only was she named champion at the Region 12 Amateur Walking Shooting Dog Championship (when she was 20 months old) but that placement also earned her the title Region 12 Walking Shooting Dog of the Year.
Izzie is owned by Jeff Hintz of Ham Lake, Minnesota, and Tucson, Arizona. Izzie was the last puppy left in the all-female litter of 6X CH/7X RU-CH Westfall’s Black Ice x Northwoods Prancer in 2011.
Izzie is heady and versatile and exciting to watch due to her speed and exuberance. Plus her maturity, confidence and bird-finding ability belie her youth.
Again, our congratulations to both owners. You should be very proud of your dogs!
Northwoods Bird Dogs was featured in the recent issue (#81) of Today’s Breeder, the Purina publication available to members of the Purina Pro Club. To view a pdf of the article click here: todays breeder issue 81.
The writer Kayla Miller focuses on our backgrounds and breeding program. Kayla also highlights some of our own best dogs—including 2X-CH Dance Smartly, 4X-CH/4X-RU-CH Blue Streak and Northwoods Chardonnay—and Larry Brutger’s outstanding English setter, 2X-CH/RU-CH Ridge Creek Cody.
Many thanks to Chris Mathan, Ben McKean and Larry Brutger for supplying photographs.
Upon the recommendation of Dennis Anderson, Outdoors Columnist & Editor of the Star Tribune, I submitted a piece to the “Cabin Country” feature for the inaugural issue of their Outdoors Weekend. The section premiered on June 28, 2013.
Like many Minnesotans, my family, including siblings, parents, cousins and an aunt and uncle, spent every summer at a simple cabin on a lake my grandparents owned. The place resonated with me and, to this day, I’ve always felt most at home in a small, rustic structure in a very private setting that’s close to water.
Interestingly, Kim Ode, also a writer for the Star Tribune, contacted me last summer after reading an essay I posted on my Dazzle Gardens blog. Her piece is titled, Cabin culture: A place at the lake and was published on July 8, 2012.
