When to steady a bird dog

Eleven-month-old Northwoods Snow Swept (CH Northwoods Sir Gordon x Northwoods Valencia, 2023) is ready for steadiness training because she stays on point until Jerry flushes.

Steadiness in a bird dog means the dog stays where it points until either a shot is fired, or, after the shot is fired and the dog is released by the handler. The former is called steady to wing and the latter is steady to shot.

Since either type of steadiness isn’t a natural behavior, dogs need to be trained to be steady. Done well, steadiness training is the epitome of bird dog polish. Done poorly, it can create problems around game ranging from over-cautiousness to blinking birds.

But before all that, you need to know when to start steadiness training.

Steadiness training, started too soon, gets in the dog’s head and distracts it from focusing on how to properly point birds. Started too late, the dog can develop habits that make training difficult. The best time to steady a dog is when it will point and stay on point until you flush the bird. However, there are nuances involved and it’s crucial to understand the dog’s genetics and experience.

The important genetic component is the pointing instinct. That instinct varies on a continuum from wanting to point everything to not wanting to point at all.

These dogs are cautious by nature
and are prone to pointing where the birds were
and not where they actually are.

Young dogs with lots of instinct will point the first bird scent they encounter and let the handler flush. But those points are motivated by instinct alone. The dogs have no idea what they’re doing, are unsure of what to do next and so they stay on point.

These dogs are cautious by nature and are prone to pointing where the birds were and not where they actually are. They need to learn to use their their intellect and experience to determine when to point. They have to develop boldness to jump in and see if the bird is really there. To encourage the dogs to figure that out, don’t flush in front of them. Instead, wait until they either move on or move in. You should only begin to flush in front of the dogs when you’re pretty sure the dogs have a bird pointed.

These dogs are usually bold towards birds
and have no qualms about rushing in towards scent
and flushing the bird.

For young dogs that have little pointing instinct, the development is different. These dogs are usually bold towards birds and have no qualms about rushing in towards scent and flushing the bird. They need to be exposed to birds until they learn they can’t catch them. They’ll use their intellect and experience to eventually slow down, stalk and point which then allows you to flush the bird.

Once either type of dog points only when birds are present and allows you to flush the birds, steadiness training can begin. However, there is an additional behavior to look for—reduced desire to chase the bird. After finding and pointing enough birds, most young dogs begin to show more interest in the scent of birds rather than the sight of them and so chase less.

The pointing instinct of most young dogs lies somewhere between these two extremes. Determine where your dog is before you begin steadiness training. For all dogs, it will take not only ample bird exposure but also time for them to mature. Most young dogs will be well into their second season before they’re ready for steadiness training.

Enjoy the process!

Gallery: Bird dogs from the 2023 season and their birds

Sig (Northwoods Rob Roy x Northwoods Minerva, 2019), on left, and Rob Roy (Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis, 2012)
~ Chris Bye, Wisconsin

For a business idea that originated in the grouse woods of the Lake States, dogs out of our breeding now live and hunt wherever there are wild birds.

This selection of photos from clients shows dogs pursuing not only ruffed grouse (including one extremely steady setter) but Hungarian partridge and ring-necked pheasants. Correspondence from other clients mentions chukars, prairie chickens, woodcock, blue grouse, sage grouse, sharp-tailed grouse and California, Gambel’s, Mearns and bobwhite quail.

Junie (CH True Confidence x Northwoods Comet, 2021)
~ Joey Paxman and Amanda Allpress, Montana

Pearl (CH Elhew G Force x Northwoods Vixen, 2016), on right, and her shorthair partner
~ Caleb Johansson Family, Minnesota

Fitz (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2019)
~ Ted Sommer Family, Wisconsin

Flying McCoys: dogs and bacon treats

“I don’t get it. They’re the smartest creatures on earth, and yet every day he has to ask me if I want a bacon treat.”

© 2021 Glenn and Gary McCoy/Dist. by Andrews McMeel Syndication

A memorable hunting trip for sharptails and Huns

The geography in Hun country can be as picturesque as it is steep. Northwoods Comet (CH Rock Acre Blackhawk x Northwoods Vixen, 2018) beat Northwoods Gucci (CH Erin’s Hidden Shamrock x Northwoods Chardonnay, 2015), on left, and Northwoods Jane Eyre (Northwoods Louis Vuitton x Houston’s Dancing Queen, 2022) to the find at the top.

Even though Northwoods Bird Dogs was conceived decades ago in the grouse woods of the Great Lakes states, Jerry and I have also trained and hunted our dogs in the open prairies of places far to our west. That we now have clients spread across the country is a testament that our dogs do equally well in either terrain.

Just to be sure, though, Jerry loaded up the dog box and dog trailer with as many dogs as would fit—from seasoned adults and young dogs to puppies—and spent virtually the entire month of September in western North Dakota and Montana. The objective was coveys of Hungarian partridge and sharp-tailed grouse.

Here are highlights of his trip.

In a lovely, undulating valley, Northwoods Rolls Royce (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2013) points a big covey of Huns.

What a fine training moment for three young setters on a Hungarian partridge covey. Northwoods Charlotte Bronte (Northwoods Louis Vuitton x Houston’s Dancing Queen, 2022) is credited with the find while Northwoods Snow Swept (CH Northwoods Sir Gordon x Northwoods Valencia, 2023), on right, is next to the find, followed by Northwoods Snow Boots (RU-CH Northwoods Atlas x Northwoods Stardust, 2023).

Setters and pointers alike take a well-deserved, midday rest.

Northwoods Stardust (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2019) inherited that high-headed pointing style from her dam.

Hun country is incredibly scenic. On a gentle hillside, Northwoods Jane Eyre (Northwoods Louis Vuitton x Houston’s Dancing Queen, 2022) honors a find by Northwoods Redbreast (Northwoods Rolls Royce x Northwoods Minerva, 2021).

Don Julio is a nice sippin’ tequila to toast a special day in the field.

A full harvest moon rises over the mountains.

Northwoods Bird Dogs featured in Gun Dog column

“I wanted to better understand mechanics, timing and how to effectively use tools like releasers and launchers…That’s stuff you can read about or watch as many videos as you want, but won’t truly understand until you see, feel, and do.”
~ Jeremy Moore

Northwoods Bird Dogs—both our dogs and Jerry’s training style and technique—were featured in the November 2023 issue of Gun Dog magazine. Jeremy Moore of Pulaski, Wisc., is a columnist for the magazine and even though he has been to our kennel several times, those are the reasons he visited last summer.

We’ve known Jeremy since the summer of 2020 when he first visited us. He subsequently reserved a female setter puppy and in early 2022, he picked up Maquina (CH Northwoods Sir Gordon and Houston’s Nelly Bly).

Jeremy nails what, I think, makes Jerry the trainer he is. Jeremy comments on Jerry’s confidence and calmness and how well he reads a dog.

In the end, though, Jeremy writes: “Jerry has given me the confidence to ‘do it’ rather just ‘think about it.’”

Elsewhere in the issue, editor Kali Parmley described a “milestone” hunt with Jones, the young setter male she bought from us 2020. Jones (Northwoods Grits x Houston’s Nelly Bly) is her first bird dog and in previous Editor’s Letters, Kali has shared some of the issues of raising and training a pointing dog. This piece was different.

“The image of my soaking wet setter locked on point with a wave of fog blanketing the mountains behind him is an image that will forever be ingrained in my memory. He was beautiful. These are the reasons we hunt and the milestones we dream of for our bird dogs.”

Gallery: A tribute to older dogs…and younger ones

Alzada (CH Ridge Creek Cody x Northwoods Chardonnay, 2013), age 10 years
“Thanks for sharing a dog of a lifetime.”
~ Tom Condon, Montana

Northwoods Carly Simon (Blue Shaquille x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2011), age 12 years
“More than a minor celebrity, many have traveled to the hunt camp just to hunt with Carly Simon and spend time with her on ‘her’ couch.”
~ Chris Bye and Jessica Kramer, Wisconsin

Northwoods Rudolph (CH Southern Confidence x Northwoods Comet, 2023), age 6 months, on left, and his grand-dam Northwoods Vixen (CH Westfall’s Black Ice x Northwoods Prancer, 2011), age 12 years
“Young and a little goofy vs. old and wise. A fun brace!”
~ Both owned by Northwoods Bird Dogs

Maisy (RU-CH Northwoods Atlas x Houston’s Nelly Bly, 2023), age 6 months
“The star of last week was Maisy. She handled well, made beautiful casts, and pointed a grouse!”
~ Zenas Hutcheson, Minnesota

Caddie (CH Southern Confidence x Northwoods Comet, 2023), age 6 months
“This last week, Caddie has really turned it on. Her first woodcock!”
~ Brian Smith, Pennsylvania

6X CH / 2X RU-CH Tian Elhew Verbena

CH Tian Elhew Verbena (CH Elhew G Force x Northwoods Vixen, 2013)

Not much is more gratifying for Jerry and me than hearing from happy dog owners. It is thrilling to see how our puppies have grown up and how they’ve fit into their lives—whether hunting, competing in field trials or sleeping on a pad near the fire.

And not much saddens us more than when we hear of the death of a beloved dog.

Multiple champion Tian Elhew Verbena (call name Bena) was owned by Angela and Tim Schillereff of Sauvie Island Kennels in Portland, Ore. Bena was whelped in 2013 out of Northwoods Vixen by CH Elhew G Force.

Of the nine puppies in the litter, seven were females. Angela and Tim had the fourth pick and they chose a pretty black and white puppy.

The G Force x Vixen litter was whelped on April 21, 2013. Bena is the puppy on the upper right.

Angela has kept in touch with photos and news periodically throughout the years. She recently informed us of the passing of Bena. Heartbroken, she wrote, “It’s been hard to think about her no longer with us.”

“She was an amazing dog and all who hunted her or saw her run in trials recognized how special she was.”

Angela and Tim campaigned Bena in American Field/Amateur Field Trial Clubs of America horseback shooting dog stakes where she won six championships and 2 runner-up championships.

She also earned several AKC titles:  National Open Champion, National Amateur Champion, Grand Field Champion, Field Champion and Amateur Field Champion.

RIP dear Bena. We will always remember.

CH Northwoods Sir Gordon adds RU-CH placement

Northwoods Sir Gordon (RU-CH Erin’s Prometheus x Northwoods Carly Simon, 2016), on right, was named RU-CH at the NBHA Sharptail Championship.

On a soggy, humid weekend in late September, the NBHA Sharptail Championship held its Eastern Regional at the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area near Danbury, Wisc. The trial was hosted by the Chippewa Valley Grouse Dog Association.

In a field of 46 dogs, Northwoods Sir Gordon (call name Gordie), was named RU-CH with three sharptail finds. Gordie is owned and was handled by Ben McKean.

Northwoods Eddie Setter (CH Northwoods Sir Gordon x Northwoods Valencia, 2023), on left, placed first in the Puppy stake.

Derby and puppy stakes were also held. Ben was called back to the winner’s circle when the placements were announced for the Puppy Stake. Northwoods Eddie Setter placed first with an impressive run and a sharptail flush.

What’s extraordinary is that Eddie is Gordie’s son out of Northwoods Valencia.

Congratulations to Ben and his two fine setters!!

Gallery: RU-CH Northwoods Atlas

RU-CH Northwoods Atlas (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Nickel, 2017)

As the sun rises on a recent morning, Atlas points with style and confidence on a covey of sharp-tailed grouse. He is on a training run before the fall field trial season begins. Atlas is owned and handled by Greg Johnson of Wisconsin.

The Natural Way: Steadiness

Mama, an 18-month-old female setter, shows excellent style and composure due to training the Natural Way.

No old-fashioned equipment such as boards, barrels, posts or rope slings. Also, no yard training. Other key elements include no dominance, no talking and no pressure on the dog as indicated by licking, swallowing or looking away.

These are all parts of our Natural Way to teach steadiness.

In the field, I plant pigeons and use low-level, linear ecollar stimulation on the flank and as a motivator. For bird dogs, that motivation is birds.

Combining dog psychology, birds and ecollar stimulation, the dog is taught a behavior without knowing it’s being trained and, therefore, no pressure.

The Natural Way works for the toughest and softest dogs; there are no failures.

In July, I trained Mama the Natural Way. Mama is an 18-month-old female setter owned by Josh Matel of Minnesota. Mama is a sensitive young dog with lots of desire but when trained with our method, her composure and confidence on birds is outstanding.

*** The Natural Way is a term Betsy and I dreamed up to describe the method of training I developed over decades in the field. We introduced the concept in a March 2, 2023, blog post, “A Different Approach to Steady Your Dog.” On July 26, 2023, we followed with The Natural Way: Puppy Development. This post includes videos of marker training, first bird encounters and letting puppies learn on their own how to cross a creek.