Search found 49 matches

by K9luke
Sat Sep 08, 2012 11:42 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Jumping Overboard
Replies: 13
Views: 4631

Re: Jumping Overboard

I use a canoe for duck hunting more than anything. I set it out in the yard, tell the dog to mount up and immediately tell them to sit then stay ! Their place is in the center of the canoe right in front of me. I ignore them and make them STAY. If they move then make a correction. Starting with lots...
by K9luke
Fri Aug 31, 2012 6:26 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Field Time? Wild Birds?
Replies: 14
Views: 4950

Re: Field Time? Wild Birds?

Change directions frequently.
They will learn to keep an eye on you and will eventually learn to change directions when you want them to without calling to them or speaking. That makes for a more stealthy hunt.
by K9luke
Thu Jul 05, 2012 6:14 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Birds!
Replies: 10
Views: 3521

Re: Birds!

I do it with pigeons when the pups are 6 weeks or so simce I have them available but in the past I did it with pheasants as soon as they were able to find one. Haven't really found much difference. After the introduction I don't use the birds much till later when we start doing field work. For thos...
by K9luke
Sun Nov 13, 2011 7:34 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Is it bad to point toys?
Replies: 16
Views: 5035

Re: Is it bad to point toys?

Be glad the dog has the genetics and instincts that you want it to have. Once you get it out hunting on wild birds they will teach it the rest of what it needs to know.

Have fun !
by K9luke
Sun Nov 13, 2011 7:22 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: some one plz help my 8 month old lab pup
Replies: 20
Views: 6620

Re: some one plz help my 8 month old lab pup

Just a guess but it sounds like the trainer used a shock collar around birds. Also used it way to much and made the dog nervous and look to you for EVERYTHING. If you want to keep the dog, take the time to let instinct take over and let it hunt without pressure and take it out a lot ! Make sure the ...
by K9luke
Thu Sep 22, 2011 6:21 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Training In the winter
Replies: 4
Views: 1561

Re: Training In the winter

My labs deal with ice but they don't like it. Ice cold water does'nt bother them. If you are going to hunt your dog over frozen water then you need to train your dog over frozen water. That takes time. I hunt creeks and rivers in the winter when ponds and swamps are froze up solid. They have ice for...
by K9luke
Fri Aug 26, 2011 7:53 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Wild birds v. Launchers
Replies: 27
Views: 7240

Re: Wild birds v. Launchers

You are not wrong. Look at it this way: When you train her at home on launchers, she's going through high school. You can only teach her so much. When you work wild birds this fall, she'll get a degree. Teach the basics first so she knows what you expect of her, finish her in the woods. No great bi...
by K9luke
Mon Aug 22, 2011 3:19 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Effect of temp and wind on scenting
Replies: 21
Views: 7024

Re: Effect of temp and wind on scenting

Carry water and a canteen cup or something similar. Keep the dogs nose wet and it will be able to scent better than with a dry nose.
Temps dont matter much as far as a dogs ability to catch scent, but humidity is a huge factor.
by K9luke
Sun Aug 21, 2011 6:40 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Essentials
Replies: 16
Views: 4428

Re: Essentials

Ear plugs
by K9luke
Tue Aug 16, 2011 7:31 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Some help with my labs
Replies: 6
Views: 3641

Re: Some help with my labs

Are you pushing her or training to hard/long ?
Allways end a training session on a good note and when the dog is still self motivated and wanting more !
by K9luke
Mon Aug 08, 2011 8:16 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: pheasant and young dog.
Replies: 8
Views: 4171

Re: pheasant and young dog.

An excellent way to dizzy a bird is to put it in a pillow case or burlap sack. Gently spin the sack in large circles like a propeller. about 5 to 8 times. Then plant the bird in heavy cover with little open sky over its head. The more you spin/dizzy it the longer it will hold. The sack makes a good ...
by K9luke
Mon Aug 08, 2011 7:54 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Hand signals-how do you teach them ?
Replies: 7
Views: 2414

Hand signals-how do you teach them ?

I am ready to start my youngest dog on hand signals for blind retrieves.
I have taught two dogs hand signals in the past and did "ok" but could have done better I think.
I used the baseball method. Is there a better way ?
If not are there any tricks to polish them up ?
by K9luke
Sun Jul 17, 2011 8:50 am
Forum: Training
Topic: introducing dog to water (new member)
Replies: 14
Views: 4797

Re: introducing dog to water (new member)

You cross a river or some other channel. He'll not want to be left behind so he'll swim to you on his own. Once he figures out how to swim he'll probably start thinking he's a lab. If you have another dog available that will swim to retrieve like a friends or neibors dog. Take them out together and...
by K9luke
Tue Feb 15, 2011 6:37 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Wood Duck Hunting Info Needed
Replies: 13
Views: 5763

Re: Wood Duck Hunting Info Needed

Calling for woodies is a fruitless effort most of the time. The less calling the better !! Location is everything. I have much better luck on small streams where there are plenty of Oak trees upstream. A deadfall and large tree roots are magnets for them especially where there is a backwater. Two de...
by K9luke
Tue Feb 15, 2011 6:18 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Placement of a call back cage ?
Replies: 9
Views: 3410

Re: Placement of a call back cage ?

All you can do is try it and if it doesn't work set the pen out to a better place the next evening. I would set it in a brushy area and retrieve the call back pen an hour or so after dark. I never left mine out overnight.
by K9luke
Mon Feb 14, 2011 7:20 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Placement of a call back cage ?
Replies: 9
Views: 3410

Re: Placement of a call back cage ?

The birds will look for any type of cover. I would place it at the nearest hedgerow or any type of cover that is nearby. Definately not in the barn.
by K9luke
Fri Feb 04, 2011 8:34 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Bird Launcher drills
Replies: 4
Views: 1589

Re: Bird Launcher drills

A good drill to throw in there for steadiness is to mimic a lay bird. Just make your dog stand there for a few seconds after the first bird leaves, then flush another. This teaches the dog to remain forcused instead of following the bird. Keeping the dog's focus off the bird in the air lessens the ...
by K9luke
Fri Feb 04, 2011 7:25 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Bird Launcher drills
Replies: 4
Views: 1589

Re: Bird Launcher drills

Thank you Gonehuntin . Thats what I was looking for. Simple techniques that maximize effective training in minimal time frame.
by K9luke
Fri Feb 04, 2011 5:35 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Bird Launcher drills
Replies: 4
Views: 1589

Bird Launcher drills

I am completely new with bird launchers. I have allways used harnesses or locked wing birds. Now that I don't have to actually walk in on them to "flush" them for the dog, what should be done from behind the dog (should I stay behind the dog) and when should I begin to walk in and "pretend" I am att...
by K9luke
Wed Jan 26, 2011 8:30 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: A really good ending to a great season.
Replies: 10
Views: 3046

Re: A really good ending to a great season.

Very nice ! Awesome lookin dog !
by K9luke
Wed Jan 26, 2011 6:25 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: How many birds per training session ?
Replies: 13
Views: 4963

Re: How many birds per training session ?

Back up in your training and teach your dog stop to flush first. If you don't have launchers buy some. By teaching Stop to flush you'll correct this problem and will help work toward steady to wing and shot. She does great when training at home. That's what is so frustrating to me. when I take her ...
by K9luke
Tue Jan 25, 2011 5:29 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: How many birds per training session ?
Replies: 13
Views: 4963

How many birds per training session ?

The more good advice I get from here the more I want. I have read books and watched video's and come up with a mixed method using what I consider to be the best from each. A typical training session goes like this for me; Plant 3 birds for the dog. Get her out of the vehicle and do a short obedience...
by K9luke
Tue Jan 25, 2011 3:44 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Young dog and trained dog hunt ?
Replies: 5
Views: 2239

Re: Young dog and trained dog hunt ?

Run them seperately. The young one is learning well, but needs to learn how to do it solo before brace work. Doug Right on. Run the pup first with a CC if necessary then run the older dog. Afterwards if you want you can run them together after the birds are gone. Ezzy A trainer that I used recommen...
by K9luke
Mon Jan 24, 2011 9:23 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Young dog and trained dog hunt ?
Replies: 5
Views: 2239

Young dog and trained dog hunt ?

I have a young dog that I am taking to a preserve for a training session in a couple of weeks. I will take my old dog who is very good all around. The young dog is coming along very nicely on planted pigeons and has hunted grouse and woodcock a couple of times last fall. Her first and only retrieve ...
by K9luke
Mon Jan 24, 2011 6:50 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: Painting bead red
Replies: 17
Views: 10769

Re: Painting bead red

A few years back I bought a used Winchester 101 20 ga for my daughter. It had been modified with an Ithica front "bead". The flourescent red type that came on a few of their older guns. I love that sight as well as the gun. Rather than paint your sight I would look at replacing it, replacements are ...
by K9luke
Sun Jan 23, 2011 12:06 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Bird release without a launcher.
Replies: 9
Views: 6592

Re: Bird release without a launcher.

I did try the sock method and it worked good but I still had to make the bird fly. I recently started using locked wing birds without a harness. The thing I like about locked wing birds is the fact that there is no other scent, I use gloves when handling the birds. I have had a few of them fly just ...
by K9luke
Fri Jan 21, 2011 4:21 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: birds question
Replies: 6
Views: 2273

Re: birds question

Pigeons can be easily trapped and or purchased cheap as well as housed. The more birds and hunting scenario's you expose your dog to the wiser it will be when you take it out to hunt game birds. Training on wild birds is great but the number of experinces your dog will have will be far less than if ...
by K9luke
Thu Jan 20, 2011 8:44 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Took the camera out last week
Replies: 2
Views: 1422

Re: Took the camera out last week

Way to go ! Beats settin at home watchin TV !!!!
If you don't mind. What kind/brand of game bag/vest is that?
by K9luke
Thu Jan 20, 2011 7:34 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Birds and their scent ?
Replies: 6
Views: 2641

Birds and their scent ?

My oldest dog Maggie does a great job hunting upland birds and retrieving waterfowl, I couldn't ask for a better dog. One thing I have noticed over the 7.5 years I have been hunting her is that she allways points very close to pheasants. Grouse, woodcock, chukar and quail she will point from a dista...
by K9luke
Wed Jan 19, 2011 6:48 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: New here and desperately need help...
Replies: 18
Views: 5131

Re: New here and desperately need help...

quote="gonehuntin'"] +2. There is no reason for that pup to be biting you. Smack her or pinch her nose on her teeth, but do NOT put up with it.[/quote]

And when you do allways give a stern "NO" simultaniously.
by K9luke
Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:40 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: New here and desperately need help...
Replies: 18
Views: 5131

Re: New here and desperately need help...

As far as the lead goes. Use a chain type and tie her short enough so she cannot lunge hard and hurt herself. Leave her alone/ignore her and she will eventually submit to it. This may take a couple of repititions but it will work. The chain type lead will also discourage her from chewing the lead. S...
by K9luke
Sat Jan 15, 2011 3:03 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: training birds
Replies: 9
Views: 3105

Re: training birds

What would the advantage be compared to homing pigeons? If your training/bird release area is close to home and you can easily recall quail without carting a recall pen every time you train and having to go back and get it after they have sufficient time to recall then I would prefer quail. If your...
by K9luke
Thu Jan 13, 2011 9:40 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: weather!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Replies: 18
Views: 5377

Re: weather!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry bout that Bro. Been there before and I hate it.
by K9luke
Thu Jan 13, 2011 9:05 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Rescue Dog
Replies: 16
Views: 6572

Re: Rescue Dog

Might be that his previous owner trained/hunted him ! You might be surprised and I hope that's the way it goes.
Good luck !
by K9luke
Tue Jan 11, 2011 7:37 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Whats the best way to teach 'load up'
Replies: 22
Views: 6215

Re: Whats the best way to teach 'load up'

Some purist's will frown on this method but it works. I use the cheapest hot dogs I can find for treats during obedience training. An 89 cent pack goes a long way when you cut them into 1/4 inch pieces and they are cheaper than store bought dog treats after its all said and done. When I have a dog r...
by K9luke
Tue Jan 11, 2011 7:10 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Will a pup learn bad habits from an older dog?
Replies: 6
Views: 3704

Re: Will a pup learn bad habits from an older dog?

Take the pup out and train without the other dog around and you'll do fine. That includes obedience training.
by K9luke
Sun Jan 09, 2011 7:30 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Pigeon coop plans
Replies: 5
Views: 2847

Re: Pigeon coop plans

PM sent.
I have no idea how to post pics on here but I can email you some of the coop I built.
by K9luke
Wed Jan 05, 2011 7:48 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Ranging Dog
Replies: 5
Views: 1860

Re: Ranging Dog

One other thought to add. When you are out hunting or training. Change directions frequently, never walk a straight line even if it takes you out of your way or takes you the long way to an area that might hold birds.
by K9luke
Wed Jan 05, 2011 7:27 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Words of Wisdom
Replies: 205
Views: 362046

Re: Words of Wisdom

Every trainer gets the dog they deserve.
by K9luke
Wed Jan 05, 2011 5:29 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: This Afternoon's Woodcock Hunt
Replies: 12
Views: 4332

Re: This Afternoon's Woodcock Hunt

Great job, especially with the 13 yr old !
Before we froze up for the winter during the early season for grouse, woodcock and stocked pheasants. I swear I saw more woodcock this year than I have seen my whole life in this area. I don't know why but I like it.
by K9luke
Tue Jan 04, 2011 7:42 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Ranging Dog
Replies: 5
Views: 1860

Re: Ranging Dog

What birds do you use for training ? I use pigeons and when a dog starts to range on me I carry a few pigeons in a bag during training . When the dog starts to get out to the far edge of where I want it to be, I drop a bird when the dog is not looking and step away a few steps. Call the dog back clo...
by K9luke
Tue Dec 28, 2010 7:55 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Pup not wanting to retrieve
Replies: 5
Views: 2366

Re: Pup not wanting to retrieve

I have seen this more than once with young dogs. It is easy to correct but may take a few (sessions) to get it done. Take a bird that the dog won't retrieve during the hunt and tease the dog with it. Then throw it just as you would when training with a dummy. Praise the dog when it does good and cor...
by K9luke
Fri Dec 24, 2010 3:50 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: decision Time
Replies: 2
Views: 1264

Re: decision Time

Well ....... ? How was the huntin ?
by K9luke
Thu Dec 23, 2010 3:28 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Merry Christmas Everybody
Replies: 3
Views: 1065

Re: Merry Christmas Everybody

Thanks Dave and to you as well . Merry Christmas to all !
by K9luke
Wed Dec 22, 2010 7:40 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Need training help
Replies: 4
Views: 2111

Re: Need training help

Take the dog out where it can hunt and point wild birds. Lots of praise when it does a good job. Work on retieving exercises with bumpers. If possible find a source to buy 3 birds at a time whether they are pigeon, quail or pheasants and go place them for the dog and do the best you can.
by K9luke
Wed Dec 22, 2010 10:51 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Bird release without a launcher.
Replies: 9
Views: 6592

Re: Bird release without a launcher.

Thanks for the comments and advice. I like the sounds of that baby sock method. I will try it this weekend !
I have been thinking about buying a launcher but never used one before. I'd hate to spend the money on something I may not use for whatever reason.
by K9luke
Sat Dec 18, 2010 9:30 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: how to get a pup fired up
Replies: 7
Views: 2549

Re: how to get a pup fired up

If you try different methods to get his prey drive up and it won't work then you may have a familiar medical problem in that occurs labs. Thyroid issues. Talk to your vet and tell him your issues and concerns. He may have a common thyroid problem and it is correctible and worth correcting in a young...
by K9luke
Sat Dec 18, 2010 8:16 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Bird release without a launcher.
Replies: 9
Views: 6592

Bird release without a launcher.

When you begin introducing birds (pigeons) to your dog and before you start shooting them. What is the best way to do it without using a laucher? Most times I use a harness. Later in training and under certain conditions I dizzy the bird and place it without a harness. What methods work best in your...
by K9luke
Sat Dec 18, 2010 2:45 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Not Pointing Grouse
Replies: 58
Views: 15622

Re: Not Pointing Grouse

I start all my dogs on pigeons. A lot of them, then Quail and Pheasants. Then grouse. Once your dog hunts and points "birds" it will have what it takes to hunt and point grouse. All you have to do is let it retrieve a few grouse whether it points them or not and your dog will be in the game with you...