Search found 4843 matches

by gonehuntin'
Sun Feb 18, 2024 10:26 am
Forum: Training
Topic: soft mouth
Replies: 4
Views: 387

Re: soft mouth

So, I have a humorous story about something like this. At our kennel in Idaho we had a grand old Labrador gun dog named Nipper. All of the guides loved and used her; she'd hunt for anyone. A great hunter she was, an impatient mother she also was. I was up in Montana at a field trial with a string of...
by gonehuntin'
Sun Jan 28, 2024 8:58 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Memorable moments
Replies: 10
Views: 1890

Re: Memorable moments

I guess there's been so many I won't ever try. Some from Field Trial dog's, some from hunting dog's. Very few things can match the brilliant performance and win of a field trial dog though.
by gonehuntin'
Wed Jan 10, 2024 8:18 am
Forum: Training
Topic: In Ground Fencing and E Collars
Replies: 6
Views: 858

Re: In Ground Fencing and E Collars

Anything you can teach, or reinforce with an in ground fence, you can teach without it. I live on edge of a small town and have a large, unfenced yard. I begin as pups on CC's and teach them to NEVER go on a road. I'll let them go to the curb, then give them a sharp tug back commanding NO!. Usually ...
by gonehuntin'
Wed Jan 10, 2024 8:10 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Alpha 300
Replies: 15
Views: 3180

Re: Alpha 300

Keep it simple. Stimulation, or tone for recall or correcting range. I never use vibration. I believe, if you're going to correct a dog, correct it. If you warn it once, you'll have to warn it twice next time. The tone feature is a pheasant hunters best friend. You can hunt covers in total silence w...
by gonehuntin'
Thu Dec 28, 2023 9:36 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Troubleshooting force fetching
Replies: 3
Views: 760

Re: Troubleshooting force fetching

If the dog is taking the bumper, dowel, etc. because he wants to, it is not force fetch. That's where your problem lies. Now that the dog has given you the finger, you have nothing to fall back on. Here's an article I did that you can build on. This method keeps you out of trouble and a dog CAN be t...
by gonehuntin'
Thu Dec 28, 2023 9:29 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Best short training article ever?
Replies: 0
Views: 1116

Best short training article ever?

Perhaps the most concise and best training article I've seen. Only around 500 words and not a one of them wasted. This is pure gold. "DEVELOPING A BRAG- WORTHY HUNTING DOG" in the new issue of Pointing Dog Journal is on of the best, most concise, no nonsense articles on dog training I have seen. It'...
by gonehuntin'
Tue Dec 19, 2023 7:01 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Good video
Replies: 1
Views: 2714

Re: Good video

I saw that on facebook. Snare requirements are not the same for all states. Some states like Wisconsin only allow "cable restraints", not snares. The difference is a restraint can't lock down on the dog, they are just like having a dog on a leash with a choke chain on. What that video doesn't show i...
by gonehuntin'
Mon Dec 04, 2023 11:30 am
Forum: Training
Topic: 4 month old GSP - bird
Replies: 7
Views: 2454

Re: 4 month old GSP - bird

You said she tried to eat it whole. Did she try to tear it apart? Was it squished when you got it back? Was she mouthing it to get a better grip? Didn’t try and tear it apart, really hard mouthing it over and over. That's really just a puppy thing and they nearly all do it when they haven't had a l...
by gonehuntin'
Mon Dec 04, 2023 8:05 am
Forum: Training
Topic: 4 month old GSP - bird
Replies: 7
Views: 2454

Re: 4 month old GSP - bird

She is a puppy and they do these things. Keep her on a check cord at all times so she can't run away with a bird. Always GENTLY reel the pup in when she has a bird, then praise her when she is with you BUT; DO NOT SNATCH THE BIRD FROM HER! Let her hold it and stroke her then when she relaxes a bit, ...
by gonehuntin'
Wed Nov 22, 2023 9:38 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Tracking Style Bird Dogs? Where to find them.
Replies: 5
Views: 2263

Re: Tracking Style Bird Dogs? Where to find them.

I would contact Anne Jandernoa of Northwind Grouse Maps. She has a lot of video of her setters doing outstanding work tracking grouse. Some DD's are VERY good grouse dog's, but most are not. Try Anne.

https://northwindsetters.com/purchase-a-setter/
by gonehuntin'
Mon Nov 20, 2023 4:15 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Thunder chickens
Replies: 5
Views: 2972

Re: Thunder chickens

The older I get, the more I believe that you will kill more grouse and pheasant over a well trained flushing dog than you will a trained pointing dog. When a pointing dog points a grouse and you go in for the flush, they hear you coming and try to put thick cover between themselves and you on the fl...
by gonehuntin'
Tue Nov 14, 2023 6:51 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Looking to add a pup….
Replies: 11
Views: 2973

Re: Looking to add a pup….

A good dog will adjust it's range to the terrain it is hunting. Further on the prairies, shorter in the woods. Every dog comes with it's own built in range. We can CONTROL that range which is a pain in the butt, but really, we can never change it. To get the dog close we'll be hacking at him all of ...
by gonehuntin'
Mon Oct 30, 2023 1:44 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Pheasant Hunt
Replies: 12
Views: 4322

Re: Pheasant Hunt

That is a spectacular looking dog!
by gonehuntin'
Sat Oct 21, 2023 3:57 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: Ruger Red Label .28 - Questions
Replies: 3
Views: 1573

Re: Ruger Red Label .28 - Questions

I owned one in a 20 and loved it. A lot of inexpensive 28's were simply built on a 20's frame. If I remember correctly, not so the Ruger. It is a true 28 on a 28 frame. Ruger builds solid guns. Nothing to look out for on this one.
by gonehuntin'
Sat Oct 21, 2023 1:06 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Am I Stressing Too Much?
Replies: 24
Views: 6472

Re: Am I Stressing Too Much?

Perfect Start, Perfect Finish is a GREAT program and I highly recommend it. You only need a lot of birds IF you use them like he does. He only does it that way because he has flocks of homers. You can do the SAME thing with a half dozen birds and a fishing rod. If you look, I've posted a short video...
by gonehuntin'
Fri Oct 20, 2023 5:28 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Am I Stressing Too Much?
Replies: 24
Views: 6472

Re: Am I Stressing Too Much?

I know that you're trying, however this all stems, or most of it from the fact that you apparently don't have an organized training program you're following. Before you ever get a dog, you should have gotten and studied a training program and written out the sequence you would hope to proceed in.. S...
by gonehuntin'
Wed Oct 18, 2023 1:34 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Am I Stressing Too Much?
Replies: 24
Views: 6472

Re: Am I Stressing Too Much?

You have to also realize that there is no tougher bird to TRAIN a dog on than grouse. Why? Because the dog is out of your view most of the time and you have no idea if it's working a bird or running wild. That's why you should always start with planted birds, birds in electronic traps. that way you ...
by gonehuntin'
Tue Oct 03, 2023 7:05 am
Forum: GDF "Hall of Fame" Posts
Topic: If you could go back
Replies: 59
Views: 184427

Re: If you could go back

I just stumbled on it too.I could give a boring list of all young dog problems I have had to correct but ALL had one very simple thing in common: The people FIRST, bought the pup, then wondered HOW to train it. Don't fall into that trap. BEFORE you buy a pup: Buy and study several different training...
by gonehuntin'
Tue Oct 03, 2023 6:44 am
Forum: Off Topic Forum
Topic: Fly Fishing / College Reunion
Replies: 7
Views: 3727

Re: Fly Fishing / College Reunion

You are a very fortunate to have a group like that, that still meets. Treasure them. They fade quickly as everyone ages. Shoot, I was hoping you were the one with the big beard doing the selfie!
by gonehuntin'
Tue Oct 03, 2023 6:40 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: THE END?
Replies: 5
Views: 2638

Re: THE END?

Willie T, this forum has some of the best people commenting on it of any forum. It is far, far superior to any Facebook group. Plus, it has a miserable, old, cantankerous, administrator that keeps trolls and posts that aren't of a positive nature off it. So you never get these bitter debates on it t...
by gonehuntin'
Mon Oct 02, 2023 11:07 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Upcoming Hunts?
Replies: 21
Views: 13622

Re: Upcoming Hunts?

Not sure this year. My lone dog, Burley, got a minor tear in her ACL in late August. I have no idea how it happened. We are slowly working her back but missed all of September and will probably miss all of October. Possibly by November she will be able to take short hunts (right up my alley) and may...
by gonehuntin'
Mon Oct 02, 2023 11:04 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: THE END?
Replies: 5
Views: 2638

THE END?

Is Versatile Dog's forum gone now? Seems like it. This is the second time in a few months that I can't log in. As far as posting went, they were really about dead anyhow.

Funny, these gun dog forums are slow, but the duck hunting forums are going strong. Can't explain that one.
by gonehuntin'
Mon Oct 02, 2023 11:02 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Last dog?? Nooo! But no pups...
Replies: 13
Views: 6322

Re: Last dog?? Nooo! But no pups...

Steve, I don't want to argue about this, what I stated is simply my own personal view. Everyone is entitled to their own breed. I don't know where you got the idea I was only experienced in one breed. I was head trainer at one of, if not the largest training kennel in the United States. We ran 120 d...
by gonehuntin'
Sun Oct 01, 2023 8:26 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Last dog?? Nooo! But no pups...
Replies: 13
Views: 6322

Re: Last dog?? Nooo! But no pups...

Well Steve, I must say, we disagree on nearly all points. First, NO, I do NOT want one of my hunting dog's made a house pet of. Where is the confusion here? Certainly all of my dog's have lived in the house, some FC's. And certainly, they have NEVER been denied the chance to hunt. A superb hunting d...
by gonehuntin'
Sat Sep 30, 2023 9:48 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Kennel Project
Replies: 16
Views: 4637

Re: Kennel Project

Garrison; having one "GRANDAUGHTER" about that age, and another about 6-7 years older, that picture is especially dear to my heart.But I'm sure you're aware of that. You are indeed, a blessed man.
by gonehuntin'
Sat Sep 30, 2023 7:11 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Kennel Project
Replies: 16
Views: 4637

Re: Kennel Project

That is a great looking room! Nice job! Love the underage worker.
by gonehuntin'
Fri Sep 29, 2023 9:54 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Last dog?? Nooo! But no pups...
Replies: 13
Views: 6322

Re: Last dog?? Nooo! But no pups...

I'm on my last one now. She will be 8 in the spring and I'm 78. If I live, I'll be 82-84 when she is gone. There's several things here: I don't want to outlive my dog. I don't have a child that wants it if I'm gone and sure as heck don't want a house pet made out of it. I lost my training grounds th...
by gonehuntin'
Sun Aug 20, 2023 7:42 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Grouse Hunting Stats Publication
Replies: 3
Views: 1877

Re: Grouse Hunting Stats Publication

After some more searching I found it. Loyal Order of Dedicated Grouse Hunters. A guy named Ken Szabo puts out a bi-monthly newsletter and annual survey results in a publication called Grouse Tales. I tried his email and had issues. But the number on the Facebook page worked. Nice guy. He’s sending ...
by gonehuntin'
Thu Aug 17, 2023 8:38 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Always a hard choice.....
Replies: 15
Views: 6813

Re: Always a hard choice.....

Well , I called it a hard choice this time because if I had the money( $6000.00 + ) I might have saved him. Sometimes money is a part of the decision too and that is never easy. Sharon - We do the best we can...for as long as we can. Our four legged friends do not ask for more than that...and in fa...
by gonehuntin'
Thu Aug 17, 2023 7:00 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Creeping
Replies: 15
Views: 12180

Re: Creeping

I agree 100%, in a training situation as you describe with planted birds, or on a preserve type hunt, the dog should be completely staunch as soon as it makes scent. This is something that is a concern and should be addressed in the manners prescribed. It also may have been avoided with the launche...
by gonehuntin'
Thu Aug 17, 2023 8:21 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Creeping
Replies: 15
Views: 12180

Re: Creeping

I dug up this 7 year old video to show you how it works with a pup that has been through yard work and is collar broken. This is the pup's final steadiness training before hunting season. You can see the superb control I have with the rod and reel of the bird. What you can't see, is when the pup mov...
by gonehuntin'
Thu Aug 17, 2023 8:10 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Creeping
Replies: 15
Views: 12180

Re: Creeping

Ray has given you some great advice, follow it. NOTHING will replace electronic launchers because you have precise control over the bird, when it launches. It allows you to, even at the wag of a dog's tail or movement of the head, to launch the bird. I used manual launchers for several years at a la...
by gonehuntin'
Sun Aug 13, 2023 6:20 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Help with new springer spaniel puppy
Replies: 14
Views: 4622

Re: Help with new springer spaniel puppy

+1 on gonehuntin'. Guess there's not much we can do, but it is quite regrettable that the membership of this group has shrunk to such a great degree over time and, moreover, that enough new people don't find this board. We have a massive amount of valuable knowledge from this group , both regarding...
by gonehuntin'
Fri Aug 11, 2023 8:01 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Help with new springer spaniel puppy
Replies: 14
Views: 4622

Re: Help with new springer spaniel puppy

Let's assume the pup does not have an infection, though that certainly may be a possibility. What do you do to correct him when he pee's inside? I don't let it go unpunished. I will yell NO! when he squats, grab him by the scruff of the neck, pick him up, and put him outside, commanding Outside!, Ou...
by gonehuntin'
Fri Aug 11, 2023 10:35 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Always a hard choice.....
Replies: 15
Views: 6813

Re: Always a hard choice.....

So sorry Sharon. You and I have a lot in common. This one, now nearly 8, is probably my last one. She has suffered bad injuries while hunting and is plagued by arthritis, so, this is probably it for me. I don't have the interest in hunting I once had, and have even less interest in snow. I'd love to...
by gonehuntin'
Fri Jul 14, 2023 6:16 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Pup is eating birds.. pls help!
Replies: 15
Views: 6069

Re: Pup is eating birds.. pls help!

Great idea Garrison! Unfortunately, as a professional trainer, some of the dog's we are sent all ready have some problem the owner considers unsurmountable, that's why we get the dog and what keeps us in business. Mouth problems are very rare and I worked with quite a few of them, and can honestly s...
by gonehuntin'
Thu Jul 13, 2023 6:38 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Pup is eating birds.. pls help!
Replies: 15
Views: 6069

Re: Pup is eating birds.. pls help!

Ray cautioned you on this method and let me also. IF A DOG IS FORCE FETCHED, IT WORKS. If a dog is not force fetched, he may stop picking birds up completely. He will be afraid of them. Ray was honest about the problems it can cause. Wrapping a bird in barb wire, putting thump tacks around a bird, s...
by gonehuntin'
Wed Jul 12, 2023 9:19 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Pup is eating birds.. pls help!
Replies: 15
Views: 6069

Re: Pup is eating birds.. pls help!

CJ, he only got the bird from the dog AFTER she had eaten the legs off it. I'm pretty much with you on this though: just, hopefully, a young and inexperienced dog's reaction to seeing a bird for the first time.
by gonehuntin'
Tue Jul 11, 2023 8:19 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Pup is eating birds.. pls help!
Replies: 15
Views: 6069

Re: Pup is eating birds.. pls help!

Garrison has given you some very good advice. Here's the thing about a BIRD EATER: IF they become confirmed bird eaters, most can never be broken of it, but to a degree, can be controlled. Let's hope yours is not one of these but she certainly is displaying early signs of it. It would be interesting...
by gonehuntin'
Tue May 23, 2023 4:49 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: First photo's of Abby
Replies: 8
Views: 4276

Re: First photo's of Abby

Aren't you too old for pups Don? :D :D
by gonehuntin'
Mon May 22, 2023 6:38 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Transitioning Training
Replies: 5
Views: 2880

Re: Transitioning Training

You expected too much out of the dog in the field. You took a dog hunting in the field under high stress conditions without the dog being 100% in obedience. You will know the dog is 100% in obedience when you can add distractions and still have him obey you. Have your wife, kids, whatever, offer him...
by gonehuntin'
Fri Apr 28, 2023 6:08 am
Forum: Off Topic Forum
Topic: Interesting Day
Replies: 4
Views: 4416

Re: Interesting Day

Sounds to me like the bush was broken in the house they SHOULD have stopped at! :D
by gonehuntin'
Sun Apr 09, 2023 11:02 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Predator Encounters
Replies: 16
Views: 6556

Re: Predator Encounters

I have my own feelings about bells on dog's. I think you stand more of a chance of tolling a predator (wolf) in with a bell. They know instantly when a dog is invading their territory. I never worry about bear or cats. I'd strongly recommend the Alpha 200i if it's legal where you live.
by gonehuntin'
Wed Apr 05, 2023 6:02 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Chasing Ducks and Other Birds
Replies: 11
Views: 4065

Re: Chasing Ducks and Other Birds

This was a really cool point. I spend a lot of time on this deserted beach in the summer and while I'm there, the dog rarely stops swimming. On this picture, she swam in from Lake Michigan and pointed the sea gulls when her feet touched bottom. Fun place in the summer.
by gonehuntin'
Sat Apr 01, 2023 11:22 am
Forum: Off Topic Forum
Topic: A bad day
Replies: 13
Views: 5513

Re: A bad day

So sorry Don. Such a pretty girl.
by gonehuntin'
Fri Mar 31, 2023 7:57 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Pairing multiple Garmin handhelds to collars
Replies: 3
Views: 3030

Re: Pairing multiple Garmin handhelds to collars

Just make sure you correct YOUR dog and not your friends or a heck of a battle may develop! :lol: :lol:
by gonehuntin'
Thu Mar 30, 2023 4:41 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Chasing Ducks and Other Birds
Replies: 11
Views: 4065

Re: Chasing Ducks and Other Birds

Image
by gonehuntin'
Thu Mar 30, 2023 4:26 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Pairing multiple Garmin handhelds to collars
Replies: 3
Views: 3030

Re: Pairing multiple Garmin handhelds to collars

Yes, you definitely can do that. I have done it while hunting with friends. You simply treat HIS collars like they were yours and add them to your transmitters with his dog's names. Same as you would yours. He does exactly the same. Then when you're done hunting, delete his dog's if you won't be hun...
by gonehuntin'
Fri Mar 24, 2023 6:06 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Chasing Ducks and Other Birds
Replies: 11
Views: 4065

Re: Chasing Ducks and Other Birds

I agree with ignoring her on tweetie birds but not the ducks and geese. Once a young dog discovers how much fun it is to swim after ducks, geese, or gulls, they may stop pointing the game birds you want. If my dog is running down the beach and points duck in the water, I'll make sure she "whoa's" un...
by gonehuntin'
Thu Mar 09, 2023 12:42 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Excitement on "break"
Replies: 8
Views: 3569

Re: Excitement on "break"

When you release her and she gets excited and starts jumping around, or up on them, IMMEDIATELY command NO! and down her. It takes work and consistency and like Steve said, she's young, but at 18 months she's getting up there to behave that badly.