Search found 55 matches

by Meskousing
Wed Mar 24, 2021 7:59 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Books or literature for spouses
Replies: 14
Views: 4409

Re: Books or literature for spouses

I'm not sure there's a book or article out there to teach what you want. It's a value and belief system. I go through this every day. EVERY. DAY. I've heard my other half explain e-collar usage to her friends (she went to a few training sessions with me) in good detail. Yet, she won't begin to put t...
by Meskousing
Sun Feb 21, 2021 8:21 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Adding New Pup to the family
Replies: 2
Views: 1958

Re: Adding New Pup to the family

Get two e-collars. One for the dog and one for the person teaching bad habits. Every time the dog does something wrong, stimulate the dog and the person teaching the dog incorrectly. Just kidding. Training a dog is easy. Training people is very hard. If you master training people, please write a boo...
by Meskousing
Fri Jan 15, 2021 9:08 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: AKC Spaniel Hunt Test
Replies: 0
Views: 7238

AKC Spaniel Hunt Test

The American Water Spaniel Club is hosting a hunt test in Olive Branch, MS on March 27 and 28. The test is open to all breeds eligible to participate in spaniel hunt tests. It will be open for registration towards the end of January on Hunt Secretary. There are AWSC tests for AWS after the spaniel t...
by Meskousing
Mon Jul 27, 2020 7:41 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Sage Grouse Hunting
Replies: 7
Views: 5814

Sage Grouse Hunting

A buddy and I are going to MT for a September sage grouse hunt. We haven't set a specific locale, as we're waiting on some bird reports before we pick a town. How do I hunt sage grouse? I have an American Water Spaniel and my buddy has a Gordon Setter. I know the breeds will hunt differently, but I ...
by Meskousing
Fri Jul 10, 2020 7:54 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: De-Snaking
Replies: 12
Views: 5084

Re: De-Snaking

Any ideas on where I get snake scent? I've never seen it for sale. SOrry, my dry sense of humor about borrowing someone's rattler didn't translate well to the typed word. Fishvick, thanks for the perspective on the relative infrequent likelihood of encountering a rattlesnake. Once upon a time, I bik...
by Meskousing
Thu Jul 09, 2020 8:50 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: De-Snaking
Replies: 12
Views: 5084

De-Snaking

I live in northern Wisconsin and don't have any poisonous snakes. In September I'll be going to hunt sage grouse in eastern Montana, where as I understand it, there are rattlesnakes. Rumor has it that rattlesnakes are bad for bird dogs. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to de-snake a dog while...
by Meskousing
Thu Jul 09, 2020 8:47 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Bird puppy destroyed first bird.
Replies: 5
Views: 3856

Re: Bird puppy destroyed first bird.

I'm only replying because no one more knowledgeable than me has responded, so be careful about the advice you take from me. I wouldn't worry. Your dog was excited about a bird, which is a good thing. At four months, your dog isn't reasonably trained to do anything, much less give up the best thing i...
by Meskousing
Tue Dec 31, 2019 1:09 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Recall question
Replies: 12
Views: 5640

Re: Recall question

CJ,
You may have missed some sarcasm in my post. Re-read the first paragraph.
by Meskousing
Mon Dec 30, 2019 10:43 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Recall question
Replies: 12
Views: 5640

Re: Recall question

Try this: Introduce the e-collar. Put it on nice and tight with a locking mechanism. Turn the collar on VERY high. Every time the dog disobeys, keep it on continuous until the message is delivered. Eventually, they will learn. Then, take the collar and put it on the dog and use a proven system. Ther...
by Meskousing
Sat Aug 17, 2019 2:35 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: DT RAPT 1450 Training Collar or something else?
Replies: 4
Views: 3076

Re: DT RAPT 1450 Training Collar or something else?

I don't have any experience with any of those collars. I get the feeling you are training a pointer, which is something I have less experience on. More people will open up your post and comment if it looks like a question about force fetch. Hold my beer: The only way to adequately train a pointing d...
by Meskousing
Thu Jun 27, 2019 5:59 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Pickiness with dummies
Replies: 18
Views: 7874

Re: Pickiness with dummies

Dog picks up a bumper and nick on the e-collar with "here." If he drops the bumper, then you haven't properly conditioned recall (or went too high on the collar with) the collar and you need to re-consider your hesitancy about force fetch and properly collar condition the pup. At least, teach the do...
by Meskousing
Thu Jun 27, 2019 5:50 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Next Training tool purchase
Replies: 3
Views: 2602

Re: Next Training tool purchase

If you don't have a blank gun, get a 209-primer blank gun. If you have a blank gun, get a winger. Skip the handheld launcher. All that lets you do is not have to walk out very far for longer marks, but the mark still originates from you. The winger will allow you to throw birds, bumpers, DOkkens, et...
by Meskousing
Fri May 31, 2019 8:14 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Upcoming Spaniel Hunt Test in WI
Replies: 1
Views: 2137

Upcoming Spaniel Hunt Test in WI

For those so inclined, the American Water Spaniel Club is hosting a hunt test on June 15 and 16 in Shiocton, WI. There are only a few days left to register, so please do so if you want to attend. If you've never been to a spaniel test, show up and learn. There will be a bunch of people that want to ...
by Meskousing
Sun May 05, 2019 8:31 am
Forum: Training
Topic: New to e-collars and bird dogs
Replies: 7
Views: 3927

Re: New to e-collars and bird dogs

Every dog should be trained with an e-collar. Few dog owners should own e-collars. If you can, get with someone that really knows how to use an e-collar. This will allow you to follow a proven and systematic system. Absent that, find some videos. Gun Dog Supply has some videos by an obedience traine...
by Meskousing
Wed Apr 24, 2019 3:22 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: New guy
Replies: 6
Views: 2939

Re: New guy

The biggest thing you can do is to get with people that know what they are doing. I'm not a pointer/versatile guy, so I can't help you with a GSP at all. Except, to say, find a NAVHDA group and go there. They will teach you how to teach your dog.
by Meskousing
Thu Mar 14, 2019 8:02 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Live Bird Tips
Replies: 9
Views: 4570

Re: Live Bird Tips

By the way, I'm not a Chessie guy, but your dog is still a handsome fella. As a newbie, training a dog will be a huge challenge. You'll have to unlearn things you believe to be true and learn things you never heard of. You'll hear terms like force fetch, water force, bugging, etc. You're going to ha...
by Meskousing
Wed Mar 13, 2019 7:17 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Live Bird Tips
Replies: 9
Views: 4570

Re: Live Bird Tips

When contacting the pro, be ready to barter. Likely, his business model doesn't revolve around middle-aged guys (me) begging for help. Be willing to offer something he needs- throw birds for a few hours, shovel poo, shuttle dogs, or whatever else he'll let you do.

Good luck!
by Meskousing
Wed Mar 13, 2019 8:02 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Live Bird Tips
Replies: 9
Views: 4570

Re: Live Bird Tips

I'm also a newbie, but four years down the road from you. I used the aforementioned Smart Works from Evan Graham. It's great and very detailed. Get the videos, too. I also used local obedience trainers, because that was what I had available. Then, a pro retriever trainer moved to the area and I forc...
by Meskousing
Thu Feb 28, 2019 9:02 am
Forum: Training
Topic: New to this forum
Replies: 4
Views: 2143

Re: New to this forum

I'm also a neophyte to training, but am four years down the path. So, I'll offer the perspective of a guy that remembers being in your shoes. I'm going to be blunt so you don't have to waste a lot of energy deciphering and because you're behind the 8-ball by waiting this long to seek advice. First, ...
by Meskousing
Fri Feb 08, 2019 9:51 am
Forum: Training
Topic: A Novice and his Dog
Replies: 11
Views: 4791

Re: A Novice and his Dog

I'm a bit old, so I'll answer your question. My days of running after a bird dog are long gone and my days of running wind sprints are even longer gone. That is a good part of why I hunt over pointing dogs. I smiled when I read your post and must admit that I am a bit envious. I actually remember w...
by Meskousing
Thu Feb 07, 2019 11:40 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: A Novice and his Dog
Replies: 11
Views: 4791

Re: A Novice and his Dog

I'm a bit new, so I'll ask a question. Why would you want to stop a flusher? Isn't that what they do? If a flusher is chasing a running pheasant (or grouse, etc.) and you stop the dog, then the bird will run into the next county. A flusher's job is to catch or at least make the running bird think it...
by Meskousing
Mon Feb 04, 2019 10:58 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Boykin Pup Training
Replies: 32
Views: 10591

Re: Boykin Pup Training

You might want to think twice about shooting tweety birds for your dog in most states it is not legal. Migratory birds are protected by the US Fish and Wildlife...….Cj So I’ve been told! :mrgreen: :oops: Not only is it illegal, but if you were to continue this practice in the fall you'll be asking ...
by Meskousing
Wed Jan 30, 2019 7:47 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: New to training
Replies: 8
Views: 3235

Re: New to training

Thanks for the comments everyone. Couple things: I can get him to whoa during our walks on the leash, going in and out of doors and generally in the house when he is crazy. The yard seems to be a different story though as well as getting him to come. I had him on the check cord yesterday in the yar...
by Meskousing
Wed Jan 30, 2019 8:55 am
Forum: Training
Topic: New to training
Replies: 8
Views: 3235

Re: New to training

I would add a few insights.... First, you are better than most dog owners- you admit that you are at fault for your dog's behavior. I am in the same boat and it takes a lot to admit and even more to be willing to do something about. It takes a lot to modify our own behaviors that are entrenched. Aft...
by Meskousing
Tue Jan 29, 2019 8:59 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Boykin Pup Training
Replies: 32
Views: 10591

Re: Boykin Pup Training

Getting him to come to me was actually something I’ve been wondering about. We have been giving him lots of praise and treats. He did increadible the first few weeks we had him. I was amazed at how well he listened. Within the last week he has started to get a little more independent. I guess it’s t...
by Meskousing
Tue Jan 29, 2019 9:09 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Building Better Retrieves
Replies: 18
Views: 5084

Re: Building Better Retrieves

I'm working on my first "well-trained hunting dog" but will share some insights.... I dealt with some delivery issues last year. Mine were much worse- stopping and plucking the bird about seven feet from me. This was most pronounced at hunt tests. To fix it, I started working with a pro retriever tr...
by Meskousing
Tue Jan 29, 2019 8:48 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Boykin Pup Training
Replies: 32
Views: 10591

Re: Boykin Pup Training

I would add that it's never a bad time to shape a dog's behavior. For example, a young pup needs to learn that coming to the boss is a good thing. He/she gets treats, praise, etc. when they come to the boss. A check cord can start to shape the behavior that 'here' means to come to the boss and get t...
by Meskousing
Thu Dec 27, 2018 10:36 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Off season training
Replies: 15
Views: 5766

Re: Off season training

Absolutely! My dog needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Some training is going back to basics- heel, sit, here, place. Some is retrieving based (he's an AWS)- blinds, casting, EASY marks. I live in northern WI and snow cover is an issue, so a fair amount of his retrieving is on a plowed r...
by Meskousing
Tue Aug 14, 2018 6:52 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Place Command
Replies: 15
Views: 4751

Re: Place Command

I'm new to this world and am three years into what I hope is my first well-trained AWS (he earned a SH and a WDX this past weekend.) This is the first dog I've taught 'place.' What I have learned is that 'place' is a great command and very handy, but not necessary. However, I have no regrets in teac...
by Meskousing
Mon Jul 16, 2018 9:15 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Handling dead game birds: cleaning, butchering storage
Replies: 18
Views: 9311

Re: Handling dead game birds: cleaning, butchering storage

I have not tried this yet, but ABSOLUTELY will. Per Hank Shaw in "Pheasant, Quail, Cottontail" he recommends hanging grouse and other similar birds for 3-5 days before plucking them. He believes that the hanging adds flavor from the skin. Also, it makes plucking easier and that the skin imparts the ...
by Meskousing
Sat Feb 17, 2018 8:34 am
Forum: Training
Topic: E Collar
Replies: 3
Views: 3016

Re: E Collar

I'm not the most qualified, but feel bad that nobody else has replied. E-Collars can be used for reward and punishment when used properly. E-Collars and push a dog away and pull them in when used properly. To learn how to do this, get with an experienced trainer (someone that has titled dogs, at the...
by Meskousing
Mon Aug 07, 2017 5:20 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Training With Wild Birds, Wisconsin
Replies: 18
Views: 10023

Re: Training With Wild Birds, Wisconsin

There are times of the year when it is illegal to train on wild birds- public or private land. Today is not one of those times. That's the legal answer. As stated above, what are you hoping to achieve with bumping wild birds? There are a myriad way to acquire birds. With your pointer, it may be wort...
by Meskousing
Thu Aug 03, 2017 7:00 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Refusing to pick up bumpers
Replies: 7
Views: 5317

Re: Refusing to pick up bumpers

As with all advice, be careful of who you accept advice from. In light of that, I'm very honest in the fact that I'm working on my first "well-trained hunting dog." I'm a little over two years down the road, so I've made a lot of mistakes and done a few things right. I may be a beginner, but have be...
by Meskousing
Sun Jul 30, 2017 7:19 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Refusing to pick up bumpers
Replies: 7
Views: 5317

Re: Refusing to pick up bumpers

You're playing fetch too much. Stop playing fetch. Wait a few weeks. Work on obedience in the interim. Then, play fetch infrequently. More if you want to know. Think about what you're trying to teach the dog by throwing bumpers. 1. Are you trying to teach the dog to run away from you in a given dire...
by Meskousing
Thu Jul 20, 2017 6:45 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Smartworks
Replies: 11
Views: 6730

Re: Smartworks

If you don't want to use an e-collar consider getting a program that doesn't use an e-collar. Evan Graham's stuff relies on an e-collar. It's hard to follow his program without an e-collar. If you "follow" SmartFetch without an e-collar, then you're not following his program. In a sense, it would "v...
by Meskousing
Sun Jul 09, 2017 7:34 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Planting pigeons for flushing dog
Replies: 27
Views: 12764

Re: Planting pigeons for flushing dog

I've seen a few different successful versions. Some trainers dizzy the bird head up, others swear that the had must be down. Some folks sleep the bird by putting its head under the wing. I've gone to the dizzying the bird head up, but paying close attention to the "nest." If the bird is on a mowed l...
by Meskousing
Sat Jul 01, 2017 6:23 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Reducing Range
Replies: 9
Views: 5245

Re: Reducing Range

I'm not a particularly experienced trainer, but here is what worked for me with my flusher: First, we went for walks in a short grass field with his long lead on. Just before he got to the end of the lead, I'd say "Let's go." You can pick your own command, though. I'd also change directions and tug ...
by Meskousing
Wed Mar 15, 2017 7:29 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Steady to flush, shot, and fall with a spaniel
Replies: 30
Views: 20690

Re: Steady to flush, shot, and fall with a spaniel

Thanks everyone for the responses. Everyone has provided me with something to think on. I am in the process of trying to locate some affordable game birds and capturing some pigeons. I'm also reminded of what am obedience trainer told me:. If you put three dog trainers in a room, the only thing two ...
by Meskousing
Thu Mar 02, 2017 12:28 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Force Fetch
Replies: 9
Views: 5234

Re: Force Fetch

X3 on SmartFetch. I'm a neophyte, but I used it and found it to be very doable for a guy like me. Get the book and DVD. You won't regret it.
by Meskousing
Mon Feb 20, 2017 9:23 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Steady to flush, shot, and fall with a spaniel
Replies: 30
Views: 20690

Re: Steady to flush, shot, and fall with a spaniel

All, Thank you for the input. I have done a lot, or similar, of the suggestions provided with pigeons. My dog just knows the difference between training with roof rats and the real-deal. I'm looking for suggestions on how to make him understand that the same behaviors are expected. More reps with pi...
by Meskousing
Mon Feb 20, 2017 9:51 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Steady to flush, shot, and fall with a spaniel
Replies: 30
Views: 20690

Re: Steady to flush, shot, and fall with a spaniel

Polmaise, I already have a Acme 210.5 and will acquire a tweed jacket before next hunting season. I started on the steadiness a year ago. I thought I was doing well until hunting season. Without boring you regarding my life, I work odd hours and schedules so I often hunt by myself. Therefore, I seld...
by Meskousing
Sun Feb 19, 2017 8:07 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Steady to flush, shot, and fall with a spaniel
Replies: 30
Views: 20690

Steady to flush, shot, and fall with a spaniel

I am a neophyte that is attempting to achieve my first well-trained hunting dog. He's a 20-month AWS. Prior to hunting season, which started in September, we worked on being steady to flush, shot, and fall. We made great progress with pigeons, which included moving from the field to the woods. He se...
by Meskousing
Tue Dec 06, 2016 6:49 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Pup intro to grouse
Replies: 12
Views: 5921

Re: Pup intro to grouse

My little fella loves all manner of game and training birds- pigeons, chukar, bunnies and deer (I'm trying to change this), doves, woodcock, pheasants, and grouse. I was able to steady him on pigeons prior to taking him grouse hunting. During the season I was able to steady him to woodcock, but we'r...
by Meskousing
Sun Nov 13, 2016 4:24 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Non-spaniel flushers for rabbits
Replies: 17
Views: 8616

Re: Non-spaniel flushers for rabbits

American Water Spaniel. They will chase anything and can be trained as a spaniel or retriever. They're great for waterfowl and upland. They'll also turn heads and give your an excuse to talk about your dog to other hunters.
by Meskousing
Fri Jul 01, 2016 6:04 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: pigeon loft in back yard
Replies: 2
Views: 2182

Re: pigeon loft in back yard

A week into my experiment with a pigeon coop (mine is too basic to be considered a loft) in my yard and there have been no problems. My dog will go look at them, lean on the wire, and I caught him pawing at the door once, though. I kinda like him over there. He spooks the pigeons a bit and they fly ...
by Meskousing
Mon Jun 20, 2016 5:37 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Steady to flush Spaniel
Replies: 16
Views: 7478

Re: Steady to flush Spaniel

All, thank you for the advice.

I've been on the Lighthouse Kennels website in the past, but that is 3+ hours one way from me. If anyone knows of other pro spaniel trainers or groups in northcentral/ northeast WI, feel free to enlighten me. I'm about 50 miles northeast of Wausau.
by Meskousing
Sun Jun 19, 2016 9:23 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Steady to flush Spaniel
Replies: 16
Views: 7478

Re: Steady to flush Spaniel

Red herring in the post would be the 'age' . I have had 7 month old spaniels hunting and stopping to flush of a bird and shot and fall. and also had 18 month old spaniels at that stage. Progression is based on where you are now , Pigeons on a pole to progress is not something I am personally familia...
by Meskousing
Sun Jun 19, 2016 9:18 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Steady to flush Spaniel
Replies: 16
Views: 7478

Re: Steady to flush Spaniel

However............ When planting pigeons he is less than consistent. I've been workign on this at least a month and he isn't the least bit consistent. Unfortunately, a lot of our reps lately have been with me as gunner and handler. Any suggestions on how to improve our progress? After 1 month you ...
by Meskousing
Sun Jun 19, 2016 9:14 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Steady to flush Spaniel
Replies: 16
Views: 7478

Re: Steady to flush Spaniel

Skip the planting and the shooting. Break it down to the flush and sit. You can do most of it in the yard by sitting the dog and throwing down a dizzied pigeon about six feet away. Send the dog to flush, and when he sits, fire the blank. If he won't do it in the yard, don't even bother moving to th...
by Meskousing
Sun Jun 19, 2016 9:13 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Steady to flush Spaniel
Replies: 16
Views: 7478

Re: Steady to flush Spaniel

Skip the planting and the shooting. Break it down to the flush and sit. You can do most of it in the yard by sitting the dog and throwing down a dizzied pigeon about six feet away. Send the dog to flush, and when he sits, fire the blank. If he won't do it in the yard, don't even bother moving to th...