Search found 341 matches

by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Oct 10, 2023 4:28 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Trouble finding training birds
Replies: 4
Views: 1620

Re: Trouble finding training birds

If close to a large city, look for nuisance pigeon trappers. Some will sell what they catch pretty cheaply. Can also look at North American Gamebird Association https://northamericangamebird.com/discover-hunts-more.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Fri Feb 24, 2023 5:43 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Gamebird Transition
Replies: 11
Views: 3862

Re: Gamebird Transition

Problems using quail, then use chukar. They generally fly a whole lot better.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Nov 17, 2022 5:36 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Training to back and silhouette
Replies: 12
Views: 3918

Re: Training to back and silhouette

If you can get your dog to lay on its side, you can trace a general outline on a large piece of cardboard and cut it out. If you have multiple pieces of cardboard, you can make multiple in different colors. You could also go to a sign shop and pick up a sheet of corrugated sign material and cut out....
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Aug 29, 2022 4:16 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Syncing bird launchers
Replies: 7
Views: 3558

Re: Syncing bird launchers

Doubt your local Best Buy will be much help. Try finding a local hobby shop that deals with remote control cars, trucks, planes, etc. They may be able to figure out your frequencies and perhaps provide a solution.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed Jul 20, 2022 4:11 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Gun Conditioning Question
Replies: 22
Views: 5627

Re: Gun Conditioning Question

If you are associating the dummy throw with the shot and there's some sort of delay between the throw and the shot, I wouldn't be worried about the dog's reaction. Without watching your sequence, it sounds like there's a delayed shot and the dog is looking for an additional dummy. It sounds like you...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed Jun 29, 2022 5:58 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Brittany takes off as soon the bird flushes
Replies: 5
Views: 3162

Re: Brittany takes off as soon the bird flushes

Sounds like you need to take a couple steps backwards in your training...seems like the dog hasn't been trained to do what you want or understand what you expect and the ecollar means nothing in the process. May be a good idea to put the checkcord to use and have another person help you during your ...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Fri May 13, 2022 4:13 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Calculators for COI
Replies: 1
Views: 1856

Re: Calculators for COI

There's a number of breeder database programs that will provide a COI once dogs are entered; Breedmate, The Breeder's Standard, Kintracks, etc.. Could also check with another breeder within your breed with a program for assistance. Does the parent club have their own database
by SwitchGrassWPG
Sun May 01, 2022 8:47 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Dog Box for truck suggestions
Replies: 8
Views: 2806

Re: Dog Box for truck suggestions

I've had an Owens box for close to 15 years and it's just as good as the ones you pay more for.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Apr 04, 2022 4:04 am
Forum: Training
Topic: issue that I cant find advice for
Replies: 8
Views: 4363

Re: issue that I cant find advice for

Not completely clear...are you using bumpers at the water? The dog doesn't need to retrieve the thrown bumper, but does need to swim at least twice. Unless you are simulating a shot bird in the field, leave the balls, bumpers and toys in the truck. If a bird is needed to encourage swimming, yes, you...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Mar 21, 2022 3:18 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Recall worries during na test
Replies: 13
Views: 7789

Re: Recall worries during na test

Yes, if your dog doesn't obey the commands given, it gets a little embarrassing. Beyond that, yes, it can affect your dog's cooperation score, but doesn't change your dog. The dogs don't care what they're scored in the various components; it only affects us and our egos. Doing poorly doesn't affect ...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Sun Mar 13, 2022 7:52 am
Forum: Birds & Bird Supplies
Topic: Video: My simple pigeon loft
Replies: 3
Views: 2943

Re: Video: My simple pigeon loft

Looks pretty good.

Not sure where you live, so these suggestions may not be applicable.

Can't tell from the video, but did you use wire on the bottom? If not, have you considered predators digging under. If you have snakes, you may want to also consider some smaller wire or plastic mesh.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Jan 04, 2022 5:22 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Launcher Advice
Replies: 9
Views: 6002

Re: Launcher Advice

Can't speak to Dogtra, but I have 4 of the DTs and have no complaints in the 5-6 years I have them. I bought them because I found a great online deal for them and they use a replaceable 9v battery. I believe the electronics are the same regardless of launcher model, so should be interchangeable. I'v...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed Nov 03, 2021 4:27 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Turning around on water retrieves
Replies: 6
Views: 3112

Re: Turning around on water retrieves

A few clarifying questions...

How many repetitions are you doing in one session?
At what point do the refusals start?
Are they from the beginning or after you've been at it a while?
Do you stop at a successful retrieve or do you try for "one more"?
by SwitchGrassWPG
Fri Oct 01, 2021 4:22 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: 22 ammo blanks
Replies: 9
Views: 3865

Re: 22 ammo blanks

Lion Country Supply, Gun Dog Supply, Margo Supply, Amazon - Perhaps even your local home improvement store. https://www.google.com/search?q=.22+acorn+blanks&source=hp&ei=XIlXYbOQLpKCoATItYmoDw&iflsig=ALs-wAMAAAAAYVeXbMd-Q-H2IZKKr0yll6d9xKXeDCho&oq=.22+acorn+blanks&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAEYADIFCAAQgAQy...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Fri Sep 24, 2021 5:32 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Solving bank cheat
Replies: 14
Views: 5923

Re: Solving bank cheat

Set it up so your dog has no choice but to enter straight in. Buy some plastic electric fence posts and plastic fencing to create a funnel for your send. Make the small end of the funnel large enough for you and the dog and extend it a few feet behind and a few feet into the water. You could even go...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Fri Sep 10, 2021 2:42 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Intro and question about dogs and pigeons
Replies: 10
Views: 2811

Re: Intro and question about dogs and pigeons

I don't think you need a great distance between the two. The dog needs to be taught around the animal area isn't hunting area, but whatever other direction/location you go to should be associated with field work/hunting. I've even known people to physically change the dog's collar as a key for field...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Sep 09, 2021 4:24 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: What's your favorite bird dog training program?
Replies: 14
Views: 8615

Re: What's your favorite bird dog training program?

Learn as much as you can from multiple programs and apply what works best for you and your dog. Remember, we don't have cookie cutter dogs, so why settle for cookie cutter programs. There's already been a number of programs mentioned...look at them all.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Sep 09, 2021 4:22 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Intro and question about dogs and pigeons
Replies: 10
Views: 2811

Re: Intro and question about dogs and pigeons

Shane, Welcome and good luck. Most dogs can be trained to do or not do what we want. It just takes time, consistency and the right timing. Early introductions and lessons are important to be successful hunting/living companion and not have to correct negative behaviors later. Being around chickens a...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Aug 30, 2021 4:12 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Young brittany won't hold still
Replies: 12
Views: 3525

Re: Young brittany won't hold still

Checkcord with half hitch around the flank may help as well...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Aug 26, 2021 4:08 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Baths/ dry skin and loss of hair
Replies: 6
Views: 3539

Re: Baths/ dry skin and loss of hair

Dogs who spend a lot of time on hard surfaces tend to get callouses on the joints that don't have a lot of muscle padding. Sometimes these callouses start out looking like dry flaky skin with missing hair. Something soft to lay on could help. If your wife is a neat freak, then you'll have lots of ch...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Jun 03, 2021 4:10 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Exchanging commands for Whoa- yay or nay
Replies: 5
Views: 2589

Re: Exchanging commands for Whoa- yay or nay

Use what the dog understands and works and don't think twice. The true key is consistency and as mentioned in another post, anyone who will be giving your dog commands needs to know what you use to prevent confusion on your/the dog's part. If you plan to hunt your dog with other dogs, it can be good...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Fri Mar 19, 2021 4:24 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Puppy obedience timeline
Replies: 7
Views: 3021

Re: Puppy obedience timeline

Correct any negative behavior now. You can help yourself out by keeping these things out of the dog's reach to start with. IMO If you prevent it to begin with, there's no correction needed.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Feb 09, 2021 6:43 am
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Docked Tail - Infection / Vet Recommends Amputation
Replies: 10
Views: 5659

Re: Docked Tail - Infection / Vet Recommends Amputation

Health over cosmetics every time. Dog won't care it only has a nub or no tail. If a hunting dog, the other end is what matters most.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Sep 28, 2020 5:39 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Dog is “soft”
Replies: 25
Views: 7635

Re: Dog is “soft”

A couple questions... Dog is 10 months old. How much of that time has been with trainers and not at home? When you had the dog at home, did the dog understand the commands given? What basic initial exposure did you give the dog to the field, birds, etc.? Have you contacted the breeder? If really unh...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed Apr 15, 2020 5:46 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Quail Recall Help
Replies: 5
Views: 2858

Re: Quail Recall Help

Leave only one male in the side with the funnel and make sure he can't see the other birds. Once he realizes he's all alone, he'll start calling. Since all your males are together, they're not alone and have no need to call.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Feb 20, 2020 6:39 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Bird wings
Replies: 6
Views: 4271

Re: Bird wings

About the only thing to really do with them would be to attach them to a bumper to get the dog used to having feathers in its mouth. Playing fetch and keeping it fun should help reduce any future retrieving challenges.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Sep 24, 2019 4:40 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Pigeons: How long til they pair and nest
Replies: 12
Views: 6411

Re: Pigeons: How long til they pair and nest

Since it doesn't seem you received mated pairs, it could take quite a while. Did the person you got them from use milk jugs for nest boxes? If not, perhaps they don't know what they're for. I'd suggest trying to set your loft up similar to what the're accustomed to.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Apr 18, 2019 5:47 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Long shot, but need birds in Iowa
Replies: 10
Views: 3791

Re: Long shot, but need birds in Iowa

You can also look for nuisance trappers in the cities. They'll typically sell them pretty cheap.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Mar 18, 2019 5:13 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: STEADY TO RELEASE
Replies: 15
Views: 5710

Re: STEADY TO RELEASE

First thing you have to do is quit going past your dog when you go to flush. As you walk up past him, it puts him into a help to flush mode. IDK why, just something dogs do. Instead, come in for the flush at more a 90* angle to the dog. That way, you're kind of blocking him, and also getting into h...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Nov 19, 2018 5:10 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Buying birds in SE Kansas
Replies: 2
Views: 2612

Re: Buying birds in SE Kansas

Try Elk Creek Gamebirds in Chanute. Joe typically has some good birds. You can call him at 620-432-4060.

Otherwise, check out the following. https://ksoutdoors.com/content/download ... 4.2018.pdf
by SwitchGrassWPG
Fri Nov 16, 2018 5:52 pm
Forum: Product Ratings & Reviews
Topic: APLS OutdoorZ Upland Game VestX review
Replies: 5
Views: 7109

Re: APLS OutdoorZ Upland Game VestX review

I too have one. The "gun rests" are useless. If you bend over with shells in the side pockets, they fall out. Waist straps are way too long.

It is a very comfortable vest. The mesh pocket on the shoulder strap is good for an e collar transmitter.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Nov 05, 2018 5:06 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: WPG vs PP
Replies: 31
Views: 10141

Re: WPG vs PP

Why can't you use your britts for all of these pursuits? They are a versatile dog. If your line of dogs can't do the tasks, perhaps you should look to a line of NAVHDA britts.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Sat Nov 03, 2018 8:37 am
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Running on full stomach?
Replies: 21
Views: 12586

Re: Running on full stomach?

Feed a little extra the night before and then after the run.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Sun Aug 19, 2018 1:51 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Garmin or GoPro
Replies: 2
Views: 2166

Garmin or GoPro

Looking for a hands-free video camera to wear when working dogs. Considering either the Garmin or GoPro...thoughts?
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Jul 16, 2018 5:09 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Pigeon wings won't stay locked
Replies: 9
Views: 4716

Re: Pigeon wings won't stay locked

If locking isn't working, just pull flight feathers from one wing.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed May 02, 2018 8:12 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: LCS Backer Dog Electronics Conversion
Replies: 0
Views: 2085

LCS Backer Dog Electronics Conversion

Has anyone tried to covert an LCS Backer Dog's electronics to a Dogtra or other brand receiver?
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Mar 08, 2018 5:12 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: OFA or Penn Hip
Replies: 18
Views: 7848

Re: OFA or Penn Hip

Each method looks at different things and there's no comparison between an OFA rating and PennHip measurement. I've seen dogs get a Good OFA rating but have extremely loose PennHip DI.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Fri Feb 23, 2018 6:14 am
Forum: Please Welcome New Members - Introduce Yourself Here!
Topic: Pointing dummies
Replies: 2
Views: 2306

Re: Pointing dummies

Live birds, live birds, live birds...either wild or pen raised. Take him out and let him run and explore.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Sat Feb 10, 2018 12:11 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Do I have any use for this bag of wings in my freezer?
Replies: 11
Views: 6067

Re: Do I have any use for this bag of wings in my freezer?

Save a couple to attach to dummies if you want...throw the rest away.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:04 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: small pigeon loft
Replies: 13
Views: 9059

Re: small pigeon loft

You can easily build something using 5 6X6 dog kennel panels. Cover part of the top and a couple sides with a tarp and add a few 2X2 for perches and you've got a coop. Its easily moved in your yard and not a permanent structure.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Nov 28, 2017 5:17 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: feeding pigeons
Replies: 26
Views: 12145

Re: feeding pigeons

I feed scratch grain year-round. I keep around 200 pigeons and a few quail, chukar and pheasants in the same coop. They go through about 80 lbs of food a week...two feeders filled once a week.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Nov 07, 2017 6:11 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: dog boots? inner tubes?
Replies: 15
Views: 9618

Re: dog boots? inner tubes?

Never used them, but here's a link showing how to make and put them on.

http://www.oknavhda.com/boots.htm
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Aug 14, 2017 5:21 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Vizsla is not retrieving dead birds???help
Replies: 22
Views: 12439

Re: Vizsla is not retrieving dead birds???help

Have you tried freshly killed birds? At 8 months, there's no reason you couldn't already be shooting birds over the dog; unless it hasn't been properly exposed to gunfire...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Aug 08, 2017 4:36 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Training Going Backwards..
Replies: 13
Views: 7581

Re: Training Going Backwards..

Wing on a string is a cute game to play...maybe once. Get the dog on birds!
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Jun 20, 2017 6:09 pm
Forum: Birds & Bird Supplies
Topic: bird launcher recommendations
Replies: 5
Views: 7687

Re: bird launcher recommendations

I like my DTs. What I like most is the standard 9v battery that powers them. If you look hard enough you can find them for a decent price. When I bought mine a few years ago, I found some for a little over $200 each.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Mar 16, 2017 5:20 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: AKC JH Test question
Replies: 29
Views: 10638

Re: AKC JH Test question

Give a whoa if you want...if the dog will obey. Fire the shot! Most judges are liberal with the definition of "gun range" with a junior dog.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Feb 06, 2017 6:06 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: how/when do breeders confirm pregnancy?
Replies: 12
Views: 7270

Re: how/when do breeders confirm pregnancy?

About 28-30 days post breeding, our vet does a Relaxin test to confirm pregnancy.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Nov 14, 2016 6:36 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Dog Off Food/Vomiting
Replies: 15
Views: 7272

Re: Dog Off Food/Vomiting

Take to the vet if you made the appt. An irritated GI tract can lead to some nasty problems for the dog and unpleasant for you. Best to get it taken care of before it gets too bad.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Oct 27, 2016 5:02 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Question about the rankrank-ranking on the user profile
Replies: 1
Views: 2104

Re: Question about the rankrank-ranking on the user profile

Believe its based on your number of posts.