Search found 934 matches

by Featherfinder
Sun Feb 18, 2018 11:20 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: cost of a pup
Replies: 121
Views: 41595

Re: cost of a pup

Yes CJ, I do know what it takes to bring about a breeding and the ensuing litter. You and Gordon guy are spot on. There are costs that many buyers are rarely aware of and that too is OK. Why? Because the prices today are the prices today. You can develop a healthy champion from a lineage that is ric...
by Featherfinder
Sun Feb 18, 2018 12:37 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: cost of a pup
Replies: 121
Views: 41595

Re: cost of a pup

Rarely is the acquisition cost of a quality pup or young dog a issue - within reason. I just purchased a cracker of a pointer pup with HOF breeding right up close. The cost was $500. She is a gem at just 14 weeks - smart, calm, strong, clean, very well put-together, self confident, with a pedigree t...
by Featherfinder
Sun Feb 18, 2018 12:07 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Help on pup
Replies: 12
Views: 4583

Re: Help on pup

It really doesn't matter to me personally how much of a "deal" this pup is. A really well bred prospect with a pedigree that has an inherent value might cost you $500. If you think that is too much, then you need to calculate what the cost of making a poor decision on a dog that might perhaps turn o...
by Featherfinder
Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:10 am
Forum: Training
Topic: whoa training ....why is it so important?
Replies: 89
Views: 57515

Re: whoa training ....why is it so important?

I don't have any use for the word "whoa" in my training process. If my dog is running towards a danger of sorts, I give him a word he already knows that is uncompromised like, "Come." As for holding/handling birds, it has absolutely no place. "Whoa" can only mean two things around birds : - the dog ...
by Featherfinder
Tue Feb 06, 2018 3:22 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Collars revisited
Replies: 10
Views: 3182

Re: Collars revisited

I absolutely torture my equipment. I have used the Dogtra systems (2502) for MANY years and they are reliable, VERY tough and user friendly. You might want to check out their new Pathfinder system. I might have to get one!
by Featherfinder
Mon Feb 05, 2018 12:17 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Starter pistol
Replies: 8
Views: 4942

Re: Starter pistol

RayG, I assume you don't mean a remote launcher because $35 - 90 even for a used system, is not happening. If you mean a manual one...oh oh.....poor dog! Further-to-that, a decent blank gun is not restricted to a single puppy term. You can also use it later on when working an adult dog in a specific...
by Featherfinder
Mon Feb 05, 2018 11:22 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Gordon Setter
Replies: 43
Views: 23970

Re: Gordon Setter

You are correct about Thunder Dan. ;)
You could run that dog up against any breed - horseback. Then his owner would take him woodcock hunting locally. He didn't have a bad bone in him. Too bad that blood wasn't perpetuated.
by Featherfinder
Sun Feb 04, 2018 12:03 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Starter pistol
Replies: 8
Views: 4942

Re: Starter pistol

I have to agree with cj. Your dog's puppy stage will likely outlast that starter pistol.
Buy a good one instead and own it for life, then pass it on down to your grandchildren. It's money in the bank.

http://www.gundogsupply.com/charter-arm ... olver.html
by Featherfinder
Sat Feb 03, 2018 10:49 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Young pup and training (am I falling behind)
Replies: 27
Views: 11185

Re: Young pup and training (am I falling behind)

For the sake of the OP and his pup, allow me to re-iterate: What you need to tackle right now is basic obedience, nurturing a natural retrieve, handling , loading up into crates/trucks etc., intro to water (you don't get the frigid temps in NM that we do or I'd ask for you to wait for summer), intro...
by Featherfinder
Sat Feb 03, 2018 10:11 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Quail or Pigeons
Replies: 16
Views: 6786

Re: Quail or Pigeons

I would absolutely NOT introduce any pen-raised quail into the environment you described. Sharon is right. Get pup into those wild quail at the earliest opportunity. The issue there is, you can't anticipate what might happen because...they are wild and could be anywhere. The upside is pup won't catc...
by Featherfinder
Wed Jan 31, 2018 7:12 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: GSP pup chasing tweety birds.
Replies: 9
Views: 3575

Re: GSP pup chasing tweety birds.

X2 on Sharon's comment. When he does that, keep your shoulders back and relaxed, look at the horizon or with your back to pup and dream of days to come hunting wild birds with your new prospect.
Actually, it isn't that unusual unless YOU turn it into something more.
by Featherfinder
Wed Jan 31, 2018 1:09 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Book recommendation for GSP
Replies: 5
Views: 2899

Re: Book recommendation for GSP

huntingdog1, I use some clicker training myself for the early training. It works quite well. You can actually use it for retrieve training as well. Patience, patience, patience.
by Featherfinder
Wed Jan 31, 2018 1:07 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: A few northeast Oregon hunts
Replies: 19
Views: 13078

Re: A few northeast Oregon hunts

Great pics and thanks for sharing! What is the SxS you're using? Looks sweet!
by Featherfinder
Wed Jan 31, 2018 12:40 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Huns in Montana
Replies: 20
Views: 13165

Re: Huns in Montana

For sure Ryan. Hey....just for the heck of it, try Kent 1 ounce 6s - not any other brand. You might be pleasantly surprised. There is also less felt recoil from the Kents which can also translate into improved shooting habits. Then again, I'm only 5'9" - 170 lbs of raw muscle. OK....I lied about the...
by Featherfinder
Tue Jan 30, 2018 11:25 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Book recommendation for GSP
Replies: 5
Views: 2899

Re: Book recommendation for GSP

Good grief Mike da Carpenter....!!! Is that the book where he suggests a good whipping now and again is healthy for a dog? That relic is a keeper for sure. I wouldn't use it to train dogs with but a very entertaining read for sure, even if it is a bit dated.
by Featherfinder
Mon Jan 29, 2018 9:40 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: My new hunting buddy
Replies: 4
Views: 2785

Re: My new hunting buddy

Wow Deseeker....what a fancy little fellow! I'd hold onto those pics and put that wing-on-a-string-thing away until your next pup. ;)
by Featherfinder
Sun Jan 28, 2018 10:41 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Huns in Montana
Replies: 20
Views: 13165

Re: Huns in Montana

RyanDoolittle, JMO but if you're going to use a 20 gauge with 1 1/8 ounce loads, you'd be better off shooting the same specs from a more square load (better downfield pattern integrity) in a 12 gauge, no? Your bird hunting 12 gauge is not going to be much heavier - not the right 12 gauge. Also, if y...
by Featherfinder
Sun Jan 28, 2018 10:22 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Force fetch questions
Replies: 51
Views: 23786

Re: Force fetch questions

One thing I never use is a plastic bumper. If you hold one near your face, you can actually smell the plastic odor. Dogs have X times are sense of smell we do so just think what they smell!?! I would do as Gonehuntin' suggests but I would use a canvas fabric bumper in place of the plastic. You'd be ...
by Featherfinder
Sun Jan 28, 2018 7:49 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Gordon Setter
Replies: 43
Views: 23970

Re: Gordon Setter

This is why I personally like white for my applications.
by Featherfinder
Thu Jan 25, 2018 4:02 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Young pup and training (am I falling behind)
Replies: 27
Views: 11185

Re: Young pup and training (am I falling behind)

Nmhuntr, you are doing fine with your dog but you do need a concise program to follow - a strategy - a clear format of some sort. You shouldn't just wait until one day when you get some sort of an epiphany. There are so many things you can do with your pup right now. Getting him steady is not at the...
by Featherfinder
Tue Jan 23, 2018 9:16 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Great quail hunting day
Replies: 5
Views: 6115

Re: Great quail hunting day

That's wonderful oldbeek! Beating cancer can be a battle in itself - one that too few win.
Sounds like the Big Guy took pity on you and gifted you one cracker of a bird dog, as well!
Keep making memories Sir. That's what it's all about.
by Featherfinder
Tue Jan 23, 2018 12:52 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Huns in Montana
Replies: 20
Views: 13165

Re: Huns in Montana

Cj, you touched on something. We hit literally 4 Cabelas before getting to our destination! Why are 1 ounce 6s so hard to find but there are lots of 1 ounce 5s? Are they not in demand or are they so much in demand, they were already sold?
by Featherfinder
Mon Jan 22, 2018 5:14 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Teaching Whoa With the EC On Belly
Replies: 48
Views: 22919

Re: Teaching Whoa With the EC On Belly

Polimaise, I have worked spaniels with an e-collar but no horses or singing. I couldn't remember the words. :lol:
by Featherfinder
Mon Jan 22, 2018 4:59 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Teaching Whoa With the EC On Belly
Replies: 48
Views: 22919

Re: Teaching Whoa With the EC On Belly

Ray,I have the utmost respect for the Tracey family - know them well. Don't know that Jeanette would recall me but George, Mary and Mike assuredly do. That said, I might have to try what you said. I got where I am because I am always willing to learn. CJ, I think what Ray was trying to convey is tha...
by Featherfinder
Mon Jan 22, 2018 10:21 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Force fetch questions
Replies: 51
Views: 23786

Re: Force fetch questions

One of the greatest differences between a novice trainer and an experienced one is knowing how to read a dog. Sometimes, success for your particular dog may be a struggle especially when retrieve training. You might get to a certain stage with a minimum of challenge but suddenly your dog bulks the e...
by Featherfinder
Sat Jan 20, 2018 9:33 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Teaching Whoa With the EC On Belly
Replies: 48
Views: 22919

Re: Teaching Whoa With the EC On Belly

RayG, as light as the stim is, dogs tend to move away from the point of contact. I would not put the prongs on top of the flanks, myself. The way I use a neck collar if absolutely required is to turn an ornery dog. Having a dog turn and having a dog stop in his tracks from the same source is just......
by Featherfinder
Fri Jan 19, 2018 11:08 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Huns in Montana
Replies: 20
Views: 13165

Re: Huns in Montana

CJ, you say you went lighter in your Beretta but you didn't mention what you actually would use on Huns?
by Featherfinder
Fri Jan 19, 2018 12:33 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: best overall dog?
Replies: 42
Views: 17893

Re: best overall dog?

His username indicates he's in the Midwest (MN specifically.) In any case, its a very rare hunt that (most) DD's, GWP's, WPG's wouldn't be up to the task due to the elements. I have seen a few GWP's and DD's that are slick or thin coated, but you can hedge your bets on that one looking at both pare...
by Featherfinder
Thu Jan 18, 2018 8:14 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Force fetch questions
Replies: 51
Views: 23786

Re: Force fetch questions

What a super post Gonehuntin'! Just two subtleties that apply to your specific situation. If you're going to want your dog on birds for the season - and I get that - I suggest that you not say anything once you drop a bird. Ideally for now, go to the dead bird yourself and keep your dog from getting...
by Featherfinder
Wed Jan 17, 2018 7:04 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Teaching Whoa With the EC On Belly
Replies: 48
Views: 22919

Re: Teaching Whoa With the EC On Belly

Rinker, I tend to do it similarly to what you described. You are correct too that once the process is complete, you no longer need an e-collar on the waist and for that matter, the only reason I still keep one on their neck is for insurance. I'd hate to think a particularly social dog wanted to run ...
by Featherfinder
Wed Jan 17, 2018 12:02 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Georgia Giant Bobwhite Quail
Replies: 6
Views: 5197

Re: Georgia Giant Bobwhite Quail

I tend to agree with gundogguy and Bonasa. Quality quail are not defined by color phase or size. I've used Tennessee Reds before. The only discernible difference I noticed was their color.
Funny....I've made that similar observation re bird dogs.
by Featherfinder
Wed Jan 17, 2018 11:18 am
Forum: Training
Topic: New to Gun Dog Training and WPG's
Replies: 8
Views: 5625

Re: New to Gun Dog Training and WPG's

1) We don't have access to birds, but have some wings and dummies that we have acquired. How should we start him on these? 2) He is a timid dog. How long should we wait before introducing .22 cal gunfire, and what is the best way to do this? 3) With him being timid, should we be skeptical of him be...
by Featherfinder
Wed Jan 17, 2018 10:24 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Teaching Whoa With the EC On Belly
Replies: 48
Views: 22919

Re: Teaching Whoa With the EC On Belly

I use the same process you mentioned (prongs on top) Shags when working with flushers but after the preliminary foundation work without the e-collar has been fully completed.
by Featherfinder
Wed Jan 17, 2018 1:35 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Huns in Montana
Replies: 20
Views: 13165

Re: Huns in Montana

Gordon Guy, I agree 100%. With the right RST shells, you get quality over quantity. Sadly, a large number of poor shots look at quantity in the hope that it will make them decent shots. It doesn't work that way. Hence my comment about never using 3" shells (unless with 12 gauge steel for waterfowl)....
by Featherfinder
Wed Jan 17, 2018 1:22 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Teaching Whoa With the EC On Belly
Replies: 48
Views: 22919

Re: Teaching Whoa With the EC On Belly

Gonehuntin' , I don't believe you understand the application of the e-collar on the waist or you would realize that there is absolutely no need to transition from the e-collar on the waist to the e-collar on the neck. Perhaps I can over-simply it this way: The use of the e-collar on the neck is the ...
by Featherfinder
Tue Jan 16, 2018 11:02 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Teaching Whoa With the EC On Belly
Replies: 48
Views: 22919

Re: Teaching Whoa With the EC On Belly

I use this an integral part of my training. The check cord on the flank is the critical foundation to this process. As with ANY e-collar process the discipline is in the person with the controller. If this is done incorrectly, you may instill some serious issues on your dog. I remember when folk use...
by Featherfinder
Sat Jan 13, 2018 8:30 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Searching for my next hunting dog
Replies: 31
Views: 11953

Re: Searching for my next hunting dog

3schwenk11, I can't help I'm setting myself up but I will answer this as sincerely as I can then, let the chips fall where they may. Hunting over a bird dog for "ME", is about watching the dog the whole time it's working, not just when it's on point. So for one thing, that means how a dog flows rath...
by Featherfinder
Sat Jan 13, 2018 8:11 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Searching for my next hunting dog
Replies: 31
Views: 11953

Re: Searching for my next hunting dog

Meller, that I cannot dispute!
by Featherfinder
Sat Jan 13, 2018 3:45 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Huns in Montana
Replies: 20
Views: 13165

Re: Huns in Montana

Gordon Guy - 16 gauge....sweet! I used a wide variety if RST shells too (20 & 28 gauge) but not their 1 ounce 20 gauge loads. Most of what I used was lighter but also had a lighter application such as woodcock, or when dropping birds during training. RST also make 2" shells and paper hulls as well. ...
by Featherfinder
Fri Jan 12, 2018 7:33 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Sit, stay, heel
Replies: 9
Views: 4217

Re: Sit, stay, heel

Lovely "heel" from that dog. Totally useless to the student as to how the dog got there....just as Polmaise stated.
by Featherfinder
Thu Jan 11, 2018 9:12 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Gordon Setter
Replies: 43
Views: 23970

Re: Gordon Setter

Gordon Guy, I do see both dogs but the backing dog is harder to see for sure. The more white on my dogs the better but I do see your point (no pun intended). Still, color alone does not a good dog make. :wink:
I would love to see your Gordon working!
by Featherfinder
Thu Jan 11, 2018 9:08 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Gordon Setter
Replies: 43
Views: 23970

Re: Gordon Setter

Ricki is a VERY nice Gordon, for sure! Belongs to a delightful, dedicated lady (Janet) that has done very well with Ricki in trials. ...if that's Ricki? It's been awhile since I've seen Janet/Ricki.
by Featherfinder
Thu Jan 11, 2018 10:49 am
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Pet Insurance
Replies: 21
Views: 11024

Re: Pet Insurance

Thank you for clarifying my post oldbeek. Yes...that is what I was trying to say. Sorry if I was unclear. Let me try this way. You rarely get something for nothing these days. Most times, if you do, you got what you paid for. You just haven't figured it out yet. A friend paid $4800 for chemo (Gordon...
by Featherfinder
Thu Jan 11, 2018 10:40 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Gordon Setter
Replies: 43
Views: 23970

Re: Gordon Setter

Sorry, this one is a reproduction. Best I could do. This is "Thunder" FT Ch. Got his title running against GSPs, Britts, etc. Also had AF placements (horseback pointer trials). This is the Gordon that judge Sherry Ebert called a "true AA Gordon". He looked exactly the same backing (which came with i...
by Featherfinder
Thu Jan 11, 2018 10:24 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Gordon Setter
Replies: 43
Views: 23970

Re: Gordon Setter

This is "Meg".
by Featherfinder
Wed Jan 10, 2018 7:32 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Pet Insurance
Replies: 21
Views: 11024

Re: Pet Insurance

All insurance companies and casinos are built on the same model. The bottom lines is: The "house" never loses. So who IS paying these ever escalating exorbitant expenses? (Duuh....!) I remember when you could go to your Vet and gets shots and an examination without enrolling for the payment plan. Ge...
by Featherfinder
Wed Jan 10, 2018 7:25 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Partially Gun Shy
Replies: 43
Views: 16525

Re: Partially Gun Shy

"I support my Theory with Common sense: Often many who take any dog through a progression of training successfully often profess how they achieved it. For example ,if a dog has been successfully introduced to shot for the purpose intended using 'their' way and it worked ! Doesn't mean that the same...
by Featherfinder
Mon Jan 08, 2018 11:50 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Huns in Montana
Replies: 20
Views: 13165

Re: Huns in Montana

I use a 20 gauge double gun with 2 3/4" Kent 1 ounce #6s - choked I/C and mod or, in my favorite fixed choke "Huns" gun, I/C and full. I hate having to chase cripples and I am careful to take one bird out of the covey at a time or you limit out too soon. In doing so, I focus on that bird and ideally...
by Featherfinder
Fri Jan 05, 2018 10:39 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Looking for training timetable for a pointing breed
Replies: 26
Views: 10432

Re: Looking for training timetable for a pointing breed

Haven't read that book but that title says it all.
by Featherfinder
Fri Jan 05, 2018 10:29 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: best overall dog?
Replies: 42
Views: 17893

Re: best overall dog?

I'm a bit reticent to suggest anything at this juncture as well because the (early info) initial breed I might have suggested is a Lab which the OP excluded from the get-go. In my past experience, I have found that some guys/gals have really already decided on a personal favorite and are more-or-les...