Gun Dog Forum

Can anyone make a list of tools/equiptment that il need for training?
Thanks Tom

Pick out a training program, order the book/DVD. After you watch/read you will know what you need to get. It really depends on the program you choose. I have used a command lead, chain gang, check cord, e-collar, etc. following SCS. If a training seminar is feasible, they are a great option. Some other things you can consider are bird launcher(s), pigeons, whoa barrels. Again it depends on the program and how much you want to spend, like anything else. Good luck!

Thanks

I.M.O. the things you really need , apart from a pup, are one lead ,one whistle, good walking boots and a good number of wild birds.

Bill T.

What if you don't have any wild birds around?? I don't think pa has any wild ones left....

YOu make do , starting with pigeons and graduating much later on to game farms. Sure not ideal but that's the way it is in many places. Of course you can travel to ideal bird country off and on , if you have the money.

People from here ONtario go to PA for grouse.
This would be a fun day for you.

viewtopic.php?f=90&t=41291

If I could have but one training aid it would be a check cord. Two I would add a remote release trap. Three add a leash. Everything that needs doing can be done with those three items.

A check cord or two. I always forget one in the field so I carry a spare. A good quality collar. Time and alot of it.

The most important training tool is between your ears.

Equipment needed to start - stout collar and lead, check cord (I like a 25' CC), and maybe a piggin' string (aka Wonderlead). I would not advise you to get an e-collar until your pup is over a year old, and you have a little experience working with the pup.

Nylon or leather collar.
Chocker chain,
Flat leash, leather always better
Check chords.
E collar
Dummy collar
Birds and more birds
Dummys assorted colors black/white, orange, white,etc each color serves its purpose
Bird launchers
Heel stick it's handy
Table,or barrel
Knowledge, some books and videos.
Just to name a few.

The most important training tools are knowledge of course. But patience, having an end goal, and to have fun while doing it are the best training tools you can never buy.

5ft leather flat leash
flat collar that buckles and NOT clicks together
25ft check cord
e-collar
bird launcher, remote is the best option if you don't have this then a helper when working with birds
choke chain
supply of pigeons 10-12 pigeons that home back to the coop
some land to train on
starter pistol
shotgun with blanks
training bumpers and/or frozen birds
Plenty of time and patience

Also the most important thing is a training program and follow it to a "T". Lots of them out there, some good, some bad. Lots of different ways to skin a cat just pick one that you think will work for you.

The last two posts are great!

Except I use the Buddy Stick (Do a Google and you will find an article I wrote years ago).

Neil

lists will be as varied as training regimes, what one person needs another will not.

my list

launcher/s
pigeons
maybe a check cord only if needed
could also make do without launchers but they make life easier.

Clearly a gun and birds are fundamentally necessary for a gun/bird dog.

For your first dog, hire a pro... Its cheaper to pay and have it done right then to buy everything and do it wrong and pay later.

I'd buy a good DVD or book (I'm a visual learner, so I prefer DVD's). I suggest and have had good luck with the Perfect Start DVD from Perfection Kennel. I buy permatack checkcords and they last forever. I have homers and use them frequently. That's about it for me (well, I do have a gun too). A good helper is invaluable. Also a group that you could join (NAVHDA or other training group) would be useful.

My suggestion to first time dog trainers is to find someone who has the kind of dogs that you like and seems to have some experience. Offer to help these people work their dogs for the opportunity to learn a few things and to possibly have them help you with your dog. I have no doubt that the various books, tapes, books on tape, etc... are very good. I think that one hour of hands on experience with someone that knows what they are doing, is worth more than 40 hours of video watching.

Absolutes Neccessities:
Quality Collar
Check Cord
Gloves
Bird Field (You gotta have a place to work with birds)

I would highly suggest these too:
Dog box or crate
Leash, lead, wonder lead, or whatever you want to use to maintain close contact
Stake out, chain gang, etc. to teach the dog patience and think about what you're trying to teach it

ultracarry wrote:For your first dog, hire a pro... Its cheaper to pay and have it done right then to buy everything and do it wrong and pay later.

Agreed.

I'm pretty sure that most people on here that own a dog other than a pointer would tell you to start off with a big club, preferably one made of oak.

mask wrote:I'm pretty sure that most people on here that own a dog other than a pointer would tell you to start off with a big club, preferably one made of oak.

My personal preference is hickory

Charlie

While the list of training tools available can be overwhelming, I've learned that the simplest and least expensive ones are some of the most valuable.

Properly used, the clicker, the chaingang and the figure 8 can fundamentally change any dog for the better.

I asked Rick Smith what he considered the most valuable training tool he has, and he said "The chaingang. If a dog won't comply and behave on the chain, he won't comply and behave off the chain."

I couldn't agree more.

Nate

birddogger wrote:

mask wrote:I'm pretty sure that most people on here that own a dog other than a pointer would tell you to start off with a big club, preferably one made of oak.

My personal preference is hickory

Charlie

I know they have a rep, but my pointer is really soft. Softer than the lab.

roaniecowpony wrote:

birddogger wrote:

mask wrote:I'm pretty sure that most people on here that own a dog other than a pointer would tell you to start off with a big club, preferably one made of oak.

My personal preference is hickory

Charlie

I know they have a rep, but my pointer is really soft. Softer than the lab.

You must have misunderstood. He is saying you need a big club for every breed except a pointer, but ofcourse I diagree.

Charlie