New (to me) Training Equipment. Help Me Out...!!!

elijah79

elijah79

New member
Okay all, it's been forever since I've been in here so bear with me.
My wife and I just got rid of our last horse. We traded her for a bunch of stuff that will hopefully help me train my dogs more. I've got three GSPs and one Weim and they're all fairly 'birdy' but need refinement.

In the trade I got two of the Uplander G4 Launchers from: http://www.zingerwinger.com/xcart/product.php?productid=16428&cat=0&page=1 with the receivers, and also a 4 Shooter similar to the one pictured on this link: http://store.bumperboy.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=A4-Add4
I'm new to these contraptions and will definitely make use of everything, once I learn the ins and outs of them all. Any help from anyone in 'the know' would be greatly appreciated! I want to make sure I'm utilizing all of this equipment properly and in a safe manner. I'm open to information and/or advice on how these devices are to be used.
I've got three dogs. One is an eight or nine-year old rescue that is fully trained. She's a beautiful GSP. She's been out hunting with me on several occasions and has put up many-a-bird, but Dad isn't the best wing shot in the world. My other two will each be three-years old this spring. They're males and both are neutered but they both have all the drive and determination in the world. I just don't feel I'm doing them justice as of yet since I've never trained a bird dog before! I'm really enthusiastic about this whole thing, but I want to do it right. I don't have any intention of showing any of my dogs. They are strictly for hunting and home, but I want them to be able to work in the field, rather than being the untrained mess that I've seen so many times in the field with other hunters out there!
Please, advice and input are welcomed!
 
If you have access to pigeons. I would put them in the launchers and teach the dogs to stand there birds. When they first start acting like they smell the bird laucnch it. Repeat t drill tey will figure out to stand without giving a command. The video Perfect Start Peferct Finish is a great video on training.

Greatlawn
 
Where can I find pigeons on the cheap? I did a quick search on the internet here and all I could find were racing pigeons and the like. Does anyone know any decent resources to find pigeons for training purposes??
 
To be honest, I think you will struggle using those launchers for birds. They are way too big to hide in the grass effectively and I wouldn't want to throw birds that far. I'm sure you can lighten the springs so they don't launch that far. What brand of receivers do they have on them now? If they are dogtra receivers, I would order a couple of these launchers and put your receivers on them. http://www.gundogsupply.com/doqulaonq.html Get the perfect start/perfect finish videos and follow them. If you follow the videos, you will have well trained dogs. The 4 shooter is mainly going to be used for retriever training and I don't see much use in that for training a pointing dog. As far as pigeons, you could find another dog trainer who might have extras or check the local livestock auctions. I know there are sometimes pigeons on the auctions around here.
 
I have three Dogtra receivers that I got with them. The only dilemma I foresee is that they emit a duck sound, rather than that of a pheasant. I wish there was a way to change that, but I guess I'll do the best I can with the items I have on hand!
The Dogtra receivers, from what the gentleman at Zinger Winger told me, are excellent to use with these devices! I look forward to getting them out, once our snow melts, and utilizing them as much as possible!
 
I just wouldn't use the sounds. They are not necessary. My suggestion is to just make sure you are hiding those launchers the best you can. The purpose is to try to simulate the actions of a wild bird and how it flushes when the dog moves. If the dog can see the launcher, it will start relating the launcher to birds and then you will have them sight pointing it instead of scent pointing. Worse yet, the dog will just start running to the launcher and trying to rip birds out. Good luck with them and have fun!
 
Wow! Sure seems like a lot of money for what you get out of it.

Try planting pigeons with a check cord. After they flush let the dog chase 'em. If they are in the air the dog usually can't catch them. $3 a bird vs. what for a launcher?

Your decision.
 
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