Marks

[mcmsek]

How do I prepare my dog for its first year duck hunting in the aspect of not seeing a duck go down but knowing to swim out into the lake/river without being able to see it from shore? She kind of knows hand signals from the sit position, but once she is running through the field she doesnt respond to the signals, any advice for that too? Thanks

[Swamp Scooter]

You can work the dog in grass and cover and place dummies out and not let the dog see where they are. Then set up the dog at heel and send them on the straight back. Do not make it too far though. Once the dog finds the pile and comes back send them again. Then move back a few yards and send them again. Work out to a distance you think is sufficient for your area. Just getting them to look and search for the dummy is good. The first time it will be tough as they do not know there is really anything out there. Then it will become an easier game once they get the idea. You can also use your whistle and stop them on the way back with the dummy in the mouth. Do not overwork this though as it will slow their retrieve as they will anticipate the stop. So maybe once, if it works then go on and keep working.

[duckbuster]

At this stage I would suggest going to the closest railroad grade and fill up a bucket of rocks. Then next May give the dog to a Pro for the summer so that they can teach it how to handle and take a cast. If that is not something you want to do then next May start the summer by teaching the dog yourself how to do it.

It is hard enough for a Pro to teach a dog how to handle and take a cast in 5-6 weeks let alone an Amateur trainer like you or I.

GOOD LUCK!!!

[HunterLee]

i agree with the rocks. after i threw a few so she got the idea of my hand going towards where i wanted her to go. now she understands that if i point or throw my hand one way that its over there. be patient

[Swamp Scooter]

AAAHHH Yes.... The bucket of rocks. Even an easier solution in the short term. One thing I know we all have wished we had brought along. It IS a great thing not to forget. It is much cheaper than the shotgun shell that I am sure most of us have resorted to at one time or another.