Posted By: hunting_guy
Training with live ducks - 07/18/16 03:00 PM
I purchased some pen raised Mallards over the weekend for training. Buck has already been introduced to birds as a pup, and then again during FF. He hasn't had feathers in his mouth since the early spring though. I plan on dispatching one of the birds and doing a few simple mark retrieves on a check cord so he gets used to then again, then using the remaining live birds for some water work, cripple training, and tightening up steadiness to wing and shot.
Any trainers have any advice, do's and dont's, or drill recommendations for working your dog around live birds?
I'm going to start simulating real hunts as much as I can before hunting season starts and I figure live birds are the best way to do that. He's been trained on all this stuff with bumpers, but I know live birds can make the dog forget alot when prey drive kicks in.
Any trainers have any advice, do's and dont's, or drill recommendations for working your dog around live birds?
I'm going to start simulating real hunts as much as I can before hunting season starts and I figure live birds are the best way to do that. He's been trained on all this stuff with bumpers, but I know live birds can make the dog forget alot when prey drive kicks in.