upland bird dog training

[Degner]

Does anyone know of any good upland bird dog trainers in the Salem or Eugene areas. I have a 4 yr old vizsla and am getting a new puppy shortly. What age would you rec. begining formal training on birds?

Thanks

[hen slayer]

Degner I started my golden retreiver german shorthair at 2 1/2 months. on opening day he was an idiot. next weekend he put up 11 roosters within 15 minutes. After that he was all business. He still needs some work but he works and listens to me most of the time.

[Vandal]

Degner,
Every pup is different...I had a black lab female that was a dynamite hunter by 6 months old...I wish she was still around...now I have a three yeard old yellow lab that posesses a disturbing quality "the world's thickest skull" but despite this he has successfully retrieved way over a hundred birds so far in his short life.
As far as professional trainers in the area I have not a clue about anyone who specializes in Vizslas....but there a loads of kennels in the valley that focus on retrievers. :grin:

[jdbrightfish]

hi i started my labs at 3month and my brittanys at 3months and the lab was water retreiving ducks at 4months and i have a new lab that i am starting next month if that helps

[jdbrightfish]

vizsla' you can just try and if it don't want to try, just try the next week but if they have a good blood line they should pick it up real fast good luck

[Labsforme]

Tim S.(don't know spelling) at Sauvie Island kennels.He used to be one of the top field trial trainers of GSP in Oregon.Just trains hunting dogs now because gets to be at home with the family.I have seen him with GSP,Brittany's etc and he seems to be good with all of them.If you want to train your dog yourself the book by NAVHDA is good plus they have a local chapter to get with.Many dogs are so called natural hunters but if you want a polished easy to handle hunting companion it takes work by some one.

[ 03-17-2003, 05:27 AM: Message edited by: Labsforme ]

[Bendman]

I would strongly suggest that you take you and your dog to a weekly clinic. I can't remember exactly but a few minutes east of Eugene there is a guy who holds training classes for you and your dog. The reason that I would suggest this is because even if you have your dog trained by someone else and you don't know how to keep your dog polished he/she can regress. Anyways the guys name is Stan Zorn and his number is 541-683-5183. If I remember right he is very reasonable also. I think only like 75.00 for a couple month of weekly classes

[Degner]

Thanks for the input!

[FISH HAWK]

I would strongly recommend Tim at Sauvie Island Kennels. He is really good. If you need his number send me an email.

Matt

[salty dog]

Degner,

I've hunted upland birds for 45 years over dogs that have been professionally trained and dogs that have not. The dogs I had professionally trained worked well for the trainer, less so for me. I realized that the problem is not always with the dog, but rather the handler. I currently hunt over a 2 year old English setter that is not only my hunting dog but also a household pet and companion. I specifically chose her from a proven bloodline. I have not had her professionally trained and probably will not unless she picks up a habit I can't handle. I started her on obedience training as soon as she recognized her name. Now when I hunt, she listens to me, comes when called and never goes more than gunshot range from me that I can't call her in. If I could shoot as well as she points and holds birds, we'd have pheasant on the table more often. I carry a whistle but have used it only once or twice. She probably won't win a judged event and I've yet to work her with another pointing dog so I don't know how well she'll back another dog. I truly believe that if you have a dog from a good bloodline, teach them the basics, work them frequently, and treat them like a companion you won't go far wrong. Good luck.