April.May2015 newsletter

Illinois NAVHDA Newsletter April/May 2015 This newsletter is dedicated to new handlers in the Illinois Chapter. It is a compilation of different thoughts and ideas I have come across as I started training. Ask questions: There are no dumb questions. Our club has many experienced handlers and they are happy to help you out with ways to train that you may not have thought of. Getting different viewpoints will give a trainer different options or techniques that may be better suited to his/her dog. As a new handler there were many times when experienced handlers left me saying to myself, “That is so simple, I did not even think of that.” Simple things like whoaing the dog before you feed them or putting them in a down in your house with a t-­‐shirt that you have worn and walking into other rooms gradually increasing your dog’s steadiness while you are gone. Illinois NAVHDA test dates will be October 3rd and 4th 2015. Test Site is Des Plaines Conservation Area-­‐ East Grounds Please contact for details: Test Secretary-­‐ Mark Belew Test Chairman-­‐ Vacant Upcoming 2015 NAVHDA Training Dates April 19, 2015-­‐ Seneca Hunt Club May 17, 2015-­‐ Seneca Hunt Club Ask the handlers to walk behind in the gallery to watch how they handle their dog: Experiencing and seeing how different handlers work a dog can give you ideas of how to work your dog. Also, you will see firsthand different training philosophies and styles. Get involved during the training day: This is crucial for a new member because you are showing enthusiasm to learn and help out. This could involve learning how to plant birds or drags, planting birds, being a gunner, or anything else the handler could need during his training time. Member News NAVHDA • Duchess and Greg Leuallen received a 182 prize II in Utility at the Illowa test AKC • Andy Carron and Rosie received their AKC Junior Hunter title Members, please let me know what you have accomplished!!! NO matter if it is from the show ring to hunt test to tracking or agility! We want to recognize all your accomplishments!! Keep up with the training at home: This is important because if your dog is not being cooperative at home then they may not be successful in the field. Working with your dog 10 minutes twice a day, will impact your dog’s field training dramatically. My dog looks forward to this everyday. She knows when I put on my boots or grab certain training aides what is about to take place. They aim to please. Keeping an open mind: You will find out that there are many styles of training a dog. You will need to know what your style is and what works best for training your dog. The forced fetch is one thing that some people will do and others will not. I felt that force breaking the dog helped my training the first year. Spring 2015 AKC Hunting Tests Events Held at the Des Plaines SFWA (See individual club’s websites for details) German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Illinois 4/5 AKC Hunting Tests-­‐ Double test Vizsula Club of Illinois: 4/18-­‐19 AKC Hunting Tests Weimaraner Club of Illinois: 4/18-­‐19 AKC Hunting Test German Wirehaired Pointer Club of Illinois: 4/11 and 4/12 AKC Hunting Tests Fort Dearborn: 4/11-­‐ 4/12 AKC Field Trial 4/25-­‐4/26 AKC Hunting Tests Please let me know of any additional upcoming tests so I can post them in the newsletter. Thank you Being consistent: Whether you are training at home or the field, be consistent in your training. This will help you and your dog out while training. Your dog will pick up on the way you handle them. Do not train mad: I have seen this happen to the best handlers and have even done it myself. You are not thinking and you may be the one making the mistake. What I have done when I get upset during training is put the dog up in their crate and come back to them later on in the training day. This way I can think about what went on and ask other people their advice on what to do in the situation. Turn your back when the dog is going on the retrieve while out helping other handlers: The dog may come to you if you are facing the dog or to close to the handler while helping out in the field. Reading your dog: This can be difficult for a new handler, it was for me. But knowing when your dog is picking up scent is important. This way you can get ready for whatever your next step in training is like grabbing the check cord on point, whoaing the dog, or any other steps that may need to be worked on. Expect to make strides in the training but also expect to have setbacks: Every time you may take 2 s teps forward, you can expect to take a step back. Reinforce what types of thing you have done in the but keep pushing your dog when you are past training. Expect your dog and you to make mistakes. Training is learning how to do something and learning to correct the mistake. Tips for the first day of training • Safety is the first thing to remember. Wear your blaze orange, safety glasses, and remember gun safety. • Bring a bird bag and collect your birds at the beginning of the day • Be ready to participate where needed. Help out with planting birds, etc. Stuff to bring to a training day: • Water • Water bottles • Check Cord • Leash • Treats • Whistle • Training Collar • Kennel for your dog • Blaze Orange clothes and hat • Shooting glasses • Insect repellant • Folding Chair • Snacks/drinks • Any other training equipment that you may require