How to get started?

darlinggrl7 · Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 2:23 pm Post subject: How to get started?

I am very new to the Field Trial concept. Just found out about it pretty much today and was wondering where to get started. I read a few posts and its seems that most get started through a local weim club. I am from Oklahoma and I couldn't find any weim clubs that are close or even other clubs that hold training sessions for Field Events.

My weims are also 2.5 years old and I recently finished college and have more time to do activities with them. I also would love to see them do what they are meant to do, but the question remains.. where to start? It sounds like several people start looking at a club and are referred a personal trainer? I KNOW that people have to do this in Oklahoma since they hold a National in Ardmore.

Any help or suggestions?

LunaBrown · Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 2:38 pm Post subject:

My husband and I just started out a few months back in your shoes, and were referred to NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association)

We're still at square one for training, but they are very knowledgable and helpful people so far! We're members of the Minnesota chapter, here is the link to your local chapter: http://oknavhda.com/

Good luck, it's a fun ride! Smile

anne · Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 4:15 pm Post subject:

I don't know what part of OK you are in but Trinity Valley I believe has training days. NAVHDA is also a good place to start. Maybe I'll see you at Ardmore! I'm hoping to get to Nationals this year.

darlinggrl7 · Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 10:35 pm Post subject:

Thanks a bunch. You guys are most certainly giving me a starting point. I have looked at the AKC site and even though there aren't any Weim clubs around, there are Brittany, Retriever, and (several) beagle clubs. I am going to try to contact them and see if they know of trainers or camps to get acquainted with. I also went to a place called K9 University where they do a few classes on Tracking (more for rescues than for sport) and she directed me to the OKC Kennel Club. I found some email address that I am going to give a try as well. So, hopefully I can get my foot in the door. Very Happy

DanniGirl · Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 12:06 pm Post subject:

I agree with Mindy, look into your local NAVHDA club.
They will help you get started and they also hold tests as well.

ymepointer · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 11:38 am Post subject:

Another great way is to start bird hunting. Field trials after all are really only simulated bird hunting so to speak, with a lot of extra rules that don't necessarily apply to real hunting. Western OK has some real good quail hunting. I would try to take those dogs out to bird country and just let them run and explore the birdy haunts. This will get them started usually, especially if you can get them into some quail and let them bump and chase them. A good training video or book would not hurt either!
My eight year old daughter was given a Weim pup a few years ago and she is now interested in trying to train Rosie, we have posted some of the pics from our first training day in the YMEPOINTER album. I have hunted Rosie for the last two years but had never done any formal training with her on pen raised birds, but Anna wanted to so we are now going to see how far an eight year old girl and an 3 year old weim can go.

darlinggrl7 · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 11:54 pm Post subject:

That is awesome! I look forward to seeing their progress! I did some hunting around and found a place that trains all breeds for field trials in Vinita OK. It is 2 1/2 hours away from me but I'm still hunting around for something a bit closer. My home town is awfully close to Ardmore and maybe I can take them out some weekend to the field trial grounds and let them run. Would be interesting too see what they do. Smile

Thanks for the great tips.

darlinggrl7 · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 12:59 pm Post subject:

I contacted the OK NAVHDA branch and I may attend the training day this Saturday. I sent an email to see what I needed to bring and just some more general information about participation if not yet a member and such. Depending on what all I need to bring (and if I have these items) will depend on if I can go or not since it is short notice.

I just hope if I do go that I don't be a nuisance being such the newbie that I am. Embarassed

And I REALLY hope that if I do get to take the dogs that they won't be holy terrors! Never know since this will all be new to them/me. Looks like I'll be needing to get some orange stuff too.

peppernaei · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 1:14 pm Post subject:

Around here all the NAVHDA folks have been great to us and really helped us along. I was lucky and the first few times I didn't bring anything - since I didn't know what I was doing and didn't have anything. I just bought stuff as required. Our biggest expense has been birds since we don't have them running around everywhere.

I hope you get to bring your dogs and have a great time!

LunaBrown · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 1:29 pm Post subject:

I believe the only thing we need to bring is blaze orange for ourselves, and a check cord for the pup. With our chapter, birds are usually available for purchase on site. We have had new members come to their first training day without their dogs too, just to tag along and get a feel for what goes on.

Good Luck, and have fun! If the people of your chapter are anywhere near the friendly helpful bunch mine are, you'll do fine! Smile

DanniGirl · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 2:52 am Post subject:

Bring a stake out! Wink

http://www.lcsupply.com/Product/Hunt-Test-Equipment/Tie-Outs/LCS-Stakeout.html
Generally speaking, everyone will tie up their dogs.
Here's a list to help you out... Smile

1.) Water! -Bring plenty of water for yourself and dogs. (Make sure to include a watering container for the dogs.)
2.) Check cord, anywhere between 20-30' should work well.
3.) Stake out and if you have it, a hammer.
4.) Bright orange hat
5.) Cash...to pay for any birds you might use.
6.) Gloves. (-Trust me, if you have manicured nails like I do, it helps tremendously. Silly wink

)
7.) Camping chair

Hope this helps! Very Happy

PamK · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 8:48 am Post subject:

That's a great list. I bought most of those items at Home Depot.

But the gloves were the best purchase. I couldn't bear to touch the dead birds. yuck

My weim club hast hunt tests in Ardmore in November and April. I've never been but I hear the grasslands are the best place for them.

DanniGirl · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 11:31 am Post subject:

peppernaei · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 12:02 pm Post subject:

DanniGirl · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 12:21 pm Post subject: