Scout third JH leg

emily · Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 7:45 pm Post subject: Scout third JH leg

The last hunt test we went to Scout was all about chasing the birds. He acted like he had never seen birds before.
Well today he was on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Upon entering the bird field he found his first bird within 15 seconds. He held point and I was able to flush. He of course chased after the bird. We moved on and he found his second bird(one on the move). He held point and I did manage to get this one to fly too. His third bird he kind of stumbled upon and it popped up before he realized it(the wind was from non-existant to all over the place due to a big rain storm). His most stylish point happened next. I didn't even need to whoa him. He locked up and did budge. I couldn't see the bird so I got in for closer inspection....a feather. I attempted to flush anyway since he knows better than me. But it truly was just a feather. His fifth bird he also did nicely on. At this point I asked the judge if we were all set since the other dog was having some problems. I asked if we could move away from the field a bit to give them a chance. She looked me square in the eye and said your dog is a bird finding machine. It would be very nice of you to work your dog on the edge. The other judge helped us out last fall with setting Scout on some birds. He was much impressed with his progress. So I was all smiles after that. He qualified with:
10 in hunting
10 in bird-finding ability
9 in point
9 in trainability

I am very proud of my dog! Just one more JH leg to go!

heathr · Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 3:26 pm Post subject:

WOW Scout you huntin machine... congrats

DucksWild · Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 7:10 pm Post subject:

Congratulations, Scout! What impressive scores! Talented & Handsome.

How old was Scout when you started working on his JH? I'm not sure at what age I should begin with our new pup.

emily · Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 10:00 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys! I'm still smiling and so proud of him! I started him last fall. He was about 16-17 months old.

emily · Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 10:02 pm Post subject:

Oops, didn't finish typing....

We were kind of late comers though. Many people start them much earlier than that with the bird training(as in 6 weeks on). The important part about the younger years and birds is to make it absolutely fun. I would ask you breeder. She'd probably be more than happy to let you know when to begin her and what to do. I think you got your pup from field lines, right? So your breeder should know. But if she doesn't I would talk to anne as she would know the proper training needed or point you in the right direction! Its so much fun!

anne · Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 5:56 pm Post subject:

Erin,
The meiferts should be able to help you with this. But yes, as Emily says, you can start very early. All that matters when they are young is that they learn that birds are fun. In fact, many field people tell you to just let puppies learn on their own, take them places where they can run and learn to hunt. Put duct tape over your mouth and just follow. This alone is one of the best training you can do with a puppy. Wouldn't worry too much about the birds with a puppy either.
Anne

DucksWild · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 1:51 pm Post subject:

Fortunately for me, she was exposed to birds quite a bit when she was growing up with the breeder, and really likes them. I am just starting to think about what things I am going to need to do before I sign her up for her first test. I'm really much more worried about me than her - I totally trust she will figure it out, I just don't want to mess her up.
I've been reading some websites about how the test goes, and read the handbook on the AKC website. I've been to one, but I only got to see the Master Hunter dogs, and I was pretty intimidated by hand signals, whistles, etc. Any suggestions for futher reading, websites, videos, etc?

anne · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 6:26 pm Post subject:

OK, MH is intimidating, but you have to remember that JH is a far different story. This is mostly a natural ability test. Your dog can chase birds, and can be a little nutty. I'm sure she will do just fine considering her breeding!

There is a book called "Qualify!" that is highly recommended for beginners, but I'd have to ask around again how to get this book. Going to hunt tests is definitely a great way to learn, and talking to people.

emily · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 6:59 pm Post subject:

Erin, you really should go to another and watch some dogs run the junior hunt test. You will see a far different picture than master. I knew very little about what I was doing or what I would encounter the first time. I was nervous, but didn't really need to be. The judges were extremely helpful. And one of the best part is 15 minutes of bird chasing/pointing fun for Scout meant a very pooped dog the rest of the day! It tires them out in all aspects(both mentally and physically)!
I say go for it!!!

heathr · Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 2:41 pm Post subject:

Erin,
I am sure Gracie will do great. I got to see a hunt test too and all I got to see was MH as well. Damn, those dogs are amazing.
I was thinking about doing the novice retreiving dog ratings test that Leslie was talking about in July. I think I will be more nervous than Ridd will be though. I guess my big thing is geting out there and the dog not doing anything that even resembles hunting or worse yet, munching on cow poo the whole time. If you are going to a hunt test I would love to come and watch... maybe build up my courage, by watching you Shocked

give it a shot.

DucksWild · Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 12:07 pm Post subject:

Gracie's first hunt test is this Sunday. She's been out practicing in the field with birds and she's very consistent.
But I realized today I do not know the answer to this question: Do I need a starter pistol in Junior Hunter? I know all Gracie has to do is point, but do I need to flush? I know Gracie will look good, I just don't want to be the one looking silly out there. Thanks!

anne · Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 12:17 pm Post subject:

Yes you will need one, but you can borrow one from someone there. If you can get in front of her to flush by all means do so, and then fire your blank when she is chasing. If she points and then busts in on the bird, fire your blank. You'll do great, have fun and good luck!