ShopPosts Tagged ‘Dogs’
Changing of the Guards
Friday, May 7th, 2010
During the summer months – At precisely 11:30am – a very popular spectacle can be witnessed outside of England’s Buckingham Palace: the changing of the guards. Lasting roughly 30 minutes, weary guards are swapped out for fresh bodies with greater precision than a Swiss watch. Surrounded by pomp and circumstance, tourists can be seen snapping photos and admiring the scene before moving on to another source of entertainment. Over the past week it has become clear to me that Buckingham Palace isn’t the only place to observe this symbolic change.
Since I was nine years old I’ve been lucky enough to have the same hunting dog by my side. Always retrieving ducks and pheasants with unwavering enthusiasm, her past 14 years have been filled with fond memories and funny moments that I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of. However, this past season she made one thing clear: she wanted to collect her 401K and was ready to pass the torch on to another deserving pup.
Coming to the realization that your best friend is no longer physically able to keep up with you is a heart breaking one and my only resolution was to simply get a puppy. Pushing away any thoughts of betrayal and hoping that my old wonder-mutt would be able to teach the new dog a few tricks, I made a phone call. At the other end was Justin of Hunters Point Kennels in Marshalltown, Iowa and a few months later I had a beautiful yellow Lab puppy in my arms.
Hunters Point Kennel's Double Curl "Beau" checking out her new yard.
Her name is Beau and she’s been with me for exactly one week. Full of energy, enthusiasm and bold as can be, she’s exactly what I wanted out of a puppy. In time I’m sure my old friend will take a liking to her (once Beau leaves her tail alone) and I’ll be able to throw doubles off the front porch for them. But until then, I’m just going to take note of the wise old sage watching the puppy from a distance and remember the past while looking forward to the future.
Every year this happens in households all across the country. There are no bands playing, no one is marching in step and neighbors don’t need a guide book to understand what is going on. This is the way our old hunting dogs would want it. They’ve dedicated themselves to doing our will and putting smiles on our faces and the only thing they want from this “changing of the guard” is a pat on the head, a spot by the fireplace and the feeling that they’ve done a good job. However, a retirement fund full of raw hides and tennis balls doesn’t hurt either.
Puppy Pointers from the Staff of Pheasants Forever
Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
PF's Greg Emerick says a one-word training tip (CONSISTENCY) can turn a bird dog into a pheasant machine like his Gordon setter, Hazel
The Pheasants Forever headquarters features a parade of bird dog puppies these days. Fellow blogger Andrew Vavra became the latest puppy papa with a new yellow Lab named Beau. He joins National Pheasant Fest guru Brad Heidel’s black Lab, Otis, and Karlene Carlson’s English setter, Rusty, as this spring’s new additions to the Pheasants Forever bird dog family.
This morning, I visited a sampling of bird dog owners throughout the Pheasants Forever office. The question I posed: “What one nugget of advice would you offer a first time puppy owner to help them shape a fantastic hunting companion and family member?” Here are their responses:
“Be consistent, especially between the husband and wife; make sure you both use the same commands and have the same rules, like staying off furniture.”
Allan Ferguson, Controller and owner of small Munsterlander, Millie
“Be sure that your living arrangements provide enough space for a high energy bird dog. Our Lab was originally given to a shelter because the previous owners didn’t have enough room for a Lab in their townhome.”
Ron Leathers, Government Grants Coordinator and owner of black Labrador, Molly
“Make sure you get your puppy out playing with other puppies and dogs. Socialization is very important for a hunting dog, but often over-looked.”
John Edstrom, Merchandise Supervisor and owner of two English setters, Chance & Jake
“I think it’s important for people to know that a good hunting dog can certainly be a good inside dog and member of your family. The idea that a hunting dog has to live outside is a myth.”
Carol Durtschi, Membership & Accounting Services and owner of Springer spaniel, Scout
“A little bit of training every day will keep it fun for the pup and get you where you want to go. Be mindful of not over doing it.”
Eric Tarasewicz, Webmaster and owner of chocolate Labrador, Cocoa
“My advice is use consistency: feed at the same time every day, take outside at the same time every day, use the same terms (such as if you say “off” instead of “down” don’t change it) and tell people to use the same term when they’re around them. Eventually the dog will catch on and you can change the schedule a little, but as a puppy it’s a must! It’s as much about training the person as the dog.”
Joe Duggan, VP of Marketing & Corporate Relations and owner of two Boykin spaniels, Snickers & Buck Shot
PF Journal Editor Mark Herwig takes joy in doing his own bird dog training, pictured here with his Springer, Hunter
“I am a big proponent of training your own bird dogs. It doesn’t take a bunch of time, but it does take knowledge and dedication. Pick up a good training book and you’ll be able to do it yourself. The bond you’ll form by doing the training yourself is incredibly strong.”
Mark Herwig, Editor of Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever Journals and owner of two Springer spaniels, Wolf & Hunter
“One word: CONSISTENCY.”
Greg Emerick, Director of Corporate Sales and owner of Gordon setter, Hazel
“Follow through is critical. Don’t change your expectations. Be consistent.”
Lou Ann Hausladen, Grant Assistant & Life Member Services and proud owner of recently passed yellow Lab mix, Rosie
“We potty trained our youngest Brittany using a bell. Every time we took him out, we rang a bell with his paw for him. After about a week, he rang the bell by himself when it was bathroom time. It has been so much easier than any of our previous dogs.”
Diane Weyandt, Director of Membership and owner of two Brittanys, Jake & Cooper
Well there you have it. Lots of great dog training advice from the folks at Pheasants Forever. Is there something we missed, please feel free to post your own tips below. Thanks!
Thinking Spring
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
Have you heard the cackling of roosters this spring?
It’s supposed to break 70 degrees today in Minnesota. Those temps have got me thinking about spring. Here’s a mixed bag of what’s rattling around in my head today.
Pheasant Mating Season: Have you heard the roosters cackling? That’s right, it’s mating season for ringnecks with the all-important nesting season right around the corner. The peak of the pheasant hatch typically occurs about June 10th. My fingers are crossed for a warm and dry early June in states like Iowa, North Dakota and Minnesota to help the birds rebound after a harsh winter. In western states, I’m hoping for some early spring rain to green up the vegetation and kick off insect production. Did you know that pheasant chicks’ main diet right out of the shell is a high protein insect buffet? It’s true. Learn more about pheasant nesting season and the ringneck’s lifecycle by following this link. Also stay tuned to www.PheasantsForever.org. PF’s super intern Jared Wiklund is putting the polishing touches on Pheasants Forever’s 2009/2010 winter impact assessment.
Morel Mushrooms: According to www.Morels.com, folks have already found morels as far north as Ohio and Indiana. It seems like we may be in for an early mushroom hunting season this year. Excellent!
Boat Shopping: My wife Meredith and I are in search of our first boat. As a household with two non-profit incomes (Meredith works for Ronald McDonald House Charities), it’s going to be a used starter boat. We’re looking for a skiff that will satisfy our fishing focus of muskies, pike, bass, and panfish . . . with a little sun deck for the gal when the fish aren’t biting. Hopefully we find one this evening . . . the ice is coming off Bald Eagle Lake today – our neighborhood fishery.
College Sports Predictions:
NCAA Basketball Champ: Michigan State University Spartans
NCAA Hockey Champ: Miami (Ohio) University RedHawks
Timberdoodling: That’s right, Trammell (my German shorthaired pointer), pointed her first woodcock of the spring on a WMA near Forest Lake, Minnesota last evening.
WMAs closed to dogs on April 16th: Speaking of bird dogging, please remember that Wildlife Management Areas in Minnesota are closed to dogs on April 16th through July 14th to protect ground nesting birds like pheasants and ducks. Please be sure to check with your state’s natural resources agency to find out when your public lands are off limits to canines.
My Pheasant Fest Top Ten
Monday, February 22nd, 2010
Check out all the details at www.PheasantFest.org
Pheasants Forever’s National Pheasant Fest 2010 kicks off in Des Moines this Friday and runs through 5PM on Sunday evening. It’s the organization’s biggest stage, and attractions will range in scope from habitat to hunting and bird dogs to art. Here are the top 10 things I’m excited to check out this weekend at Pheasant Fest.
10. Miss Pheasant Fest. Miss Iowa will be joining the Iowa Trapper’s Association in their booth at Pheasant Fest on Saturday from 11AM to 5PM. No, seriously. Be there.
9. Jared Wiklund’s big break. I love seeing dreams come true and at 1PM on Friday, our department’s intern gets his big break as emcee of the Bird Dog Parade kicking off Pheasant Fest.
8. Cooking tips. I enjoy cooking wild game and am looking forward to gaining a few tips from Machine Shed Chef Roger Johnson (Friday at 2PM in Seminar Room 5) and Cheyenne Ridge Signature Lodge Chef Carl Hawkinson (1 hour seminars each of the show’s three days).
7. Missouri Quail & SoDak Roosters. Two seminars I’ve got my eyes on are Bill White’s (Missouri Department of Conservation) talk on quail habitat and Tommy Kirschenmann’s (South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks) talk about South Dakota pheasant mythology and truths.
6. Ask a Vet. Stop by the Intervet booth at any time during the show and you’ll be able to get any canine medical answers you need.
5. Speaking of Dogs. I love bird dogs; particularly my German shorthair pointer from Top Gun Kennels. I’m looking forward to checking in with Steve Ries of Top Gun Kennels and Native performance dog foods. I’m also anxious to take in seminars from world renowned trainers and SportDOG prostaffers Tom Dokken and Rick Smith.
4. Blue Dog Debut. Did I mention that I love bird dogs? Here’s one more. The Blue Picardy Spaniel will be making its Pheasant Fest debut during the Bird Dog Parade. Never heard of a Blue Picardy before? Me neither. Wonder if they are really blue?
3. Storm Reports. In the spirit of Federal’s launch of Prairie Storm, be sure to check out Pheasants Forever’s Facebook fan page throughout Pheasant Fest. Anthony Hauck and I will be posting “Storm Reports” (Pheasant Fest video reports) throughout the weekend.
2. Big News about CRP? USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack will be the keynote speaker at the Pheasant Fest noon luncheon on Saturday. He’s hinted about bringing us some big news about the future of CRP. Our pheasants, quail, and members are all ears.
1. Seeing good friends. Pheasants Forever accomplishes our habitat mission because of good people. I’m most looking forward to catching up with a bunch good people. Some folks I’ll be making a point of connecting with at Pheasant Fest are:
- Bill Mitchell of Dakota Hunting Farms
- Steve Ries of Top Gun Kennels & Native
- John Howard, Chad Hines and the rest of the Native performance dog food crew
- Casey Weismantel from the Aberdeen, South Dakota Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Mike Solberg of The Grand Lodge
- Krieg Jacque, artist from Visions of Wildlife
Outdoors Troubadours
Monday, February 15th, 2010
This photo has all the makings of a good song - bird dog, young lass, and a guy that likes both.
On a recent road trip, I got to thinking about hunting and fishing references in music. I’m something of a music fanatic. I listen to a wide array of genres and focus on lyrics most of the time when driving down the highway.
It’s actually pretty rare for bird dogs, fishing lures, and flushing pheasants to be referenced in musical lyrics, especially if you throw Brad Paisley out of the mix. It’s also next to impossible to find hunting & fishing not referenced in a metaphorical way to chasing young lasses. Anyway, those observations aside, here’s my top ten countdown for the topic.
Top 10 Songs Featuring a Hunting or Fishing Reference
10. Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy by Big & Rich: Gigging frogs and old bird dogs allow this way over-played song to break into the top 10.
9. All He Wants to do is Fish by The Replacements: Minneapolis grunge pioneers showing off their Midwestern outdoors roots. If they spent more time fishing, I will dare say more of them would still be alive. Great tunes though.
8. Ashes of San Miquel by Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers: This song squeaks into the list because it’s by my favorite band. Don’t let that stop you from giving it a listen. You’ll hear a sentimental tune about a dead hunting buddy and a return visit to a favorite hunting spot . . . sort of.
7. Old Bird Dog by Rhett Akin: It’s a new song that Kenny Chesney and Crossin Dixon have also recorded, but Rhett cracks the trio to win this spot in my countdown.
6. Mud on the Tires by Brad Paisley: Moonlight on a duck blind, catfish on a trot line. The only thing that hurts this song is Brad’s new truck isn’t a Ford.
5. Famous in a Small Town by Miranda Lambert: She just got the first buck of the season . . . wish my name was “Buck.”
4. I’m Still a Guy by Brad Paisley: A fantastic theme song for any hunter or angler.
3. I’m Gonna Miss Her by Brad Paisley: A guy courageously admits to choosing fishing over women.
2. All Summer Long by Kid Rock: Walleyes from the dock in Lake Michigan. I heard this song during the summer of 2008 and thought it was about my childhood growing up fishing on Lake Michigan . . . again, sort of.
1. Fishin’ in the Dark by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band: It’s probably a predictable choice, but give it a listen with a fresh ear. This song is a classic.
Honorable Mention: Keep Fishin’ by Weezer: The only thing about this song having to do with fishing is the title, but I felt compelled to mention another one of my favorite bands in this category, so help me welcome Rivers and the boys of Weezer.
Comic Song Entry: Second Week of Deer Camp by Da Yoopers: The signature song from my Yooper brethren. It’s a hunting season staple in the St.Pierre cd case.
I’m certain that I’ve failed to list a few of your favorites, so drop a comment below with the song title and artist I’m missing.
The Einstein of Bird Dogs
Sunday, January 17th, 2010
If you owned the "Einstein" of bird dogs, what special commands would you teach?
I just watched a BBC video of a dog that researchers claim knows over 340 words. In the video, the dog picks up different toy animals on command.
Really, the “Einstein” of dogs is discovered and the best way these Austrian chowderheads push the limits is teaching the pup to pick up Nemo. The poor pup probably wasn’t even taught the word “sausage” like the recent Bud Light commercial. “Sausage, sausage, sausages!” I always love that one. Now that’s worth knowing if you’re a canine.
Anyway, it got me thinking. What would a bird hunter teach the rocket scientist of Labradors, Brittanys, goldens or shorthairs. Hmmmmm.
Yes I know, “Beer Me,” is an obvious command.
Likewise, a dog that understood his/her ability to serve as a “wing man” when attractive ladies approached would be monumental. Imagine if your bird dog would “flirt” on command for you. It would change the world of dog parks.
Sorry for that tangent. Back to the field.
For personal reasons, and for the avoidance of unpleasant situations, a dog that knows the words “skunk” and “porcupine” would be considerably helpful.
But perhaps the Holy Grail of bird dog commands would be “sorry about that miss.” We’ve all been there; your trusted canine does EVERYTHING he/she has been trained to do. He or she’s found the bird and locked on a solid point only to watch you unload both barrels without fluffing a feather. In disgust, your pup turns back to you with that confused, disappointed wrinkled forehead as if to say, “what happened there, boss?” At that moment, a “sorry about that miss,” would seem life altering. But, hey, that’s just me.
Tell me, what command or word would you teach the Einstein of bird dogs?
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