Huckleberry Finn
Senior Member
- 15,973
- 135
Black Betty
- Thread starter jagermeister
- Start date
Rutin
Senior Member
Awesome write up Jim. Betty sure does seem to have a great work ethic and a nice on/off switch! Cant wait to see her successful trip to NoDak, make sure you take tons of pics. Its amazing how fast time flies with these dogs. One day they are a ball of fur on your lap and the next they are doing backflips when you get the shock collar out bc their so excited to go train!
I just got Sarge back from the trainer yesterday. I sent him there for 2 months so that the pup could grow up a little bit without rough housing with an older dog and getting injured. I'll have to do a write up about him, the light bulb has popped in his head and we are off to the races now. Sarge is at the same stage as Betty, T work is good on land but not as good in water. Duck season took a HUGE toll on his training.
I just got Sarge back from the trainer yesterday. I sent him there for 2 months so that the pup could grow up a little bit without rough housing with an older dog and getting injured. I'll have to do a write up about him, the light bulb has popped in his head and we are off to the races now. Sarge is at the same stage as Betty, T work is good on land but not as good in water. Duck season took a HUGE toll on his training.
Awesome man! Yea duck season can create a lot of bad habits. I did a decent job of not letting Betty get too far off track last season and I plan on being even more strict this season. First few hunts I'm sure I'll be more of a trainer than a hunter, but its gotta be done. It'll pay off I'm sure. Looking forward to seeing an update on Sarge!
I am definitely considering. Might be saved for retirement... but who knows. Depends where I find a permanent house and the land.
The Sandusky Bay Hunting Retriever Club hosted its fall UKC hunt test this past weekend and I took Betty up there to see what she could do. It was a great time. I met some outstanding people and gained a ton of knowledge from some awesome dog trainers. I had always thought I didn't need to join a retriever club but after this weekend I will be joining the SBHRC as soon as I can. There's just so many things you can train for in a club that you can't easily do on your own. If anyone has a dog or gets a dog in the future, I highly recommend joining your local club. And I highly recommend going to and running in some hunt tests. Unlike field trials, AKC and UKC hunt tests are set up to simulate real life hunting scenarios. Not only is it fun but it's a great way to get your dog primed up for waterfowl season.
I ran Betty in the 'Started' class on Saturday and Sunday, as did her brother Si. Both dogs did great and passed all tests. Two more passes for a SHR (Started Hunting Retriever) title. Nothing big, but it's a start. I look forward to running her at more events and working her up to more advanced classes.
I ran Betty in the 'Started' class on Saturday and Sunday, as did her brother Si. Both dogs did great and passed all tests. Two more passes for a SHR (Started Hunting Retriever) title. Nothing big, but it's a start. I look forward to running her at more events and working her up to more advanced classes.
Rutin
Senior Member
Ran Betty in another HRC test today, this time in Pioneer, and again she did great. She's running again tomorrow. With a pass tomorrow she'll earn her SHR title. One of the coolest things about today was the club ran a "speed dog" competition at the end. Dogs entered would run a basic 50 yds retrieve on land, but we're timed from start to finish. Betty ran it twice and actually won the event, completing her retrieve in a blazing 10.3 seconds! It was pretty cool. The club graciously gave me a 25 dollar gift certificate to Gun Dog Supply as a prize. A very long day, but a very enjoyable day. Back at it tomorrow!
I'm a little late but I thought a recap from this past hunting season was in order. Betty's second year in the fields and marshes was a great one. She's made some huge strides but there is always room for improvement. Ice fishing was really good to me this year but I'm happy to see the weather break because it means we can get back into regular training and running hunt tests. Here are some pics of Betty girl in action. 92 total retrieves on the season... Snipe, woodcock, pheasants, ducks, geese, doves, you name it.
Attachments
