question with the puppy

deepfried · #1 07-26-2015, 08:53 PM

Hello All
I have a 7 month GSP , and was wondering if there is anywhere in southern Alberta where I would be able to take him for a walk and get him a little exposure to some live birds. I have been training him pretty good with dummies and such but would like to see how he does out in a true field environment. He is very good , and I would be able to control him from hurting birds as he has run after a few in off leash parks here in the city , but he will come back when called. Just trying to get him ready for hunting season , or even see if he will be ready for hunting season.
Thanks

B.Balon · #2 07-26-2015, 11:02 PM

Have you tried Frank lake near high river. I'm not sure what the wild bird population is like there but it is a pheasant release site. I'm not too knowledgeable on the area around Calgary but if you come through Lethbridge I can point you in the right direction.

Newf · #3 07-26-2015, 11:08 PM

Give wwbirds a shout. He might be able to help you out. He trains dogs as well as having a shooting preserve for pheasants.

oldgutpile · #4 07-27-2015, 05:08 AM

Some guys have frozen birds that they put out to give their dogs a bit of bird experience.
X2 on giving wwbirds a shout. He lives near langdon and can set you up with a few birds. At least this way you are guaranteed to let your dog get some scent.
I really like to discourage people from going out looking for wild birds this early, as the young birds can only fly a short distance and the dogs find them fairly easy to catch.

ACKLEY ABE · #5 07-27-2015, 07:07 AM

Lots of NAVHDA members in Calgary and area and lots of members of Calgary pointing club as well. Take a look at their sites, I'm sure there are a number of ppl that would help you out. Lots with GSP's as well. Congrats on the pup. Nice breed.

Raptor · #6 07-27-2015, 07:25 AM

Are there any good bird/dog trainers in around the Edmonton area?

Winch101 · #7 07-27-2015, 07:38 AM

Huns are the size of sparrows .....still a little early ....lots of help
At Wwbirds .... ..

alacringa · #8 07-27-2015, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACKLEY ABE

Lots of NAVHDA members in Calgary and area and lots of members of Calgary pointing club as well. Take a look at their sites, I'm sure there are a number of ppl that would help you out. Lots with GSP's as well. Congrats on the pup. Nice breed.

Schaffer and I got a Wildrose NAVHDA membership and attended several training events this year. It was very helpful. Pretty much the only events remaining for this year are the mock test and testing weekends, AFAIK.
I've been unable to find any info on the Calgary Pointing Dog Club. Their website no longer exists, and the most recent info online seems to be from 2013.
I would prefer to wait on wild birds at this time.

densa44 · #9 07-27-2015, 09:35 AM

If so I'd recommend buying a few birds and take them home with you. You won't be shooting them so they will last a long time.

Also Abe is right but we have introduced a "fun hunt" after the test weekend, were the dogs and hunters work in teams of 2. Schaefer will love it.