Dog training truck in snow
We got to take the new dog training truck out in the snow to see how it would handle the dirt roads where I run the dogs. Switched it to 4wd high and didn’t have any problems with the grade in 12 inches of new snow. The dogs are getting the hang of loading and unloading from the new dog boxes. The door height is a little small so they have to hit it just right to jump in there. Also, since the doors are side facing there is no landing pad or platform. They have to go right into the opening. The height from the ground is pretty low, lower than a standard pickup truck tailgate height. Overall, I am very pleased with the new dog training truck. In January we are hoping to go on our first road trip in the truck for some Arizona quail hunting.
Dog Training Supplies
My custom dog box arrived today from Diamond Deluxe, it was a pleasure working with Warren Brown and his team. The box was exactly what I had specified and better quality than I had hoped for. I am excited to have the last part of my dog training truck and get it all put together. I tried to design it to leave room for an ATV (four-wheeler) on the back of the flatbed. It looks like the fit is gonna be just perfect. I still have to go to Home Depot and get some bolts and L-brackets to permanently mount the aluminum dog box. I was really surprised how light it was and how well-built the dog box is. I’ll try to take another picture when everything is installed.
Dog Training Supplies
aluminum dog boxes, Dog Training Supplies, Gun Dog Training
I must have tried on about 50 hunting vests before I found the Pella Bird ‘N Lite Strap Vest at my local Cabela’s store. I was getting sick of the $10 cheapo vest that I purchased at Wal-Mart. With only a bird or two in the bag the collar would cut into my neck and shoulders like a knife. I knew I wanted a strap-style hunting vest but I couldn’t find one that felt natural on my back. I was surprised at the variety available and the insane pricing of some of the more popluar vests. Many times it seems like your paying an extra hundred bucks for the brand name.
The past few weeks I have been beating up my new Pella hunting vest and filling it to the brim with pheasants. I can comfortably fit about 6 big roosters in the back, a water bottle and 2-3 boxes of shells in the front pockets. The weight was distributed quite well especially with the extra wide waste strap. I’m not sure if this is a product that is easy to find in most sporting goods stores, but at my Cabela’s in Utah this was the only one left in the store. I’m glad I stumbled onto it, and at $80 it was reasonably priced. It even has the capacity for a camel-back style water bladder, which I picked up at Wal-Mart for under $20. I would recommend this product to anyone who hunts for more than a couple hours at a time. You can click on over to Cabela’s to check it out for yourself.
Dog Training Supplies
Dog Training Supplies, Hunting Gear, Pheasant Hunting
Read a cool article today in the pointing dog journal about an even cooler new dog training product. The Higgins Remote Releaser, was developed by Brad Higgins at HigginsGunDogs.com. Now the remote bird launcher is not a new idea in hunting dog training. Remote launchers have been in use for nearly two decades. The typical remote bird launcher has a catapult or spring-like mechanism that forces the bird up and into flight. This works pretty well unless like me you have a hard time holding the gun, the check cord, the ecollar remote and the bird launcher in two hands. The training scenario can go fairly smooth if you have a couple of buddies to help you out. But, if you are training your dog alone like I often do – forget about it. I usually hit the bird launcher button too early or too late, and even if I do get it right I miss an important correction for my dog because I am not paying attenting to his cues.
The Higgins Remote Releaser is a new concept that gently lifts the lid of the releaser letting the bird decide when it is time to flush. The releaser works almost silently using a hydraulic lift arm and gives a more realistic flush because the bird sits tight until it feels pressured by the dog to take flight. This is great for training a dog to be steady to the flush. After a few times of creeping in too close the dog learns to hold points at a safer distance giving you a better chance at a clean shot. I have yet to get my hands on this product, but can’t wait to get one and try it out. It really looks like Brad Higgins has got a great idea and a killer hunting dog training product. Click over to his site and learn more about the new Higgins Remote Releaser.
Dog Training Supplies
Bird Introduction, Dog Training Supplies, Gun Dog Training, Pigeons for Training
My wife finally gave in and let me purchase a new Polaris Ranger XP. It is a great utility vehicle for training dogs, doing yardwork or just heading into the mountains. I have ordered a front and rear windshield as well as a molded roof to keep the bugs out of my teeth and the sun off my head. I was wanting to get a Yamaha Rhino 660 but after several outings with my buddy in his Polaris Ranger there was no question as to what would work best for me. The ample storage compartments were a big plus for me since I am an old boy scout who likes to be prepared. You can fit two large kennel boxes in the bed which means you can haul up to four dogs, three grown men, plus all their gear for a day/weekend of hunting or camping in the mountains. It should be great for going fishing as well. The three seatbelts is a big plus for me as well as the EFI which I am told is essential at high altitudes. I cant’s wait to load up the dogs and go get my new ride muddy.
Dog Training Supplies
ATV, Hunting Gear, Polaris Ranger
After spending many hours on my ATV this past year going fishing and pheasant hunting – I find myself overloading my little Honda Recon ES. For the past few months I have been salivating over the new 2007 Yamaha Rhino 660 side by side utility vehicle. For pheasant hunting a Rhino provides considerably more storage in the bed for my dogs and gear. You can even get custom dog boxes for the Yamaha Rhino. The four-wheel drive would come in handy in the winter months and for getting deeper into the woods. The power would be three times what I am use to, but I think I could get used to it. The major selling point for me though is the safety of the roll cage and seat belts. Not that I ever plan on going over or crashing into things, but safety is a big deal at my house. I also find that I rarely go into the mountains alone, and sometimes taking two ATVs up the mountain is more trouble than it’s worth. Especially if my passenger happens to be one of my kids or an inexperienced ATV rider. There are some really cool add-ons and accessories for the Yamaha Rhino and it has much narrower wheel base than the Polaris Ranger which allows it to get into tighter spaces. I’ll be saving my pennies this winter and minding my manners so that I can convince my wife that a new Yamaha Rhino is a necessary part of our homestead.
Dog Training Supplies
One of my favorite drills to do with my dogs is playing fetch with a dog training dummy. A dummy can be anything from an old sock or tennis ball to a commercial dummy with a rope attached like the one pictured above. What you use for a training dummy doesn’t matter so much to the dogs. But, the commercial dummies do have some good features that make them worth their $4-$5 cost. My favorite dog training dummy is the “Lucky Dog” Soft Knobby Plastic Dummy available online from GunDogSupply.com. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors to match your dog training needs.
The best thing about the plastic dummies is their durability, they just seem to hold up real well over time. The rope handle is also a nice feature and I use the rope to throw the dummy. The soft knobby texture makes it easier for the dogs to grip and hold in their mouth. Dog training dummies are available in many shapes and sizes but this one has proven to be a good training tool for me and my german shorthairs. My dogs seem to be natural retrievers and enjoy playing fetch. I am careful to always end the game of fetch when the puppy begins to lose interest. For some dogs this happens after 3-4 throws while others will play for hours. I like to use treats to encourage a few more retrieves out of my dogs with less interest. The main thing is to keep the training fun and positive.
Dog Training Supplies
Frustrated by the lack of selection for dog leads and leashes, I decided it was eaiser and cheaper to just build my own. For less than $10.00 I was able to build a rock-solid ten foot long dog training lead. All of the materials are readily available at Wal-mart or your local hardware store. The swivel eye bolt snap hook was a couple bucks, the twine was under 3 dollars for a hundred foot spool and the 1/2 inch rope was 5 bucks. You can use just about any diameter rope you choose. I had an odd-length scrap of 3/8″ utility line that I bought at a sporting goods retailer.
The trick is wrapping the twine extremely tight to keep the ends secure. One loop secures the snap hook and a loop on the opposite end creates a solid handle. I chose to make mine about 10 feet long for working with my puppies in yard training. But, you can make any length for the training purposes you have in mind. The local pet stores usually only have 4-6 foot leashes and the sporting goods stores have 30 foot training leads but nothing in betweeen. I’ll see how it hold up overtime, but it seems to as sturdy or even better than the 30 footer I bought at Cabelas. Most rock-climbing or rappeling shops will sell scrap lengths of solid utility line that’s perfect for building a custom dog training lead.
Dog Training Supplies
I just purchased this one from Petco.com for my new german shorthair puppy Abby. It is important to have a good crate for potty training and to give your dog a place where he can get away from it all. There are literally hundreds of dog crates and portable kennels to choose from. Since I live in a small town I prefer to do my shopping for pet supplies online. I usually end up at Petco.com because of their great prices. Right now they are offering a 10% Off Coupon on all internet orders. If you live in a rural town like I do you can also try the local IFA or Tractor Supply Co. which often have a good selection of pet supplies.
Dog Training Supplies
