Walking through the fields with your shotgun over your arm and your poodle by your side. What could be a better way to enjoy an autumn day in the country? I know, making pheasant picata with wild rice for dinner and knowing the the pheasant is fresh from your poodles lips. I have been field hunting with SP's since 1982 having been encouraged by my husbands uncle Alfred McBrien handler for Blakeen kennels and close friend Sherman Hoyt. I have trained all three of my poodles with field trail Springer trainers, National Cham. Pond View Kennels and some great Lab folk. The charming Richard Wolters was a particular friend and supporter of poodles in Retrieving.
How to start? Basic obedience with emphasis on sit and come. Hold and force fetch are a must for almost all retrievers since there can be no options in retrieving to hand in the field.
First bird for puppies are pigeons. Lots of them. Develop love of birds and intense interest.
How to make a field hunter? Lots of experience on birds and not letting bad habits develop. We start puppies in a set up training field with two gunners (helpers) walking about 40 yards on the left and 40 yds on the right . We walk down the center with the puppy encouraging it to hunt to the gun on the left, two whistles toots and handle to the gunner on the right. At some point we throw a pigeon so that the pup will scent it upon turning. This teaches quartering within range of the shotgun. There is no substitute for actually flushing lots of game birds early on in the training. This can get expensive but is well worth the effort. Each time the dog is successful in hunting her confidence grows . Every success adds to skills in the field. Working with the wind to scent is fascinating to watch. Taking your dog out with a very well trained and experience dog is very helpful in developing confidence and boldness
It is wonderful to watch your poodle working on her own with very little help from you and her great pride in bring your game in to you. It is a great incentive to become a good shooters.
