Second outing with Chase.

Well a good trip out to the grouse woods on yesterday morning. didn't get any birds but I was very happy with Chase's performance, as follows

1) Excellent range
2) Nice wide zig zag search pattern, thirty yards each side of me, and thirty to forty yards out.
3) Crashed all though the tough stuff, and seemed to know that the thick stuff would harbor birds.
4) Came back when called (whew!), and went back to searching when released. That hot dog trick really works!!
5) When I changed direction he would automatically run out in front and begin a new search. Listened well to the 'this way' command.

He did find a hot spot, get real birdy, then sniffed the air and started to try to climb a tree. Lots of whimpering and action, as he smelt a bird up there somewhere. I looked up and around into the tree(s) and had no sighting. Then a grouse flushed from a tree about 20ft. away and 20ft. up. I did not get very good look at his flight path, but heeled Chase and went the general direction. Gave the 'hunt it up' and he went into search mode in that area. No second flush, didn't really expect one on this bird either, but I liked the team work.

A while later he found another hot spot, pointed, then I kicked things around a bit....no bird. He then ran to a tree nearby and tried to clamor up it again. I figure a feeding bird heard us and popped up into a tree, so he does have a bit of a nose. No other birds were found. We went out before eight, temp was about 2 degrees, no wind, and everything wet. I knew I was going out a bit early, and they would more than likely still be sunning in the tree tops. A good run nonetheless.

I'm so glad he's a slick coat, as the only burs he got were on his snout and lower leg furnishings. Back at the car he was licking me all over as I pulled them off, and had no problem when cradling him upside down on my lap to check his paws and belly etc for cuts or tics.

Not sure about the next outing, but I'm happy with this one. I will take an afternoon off during the week and change up the hunt to a 'magic hour' foray.

He's almost eight months old.

Oh...Happy Thanksgiving!

Don

What breed is Chase?

Great to hear that Chase is doing so well. I'd love to see some photos of him in action.

Way to go, sounds like you had a great day with your pup. Birds in the bag would be great, but the outing and teamwork is the best part. We run Britts and have found that a little spritz of Absorbine Showsheen really helps keep the burrs out of the feathers and armpits. You can buy it at farm supply or tack shops. Have a great fall season with Chase, he sounds like a wonderful pup.

You two are doing great. Enjoy the ride.

Chase is a pudelpointer.

Thanks. Now if I could only get him to heel while going for a walk, instead of pulling my arm off!

How do you guys get high energy bird dogs to heel?

Don.

Huntsmith Command lead (wonder lead) it's the best period.

Sounds like a successful outing! good work.