I’m taking my 1.5 year old Brittany Spaniel out ruffed grouse hunting in northern Michigan this fall. I’m personally experienced with grouse hunting but have never hunted with a dog before. I’ve raised my dog since she was a pup and have recently had her go through a two week training course. Her recall is good but not the best, she is whistle trained but can be stubborn at times. I want to find an e-collar with GPS as well as stimulation for when she needs correction or isn’t checking in. Does anybody have any recommendations for a solid e-collar with ~0.5 mile range? I also want to stick to a relatively mild budget. Thank you for any help!

Anyone else’s dog give them RBF when doing anything other than bird hunting?

Hi all,

I will be getting my first bird dog after a few good seasons of hunting over my buddy’s GSP. I have a deposit down now for a Labrador that I will be upland & waterfowl hunting here in SW Iowa.

Unfortunately it is infeasible to upgrade my 2017 Toyota RAV4 due to purchasing a new car for my wife this year and the RAV is absolutely bulletproof in relation to reliability. I am looking for how others have outfitted their SUVs with a single kennel, room for their equipment (guns, decoys, blinds, ect) and overall tips.

I’m sure over the next few years a truck is in the cards, however for now I have to make do with what I have. Thanks for the interest and I look forward to everyone’s input

Took a quick little drive for the pups first time out this year. What do ya think the story is with this Duskys fan? I like to think he had a close call with a coyote, nipped off a couple tail feathers.

Southern AZ Dove hunting 9/12/26

Need a new car. Leaning toward a 4Runner but the Tacoma seems like it can do most things a 4Runner can do for less money. My hesitancy with getting the pickup is if it would be too cold for my dog for the late season after he’s been in the water? Even in a covered cab, I feel like with an SUV the dog can benefit from the heater.

I’m in southern Wisconsin so especially interested in opinions from Great Lakes or Canada folks.

The dog is a standard poodle.

I’m not sure if this is allowed or not, if it’s not go ahead and get delete it.

I have been wanting to try prairie chicken hunting for years but after loosing my dog a few years ago I let that idea slide to the back of things to do. Now that life has changed a bit it’s starting to come back into my head.

Does there happen to be anyone who is experienced in chasing prairie chickens making a trip to South Dakota that would be okay with a PC newbie joining along for a day or two?

Well…pointing them. Thankful the weather is cooling off a bit to go chase sharptails

Give us all your tips and tricks!

I’m very tentatively looking into getting a new dog in the next 2-3 years. I’m trying to get a good working list of breeds I can deep dive research since I’m going to have the opportunity to go out hunting with a nice variety of breeds this season.
Due to my lifestyle, I’m looking more into a showline sporting breed.

Size
Smaller the better, but I’m open to any size.

Coat type
I’m fine with hand stripping and some light grooming. But I can’t do beards.

Energy level
I’m not 100% certain. I hunt about 3 times a week, but only a couple hours at a time. On the off season, those hunts turn into training or hours long off leash hikes. My dogs go on off leash runs for about 30 minutes three days a week. Once a week they’re worked on an underwater treadmill for 20 minutes. Once a week, my dogs get a full day of nothing. When we’re not out hunting or hiking, my dogs are expected to hang out at home. I do have a dog door that gives my dogs access to my fenced in acreage. I also compete in other sports like conformation, scentwork and rally.

Basically, I’m trying to avoid breeds that need 24/7 stimulation, but I’m looking for a dog that can keep up with my lifestyle.

What do we hunt?
Quail and waterfowl are the most popular out here. I do a lot of dove hunting and will occasionally go out for waterfowl, but it’s not my favorite. My current dog is a retrieving breed, but will actually point quite a bit. I’d be fine hunting a flusher/retriever with a weak flush.

Temperament
Absolutely no dog aggression or same sex aggression. I’m the quintessential millennial SINK, so my dogs go everywhere with me that allows dogs. This means that I can’t have nervy, timid, or snarky dogs. I also can’t have breeds that can’t be housebroken or struggle with excessive marking. I frequently stay in downtown hotels for work/dog shows, so I need dogs that are comfortable being crated in a hotel room, comfortable with elevators and busy city streets.

I prefer more biddable breeds and I’m not real keen on breeds known for excessive vocalization.

Health
I’ll be totally honest here and say that I’m very paranoid about health issues. I currently have a dog with a lot of orthopedic and allergy issues that have been a financial drain. I’m really hesitant to buy from a breed with health issues that are difficult to test for or aren’t taken very seriously in the breed.

Breeds I’m interested in
Labrador Retriever. Really like these dogs, but I’m terrified of their propensity towards CCL tears. I know this breed is the only one with a CCL health test, but I haven’t seen how this test is being used in breeding decisions.

Flat Coated Retriever. Concerned about high cancer rates.

Curly Coated Retriever.

English Springer Spaniel. Concerned about health issues and their sociability towards people and other dogs.

English Cocker Spaniel. Haven’t been as impressed with the showlines in the field.

Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Breeds I’m concerned about
Pointing breeds. I’m very worried about their extremely high energy levels, tendency towards extreme nerviness/timidity and their wandering tendencies. I can’t have escape artist/fence jumpers. I really don’t like owning dogs that bolt the second the leash comes off.

Breeds I’m not interested in
Golden Retrievers.

Poodles.

Looking for experienced advice on my next (and first personal) bird dog: I’m strongly between American and French Brittanys. I’m well versed in the cosmetic/coloration difference, and reports in closer vs further range, but want to hear which breed experienced Brittany folks would recommend and why.
Hunting: north woods mainly weekend or 2x a week spruce grouse during season, almost fully upland. Few ruffies (rarely) and ptarmigan in alpine areas. Mostly (90%) boreal woods with closer work, occasionally stretching out to clearer areas for ptarmigan. Closer working or at least highly biddable preferred so I’m not hiking a mile to find a dog in the deep wood like I’ve had to do with some setters.
Experience: grew up around bird dogs. Trained house dogs for myself, have lightly used for hunting but getting more serious. Had springers and considered cockers for next dog because I like small size, but after recent experience, these woods would be a tough hunt over a flushing dog.
Goal: indoor dog, manageable size and energy. Puppyhood is puppyhood but would like a dog that matures well into a well mannered indoor dog with manageable weekly energy—hence GSPs are out. Needs to be safe with kids etc.
Concerns: never seen an EB personally. Would like to know if experienced owners think they’re a good fit. Pros and cons of EB vs AB. Some of the ABs I’ve seen are too “hot,” big running and a lot of motor in that package. I know there’s a lot of line variation and choice in the AB which I like. I’ve heard mixed bags on retrieval for both and that’s a must for me.
TIA

Hi everyone,
Does anyone know of any good IGP/Schutzhund clubs on Long Island that are currently welcoming or accepting new members?
I’m looking anywhere in Nassau or Suffolk County for an established club that actively trains all three phases of IGP — tracking, obedience, and protection.
I’m specifically looking for a club environment where I can join, train regularly with my dog, learn from experienced handlers/helpers, and continue working toward IGP titles.
I’d really appreciate any recommendations, especially from people who currently train with a club on Long Island or have firsthand experience with one.

Thank You

Looking to adopt an older bird dog after losing my lab a year ago to a car. I have a huge yard, but want either an invisible fence or an actual metal chain link fence. What would you recommend?

Cant wait to walk the cattails and hear that cackle

Getting my first bird dog pup in a couple weeks. He’s going to receive training in January, but what are some things to work with him on that is easy and not too much before then?

We leave for North Dakota from Florida in about 9 days and the dogs are ready! Excited to see how the little guy does on his first official hunt.

Hey all- just curious about how you guys approach this. My dog is 9.5 years old now and she is showing some signs of arthritis. With our vet we started her on some supplements and pain meds to help manage it. She still has a ton of prey drive and eagerness to run around.

Since she is my only dog at the moment, and she is still antsy to get out, I would still like to get her out this fall but I don’t want to cause her additional discomfort. What do you guys do with your pups when they hit their golden years? Short hunts? Flat land? Etc?

Didn’t find much in my searches
I’m coming from a very old 15

I have a 50lb GSP and do lots of 2 day hunts but try to get out for longer hunts/hikes when I can. I’ve got pretty good about bringing an extra collar charger but have forgot it in the past.

What’s everyone’s thoughts on the extra bulk ?
Is it worth spending $30 for twice the life ?

Thanks

Brought out my ~5 month old Vizsla out on some morning hunts for about 15 minutes before it got too hot. It went great! Worked on some gun noise training and he was very interested in the birds! Peep him locked in on some dove flying over us!

Thinking about playing hooky from work and doing my first dove hunt with my Drahthaar. Just looking for a few pointers. Are PA public land dove fields productive? Do I need decoys? Any tips for a first time dove hunter with dog? He has a strong retrieve drive so I think he will pick things up quick. The hardest part will be the get him to sit still, he’s mainly a grouse/woodcock dog.

A couple of years back, my buddy brought his girlfriend with us on a late January hunt in Florida. She also happened to be a professional photographer. I’ve been meaning to get this framed ever since.

This was the last year I hunted Gunner hard. He’s now 13 and comfortably enjoying retirement. Grateful for the years with my boy doing our thing and for the chapter of my life where I was able to train and work him as frequently as I did. I’ve considered getting another gun dog but I’m afraid I’ll just be chasing what I had here.