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This novelty product aids in training a dog to follow a track. It is
called the "DRAG BAG". A small training bird (quail or pigeon) can be placed
inside this mesh bag . The bag has a cord attached, and the scent of the
live bird is dispensed upon the ground or cover. This device facilitates
in teaching a dog to follow a scent trail. |
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THE LIVE BIRD HARNESS WITH CORD
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Another product, which I recommend to trainers, is the mesh
"BIRD HARNESS". It is a poor man's device for planting game. It comes with
or without a release-cord. The corded version can be hidden in such a way,
so that the trainer can grab the release-cord while holding his dog on
point, via a checkcord. In this way he can plant and release birds without
using an assistant. |
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THE LIVE BIRD HARNESS CORDLESS
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The cordless version, can be used as an intermediate step, following
the use of feather on a fishing pole technique. The trainer merely, substitutes
this harness for the wing attached via the monofilament line. A fishing
swivel works nicely for attaching the harness to the line. With this version,
one needs to keep the dog restrained with a leash or checkcord. One may
also need an assistant to release the bird. |
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For many years, novice dog trainers have been confronted by dogs
that chew up, or crunch, the retrieved game. Most trainers attribute such
behavior to heredity, but more likely, the dog has developed this annoying
habit due to an error in training. To alleviate or prevent hard-mouth,
Bob West developed a unique retrieving aid, called the "FEATHER DUMMY".
Most retrieving dummies are made of either plastic or canvas filled with
hard kapok. The outcome of using such objects, is that the dog is learning
to carry hard objects in his mouth. More times than naught, a dog will
develop a tendency to crunch upon such chewable objects. Never let dogs
retrieve sticks or small hard objects for the very same reason. Once a
dog begins to chew or crunch the retrieving object, it only becomes worse. |
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FEATHER DUMMY
(filled with feathers)
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In an attempt to correct this situation, I invented a retrieving bag
which simulates the feel of a real bird. This nylon shell dummy is filled
with the feathers taken from a dead bird. If you hunt ducks, then use duck
feathers. If you hunt pheasants, then use pheasant feathers, etc. The dog
smells the actual scent of the game, which increases his desire to retrieve
that quarry. When he grasps it in his mouth, it snugly fills his oral cavity,
and therefore reduces the tendency to chomp. You develop his retrieving
ability in a natural way. I recall a national field champion, that supposedly
would only retrieve live birds. His owner was astonished to lose the bet,
when his dog repeatedly retrieved the "FEATHER DUMMY". |
