DOG TRAINING

Trust the Nose: Lessons in Recovering Downed Birds

Trust the Nose: Lessons in Recovering Downed Birds With Pacific CoordinatHer Ashley Hisey I want to share two memorable hunts in which my Braque Français, Peaks, recovered shot birds that I thought were surely lost to the landscape. I hope you can take away a few lessons from my mistakes and successes the next time […]

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Adopt or Purchase: Choosing the Right Hunting Dog

Adopt or Purchase: Choosing the Right Hunting Dog With Pacific Northwest Regional CoordinatHer Gina Deem Bringing a hunting dog into your family is an exciting decision, but choosing where that dog comes from deserves careful thought. Both adoption and purchasing from a reputable breeder can lead to an excellent hunting companion. The key is finding

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The Power of Play: Building a Bird Dog’s Nose

The Power of Play: Building a Bird Dog’s Nose Pacific Coordinator Ashley Hisey During my puppies’ early development, I love playing fun games that encourage their natural instincts. In fact, I continue playing these games well into adulthood. Hunting breeds are naturally driven to search, making scent games an excellent activity to introduce as early

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Conditioning for Confidence: Why Pre-Season Prep Matters – For You and Your Bird Dog

With just 12 weeks until upland season opens in many states, now is the time to commit to a purposeful preseason plan. The uplands demand more than passion—they demand preparation. Whether you’re gearing up for your first bird or your fiftieth, conditioning—both physical and mental—builds the confidence to go farther, hunt longer, and keep both

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Showing Up Right: How to Be a Great Participant and Volunteer at a Dog Training Event

Attending a dog training event—whether it’s your first or fiftieth—is always an opportunity to grow. These days are about more than drills and birds; they’re about building community, learning together, and helping each other raise reliable, confident bird dogs. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re working your way toward a NAVHDA Utility test, here’s

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