Rusty Guns Kennel & Guide Service

Eastern NC's Premier Dog Training and Upland Guide service
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Importance of  a Command 
The training of a bird dog pup is something that can be a time-consuming exercise that if done right, will bring you as much joy and pride in life as anything you will ever undertake. Many hunters see a fine, trained gun dog in action and assume that they could never accomplish that kind of performance with a dog that they own. I am here to tell you that I have been there. I still find myself in that frame of mind from time to time when I am privileged to witness an exhibition of outstanding bird dog work between a top handler and a great dog in the field. I am also here to tell you that when we see one of these awe inspiring teams of man and dog in action you must look at them and in comparing them to your situation, realize that there is only one thing that separates a good dog from a great dog or even a "house dog" from a pot-licking idiot. That thing is time. Bird dog training is really just that simple. Even the best field champion you will ever see is doing nothing more than obeying basic commands very well AND using an extreme amount of talent to it's greatest potential to find and point birds for his boss. Most breeds of bird dogs today are being bred with more bird finding and hunting talent than ever before. All you have to do is spend alot of time with your dog to get him to apply that talent for YOU so that the two of you will be a solid bird hunting team. Neither of you is able to get a bird without the other, but together a team whose performance might even some day earn you honors on the field trial course, but will certainly gain you many new "hunting buddies" come bird season each year.
 
 

 
Basic Gun Dog Commands

Whoa

Here

Sit

Fetch

Close or work close

Heel

Whoa
The "whoa" command is the most important command for a bird dog to learn.Whoa simply means "stop, don't move your feet until you are told". It is an obedience command every bit as much as here or heel. It has many uses, from it's obvious use on birds in the field to extend the natural point, to just being able to put the dog somewhere and have it stay put while we take care of something else for a moment,to possibly saving the dog's life in traffic or other hazardous situation.
 
Here
 
The "here" command is equally important as the "whoa" command. If a dog learns any two things in their life it should be to stop on command and to come when called. This command can also be called the "come" command but "HERE" is a little easier to put emphasis on I think.
 
 
 Heel/Sit
 
These two commands are similiar as that they both require a slightly increased level of training and require a dog to actually learn as opposed to relying on instincts. The "Heel" command requires a dog to walk or stand aside from his owner. As to which side is owner preference, certain social rings believe it should always be on the right side. I'm perfectly happy if my pup walks along either side of me, just so long as they are with in arms reach.
 
The "Sit" command also encompasses the "Stay" Comand. If a dog is sitting; it's staying point blank. This command is used frequently in the field when utilizing your dog for retrieving puposes like duck or dove hunting. Additionally when you are introducing your dog to new people or asking your dog to stay put while set up training. 
 
 
Fetch/Working close
 
Like the "Heel/Sit" commands; these two commands require an even higher level of training. The "Fetch" command is exactly what it sounds like. You are asking a dog to retrieve an object or item for you and willinging give it to you. Most dogs will out of a genuine desire to please, want to bring you an item that you throw or that you are playing with. but to get a dog to do it everytime, all the time; the dog should be force trained to retrieve. This is not as bad as it actually sounds or amazingly difficult. the training involves actually showing a pup what you are asking or it to do and then through repetition ingraining that task in them.
 
The "Work Close" command is used for when we want our dog to work closer to us than they are usually comfortable. Most average dogs will work between 30-70 yards in front of us and quartering left and right, maybe 50-80 yards. The "work close" command should cut that distance in half or more. The reason this command would/could be used is if you are in an area with lots of vegitation/heavily wooded or if you as the "human" know there are birds in the area and the dog is just moving a little fast or not directly in the wind where they can find them.