Dog Training

Everyone knows we love our dogs.

But during the fall, we spend even more time with them because of hunting season.  

Although I am not the one hunting, we all pitch in with training.

Marie and Bennett are no different...they love to take the dogs out and work on commands with the dogs. 

One of their favorite games to play with the dogs is "bird down." 

This is where they drag a dummy with pheasant scent around in the tall grass without the dogs seeing.

Then they open the kennel and yell "bird down."

The dogs run out and try to find the hidden treasure.

Training also includes making sure the dogs are not "gun shy" by introducing the loud noise of a shot gun followed by praise.

With this being Maya's first hunting season and only the second season for Gus, we have been spending a lot of time training.

The kids are always anxious for this job but with it comes a lot of safety training and responsibility. 

Andy spends a lot of time teaching the kids about safe ways to train and hunt. 

This marked the first year that Marie was allowed to help with the gun sound training. 

She (with a LOT of Daddy's help) shot the gun (with proper ear protection).

She loved the experience and was very responsible with it. 

Even I took my turn with the gun...belly and all.

Thankfully Maya kept running around playing as if she heard nothing at all. 

We are anxious for a fun and safe hunting season for Andy & the dogs!