We will be training every Saturday beginning January 28th. Please be on time so that we can leave the meeting location no later than 9:15am and convoy to the training location. We invite visitors to train with us and see if our club is right for you. We hand throw ducks or Dokkens so the younger dogs can get help if needed. Depending on the number of people and dogs we are normally done by 1pm or so.
There isn’t any structure to our training days. Those that attend should bring their equipment (wingers, holding blinds, bucket) and help set-up marks and blinds. The handler will decide how he wants to run the set-up when he gets to the line (including moving the line) depending on the level of his dog. In other words, the throwers and the blinds stay where they are, the dog moves up to a reasonable distance.
Everyone who runs a dog helps to set-up, tear-down, or throw a few birds. Do what you can; it’s most appreciated! If you run two dogs, do twice as much.
Jan. 28th Oak Grove Recreation Area
Feb. 4th Bald Mountain Recreation Area
Feb. 11th Lapeer State Game Area
Feb. 18th Highland Recreation Area
Feb. 25th Rose Lake Recreation Area
Mar. 3rd Oak Grove Recreation Area
Mar. 10th Bald Mountain Recreation Area
Mar. 17th Lapeer State Game area
Mar. 24th Highland Recreation Area
Mar. 31st Rose Lake Recreation Area
Apr. 7th Oak Grove Recreation Area
Apr. 14th Highland Recreation Area
Apr. 21st Omega Farms, Fun Hunt
Highland Recreation Area – M-59(Highland Rd.) to south Duck Lake Rd. Duck Lake Rd. to Livingston Rd., turn right onto Livingston Rd. Meet at parking area with pavilion (a little more than a mile on Livingston Rd.) at 9:00am.
Rose Lake Recreation Area – I-69 to Perry exit #105, meet at McDonald’s off exit at 9:00am.
Bald Mountain Recreation Area – Meet at Kmart parking lot at 1025 south Lapeer Rd., Lake Orion at 9:00am.
Lapeer State Game Area – Lapeer Rd. (M-24) to Daley Rd., Daley Rd. to Fish Lake Rd., turn left onto Fish Lake Rd., Fish Lake Rd. to Vernor Rd., turn right onto Vernor Rd., Vernor Rd. to Five Lakes Rd., turn right onto Five Lakes Rd., meet at parking area with pavilion on right side of road ( about half mile down Five Lakes Rd.) at 9:00am.
Oak Grove State Game Area – Meet at Venture Corners grocery store parking lot at the corner of Faussett and Argentine roads (6521 Argentine Rd, Howell, MI 48855) at 9:00am.
Training Group Etiquette Checklist
Published in BUILDING A RETRIEVER — Drills & More
Carol F. Cassity
Remember when working with your Training Group:
- Stay positive. Every dog has an off day. So does every human.
- Have a plan for what you would like to accomplish on the training day.
- In general, work 1 or 2 dogs only. This does not apply if it is the landowner.
- Be prepared to throw again and again for your training partners. They should be prepared to do the same for you.
- Offer to chip in for poppers, birds, primers, etc., if you are unable to provide your own.
- Be on time.
- Ask questions but don’t argue. Nobody will deliberately give advice that will mess your dog up. If you are not comfortable with what the lead trainer is telling you, don’t do it. It’s your dog – just don’t argue with someone who is trying to help.
- Don’t hog the line time. Work a couple of things and then move on.
- Give directions to your gunners before you run. Use landmarks if possible and have them point out angle of the throw before they throw.
- Know your dog and his limits. Just because your training group is doing a triple that doesn’t mean you can’t do singles. Train your dog at his level, not the groups.
- Be ready to throw and not run if your training buddy has an upcoming test and you don’t.
- Don’t get mad about poor throws. Everyone makes them and nobody does it on purpose.
- Do your homework. Work on recalls at home and other basics alone. Save group training time for things you can’t do by yourself.
- If you can’t stay and throw for everyone: don’t come. Running your dog and then leaving is the ultimate in rudeness.
- Pick up after yourself. Leave the training grounds cleaner than you found them.
