The past few months we have been using the new Dogtra PL-1 pheasant launchers that we purchased for bird dog training. They are meant for use with large gamebirds but also work great for singles with pigeons. What has worked the very best is using the launchers for multiple quail or chukar to simulate a covey flush. The tone helps to locate the launcher when planted in heavy cover or to make sure the right launcher is activated. We use a set of three of these launchers from Dogtra in our gun dog training. We have found that sets of three are best for training sessions. We do a drill or method three times and then put the dog up. It helps to leave them hungry for more and limiting them to 3 helps to avoid burn them out or boring a young dog.

I was able to play with another Buster X Annie puppy this week. Bailey was on her way home to AZ from spending the 4th of July in Montana. She wanted to spend some time with us and see some birds. Bailey did great and pointed nicely. She even had a good retrieve on a pigeon and pointed a couple of bobwhite quail.

Lizzy is doing well in her bird dog training and continues to impress me with her drive and desire to find birds. She has a nice point and holds her head and tail high. We are working on whoa breaking her and getting her ready for her first pheasant hunting season. She was entered in a dog show in Idaho but we couldn’t get her a ride up there. I hope to find out if she has what it takes to be a dual champion.