Higher Temp Training sessions

[RUSS0079]

I know I'm sure I'm going to get some "NO NO's" From this but, the heart wants, what it wants. As I sat in the house awaiting another middle shift this morning. I decided to work the Steady Point pups a bit on the back of my property. I hobbled up a pigeon and set about putting the bird in a grousy looking location.

The temps were in the mid 80's this morning and a light breeze from the east. I leashed up Gunner and brought him down wind of the bird. As soon as I could see his demeanor change, I "Whoa"ed him. the bird was flushed and the dog stood rock solid. I released him and he locked up again. His little body was shaking. It was great. I brought him in for a drink and leashed up Stella.

The pigeon was reset and we repeated the same scenario. Stella, taking after her mom, began ground scenting the exact way I went in to place the bird. Then it happened. She got into the scent cone and I "Whoa"ed her. The bird was kicked up by Hunter and the same results. Solid dog, body shaking away at the flush. She was released and she took one or two steps and locked up.

The session was done and the bird was put back into the coup. Not bad for a few mins before work. Pups got to have some fun and I was reassured that I have the right bloodline for my way of hunting and guiding.

Thoughts on your max temps for short training sessions?

Russ

Steady Point!

[Esetterman]

keep em hydrated, and let them cool down in water if they need it, anything over 80 i dont let them go very long plus i get hot! usually scent is horrible at that time of day in that kind of heat. i usually wait till dusk on them hot summer days, but if your at work then you got to do what you got to do. i have a place back where im from with several ponds i let them go in the water as they please the dog will do what it has to just keep a close eye on them.

[Esetterman]

to answer your question 80 is to hot for me to be out in boots and jeans lol, id say the same for dog ... 80 and sunny is different then 80 and cloudy, specially with them black dogs. i guess it just depends. 52 sunny, 2 mph breeze in october with a frost setting in, is perfect. ill see that for 2 weeks come fall.

[RUSS0079]

Don't you worry about my black dog. She was in the house very pissed off that I was out with her puppies and not her! No one needs your braggin, Jesse!:razz:

[Esetterman]

actually, that is a serious thing to consider i used to goos hunt with a guy that had a black lab and it would get hot if the sun was on in. just something to think about, you dont have to worry about it with a white dog tho:fight:

[RUSS0079]

That's why I got GSP's and not some hairy long haired freaky hippy dog:wave:

[xxxlsneakbox]

Russ, I think living in NJ this summer we have no choice but to train in the heat. Just be smart about it. If you are working steadyness not around water maybe a good suggestion would be buy a kiddy pool and get the dogs wet b4 training.

[RUSS0079]

Ya I only run them for a few minutes. The funny thing is that they usually don't want to come in. The kennels are down in the basement so it usually stays about 66 to 68 degrees down there all summer.They come in and get a good drink and lay down for a bit to cool off. It is really nice to see them running so well. Can't wait till woodcock/ grouse season opens. These pups got a few pros to run with so we'll split them up for the first couple of runs so they can pick up some pointers from the Pointers! LOL.

Russ