[puddles everywhere]

I have to drive for everything and totally expected this would be no different and that works for me So we are looking forward to the event in Nov. and checking the schedules for other groups to contact. Thanks so much for all the suggestion to expand my search criteria.

But for all you FT groups/trainers in the NE TX/ARK/LA area, remember to encourage the newbies. This has been a very frustrating process and I'm not the needy type but totally understand why so many people don't get involved with their dogs... at least in this area. It shouldn't be this hard to get your foot in the door. When people inquire, take a minute to respond even if you can't help. Answer questions about your sport. Groups around here could offer "fun" events, the newbies are willing to volunteer. Share your love of a working dog, it's more than a job.. it's a sport. And everyone had to start somewhere.

 

[DblTrblGolden2]

I have to drive for everything and totally expected this would be no different and that works for me So we are looking forward to the event in Nov. and checking the schedules for other groups to contact. Thanks so much for all the suggestion to expand my search criteria.

But for all you FT groups/trainers in the NE TX/ARK/LA area, remember to encourage the newbies. This has been a very frustrating process and I'm not the needy type but totally understand why so many people don't get involved with their dogs... at least in this area. It shouldn't be this hard to get your foot in the door. When people inquire, take a minute to respond even if you can't help. Answer questions about your sport. Groups around here could offer "fun" events, the newbies are willing to volunteer. Share your love of a working dog, it's more than a job.. it's a sport. And everyone had to start somewhere.

I think this is a problem in more places then just Texas.

For getting birds do you know anyone that hunts? My son supplies some birds, and a lot of wings, for our field trainer. We also have places you can go and buy different types of birds. You do have to have someone willing to share who the people are that raise them. The ones near us don't advertise, and when I say near I mean within an hour.

 

[Alaska7133]

In your state, when you trial/hunt test your dog, is possession of a hunting license required?


I am in New York. No license is required.

None in Alaska either.


Going back to your original post, I think it's required in California for shooters for events, but not for testers/trialers. I think I looked into it as a possible shooter for a national specialty a few years ago. I think they accepted your state's license that you were coming from, and didn't require a California license.


At one point, I did want all our shooters for club events to get Hunter Ed cards. I thought it would be good for gun safety to make sure everyone had at least sat through some of the horrifying videos what poor gun safety will do to you. But it was harder on the retriever side to find enough people with Hunter Ed cards.



My local spaniel club is working on putting on a Hunter Ed class. I think that every club, retriever, spaniel, pointer, hound, etc. put on Hunter Ed classes.

 

[puddles everywhere]

Thanks, but no I don't anymore but will be checking the boards at Tractor Supply & Ace to see if there is someone that does. They hunt something around here at this time of year & will post a note that I'm looking. I know I sound like those lost people looking for good breeders but have secured jobs with less effort than this!

I've emailed every training facility in 3 states (within 4 hrs) with active contact info. on the web since last March. I've received a total, TOTAL of 2 responses and one of those was simply telling me to find an obedience trainer. I found the WC event info on the GRCA (Dallas site was still posting info for 2016) and the contact for the event has yet to respond. Not exactly the image of a group wanting to promote the sport, their group or their event.
I can at least understand the FT kennels/trainers, to them this is a business.. they breed & sell & train and time if far too valuable to mess with a weekend warrior. But very disappointed in the GR club.

I may have over evaluated my dog but really think she could pass the WC but without a bird to test on before the event it seems like a waste of money to even try.... feeling a little defeated and haven't even tried yet! So keep your fingers crossed that the group at the event is far more welcoming in person than the committee putting on the event. I'm pretty sure there will be some birds available with this event and will bring small cooler w/ice

This is certainly not the expected plan but everything works out on God's time table, not necessarily mine.

 

[DblTrblGolden2]

Thanks, but no I don't anymore but will be checking the boards at Tractor Supply & Ace to see if there is someone that does. They hunt something around here at this time of year & will post a note that I'm looking. I know I sound like those lost people looking for good breeders but have secured jobs with less effort than this!

I've emailed every training facility in 3 states (within 4 hrs) with active contact info. on the web since last March. I've received a total, TOTAL of 2 responses and one of those was simply telling me to find an obedience trainer. I found the WC event info on the GRCA (Dallas site was still posting info for 2016) and the contact for the event has yet to respond. Not exactly the image of a group wanting to promote the sport, their group or their event.
I can at least understand the FT kennels/trainers, to them this is a business.. they breed & sell & train and time if far too valuable to mess with a weekend warrior. But very disappointed in the GR club.

I may have over evaluated my dog but really think she could pass the WC but without a bird to test on before the event it seems like a waste of money to even try.... feeling a little defeated and haven't even tried yet! So keep your fingers crossed that the group at the event is far more welcoming in person than the committee putting on the event. I'm pretty sure there will be some birds available with this event and will bring small cooler w/ice

This is certainly not the expected plan but everything works out on God's time table, not necessarily mine.

Duck Hunting | Dog Training Aids | Frozen Mallards

Try Frost Water Fowl in South Carolina. They sell and ship frozen birds for training purposes. It may be expensive, but it's a way to get a bird. It's not season here yet or I would have my son freeze one and ship it to you

 

[FTGoldens]

But for all you FT groups/trainers in the NE TX/ARK/LA area, remember to encourage the newbies. This has been a very frustrating process and I'm not the needy type but totally understand why so many people don't get involved with their dogs... at least in this area. It shouldn't be this hard to get your foot in the door. When people inquire, take a minute to respond even if you can't help. Answer questions about your sport. Groups around here could offer "fun" events, the newbies are willing to volunteer. Share your love of a working dog, it's more than a job.. it's a sport. And everyone had to start somewhere.

Puddles,

Have you visited the GRCA website?
At the following link, you will find a list which includes several trainers in Texas who, at some point in time, offered to help folks who want to break into the game of field training. (Note that if you join a group to train, you will need to offer to help by throwing bumpers or birds, carrying stuff into the field, etc. ... maybe even bring plenty of drinks and snacks to offer to everyone ... the more you help, the greater likelihood that you'll be invited back.)
https://www.grca.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Field-Network-List-3-16-2017.pdf

Additionally, the field liaison to the GRCA Board of Directors, Roger Fuller, is a Texan and can be reached at [email protected] . I suspect that he is in California for the National Specialty, but he may be checking his email and, if not, can be reached after he returns home.

More generally, you can find more about field training at the following link: https://www.grca.org/events/field-events-field-training/

And finally, the Field Education Committee of the GRCA has (or, at least, used to have) a Facebook page ... you must be a GRCA member and be admitted to join the site, but you may find someone through that avenue of social media.

I hope this helps.

FTGoldens

 

[puddles everywhere]

Thanks FT Goldens, lots of great info to check out... they need to update their TX part of the list but there are 3 working links and one I missed closer to Houston area but may have to widen my search for a bird. If you notice there is nothing on the list for Arkansas or Louisiana I live in a black hole when it comes to doggie activities.

 

[myluckypenny]

Thanks FT Goldens, lots of great info to check out... they need to update their TX part of the list but there are 3 working links and one I missed closer to Houston area but may have to widen my search for a bird. If you notice there is nothing on the list for Arkansas or Louisiana I live in a black hole when it comes to doggie activities.

This isn't cheap but at least it would get you started - Dog Training