My Crazy Dog

Launchers Are A Great Training Tool For Bird Dogs

Training your bird dogs to hunt, whether it’s for flushing, pointing, or retrieving, there are great tools at your disposal. Bird and Dummy Launchers are available with remote control devices that can be used together or separately to fill your training needs.

Remote Bird and Dummy Launchers

Whichever launcher you’re using (bird or dummy), you can use a remote control with it, allowing you to train your dog without having extra trainers to run the launchers for you. Without a remote, you’ll need a person at each launcher to “man the switch.” This can be distracting for the dog.

A bird launcher is designed to emit a number of sounds and beeps to help your dog learn the sounds that he will hear when he’s hunting with you. The type, be it a dummy launcher or bird launcher will be dependent on what kind of training your dog requires. And because your goal is to have a well-trained dog who will make a great hunting partner, launchers are perfect for the job.

Bumper Launchers

For those who work alone and who would like to be able to launch a dummy more easily and to greater heights and distances than they can by throwing, this is the solution. This allows you to train your dog to retrieve game that is further away and allows for more realistic “launch, shoot, retrieve” scenarios versus the hand-thrown method. Using a remote, another great feature is added: sounds and surprise. This allows you to launch the dummy from somewhere not next to you and to do so while holding the gun poised to fire. This gives more realistic training.

Bird Launchers

To train a pointer or flushing dog, bird launchers are almost essential. A significant advantage with these is the ability to set up multiple launchers in the field to simulate an actual hunting area. Dogs are natural hunters and honing those skills is most easily done by mimicking what their skills were bred for. Training a dog to honor another’s point for the flush and to be effective in finding and pointing are much more easily done while using a bird launcher. Pointing dog trainers have been using them for years and now flushing dog trainers are seeing the huge advantages these tools can offer as well. Using the low-ground spring latch, these launchers can effectively train for quail and pheasant as well as high-flying birds like fowl.

Tags: bird dogs, bird launchers, bumper launchers

Supplies to Train Your Bird Dog

To ensure that your dog is able to successfully work with you on a hunt and is well-trained in the art of hunting, there are certain supplies you’ll need. The range of supplies includes crates, training collars, whistles, bird launchers, and more.

Basic Hunting Dog Supplies

Because most hunting dog owners get their dogs from known, reputable breeders, getting a puppy means complete training. It will take effort from both you and the new puppy, but having the right aids will make your lives much easier.

Dog Crates

Training your puppy with a crate is essential. Crate training not only eases house training, but it makes transport to and from the field when hunting much easier. Teaching puppy to like the crate now will make sure that he doesn’t rebel when you try to put him in one later. Crates utilize the puppy’s instincts for “denning.”

Dog Whistles

Because dog whistles are made for dog ears only, humans will not be bothered, thanks to its high pitch. When used correctly, your dog will learn to return to you right away when he or she hears the whistle. This will ensure that your dog will come to you when you can’t see him otherwise, allowing for ease when you’re getting ready to leave.

Duck and Game Whistles

Duck and whistles are not the same as dog whistles!! Duck and game whistles are used solely for training your dog how to flush and retrieve game. You can use these whistles to aid training of your dog along with the appropriate bird launchers. The use of these whistles helps you to teach your dog how to act in the field. It’s important to note that some whistles offer both features – the game whistle and the calling whistle.

Dog whistles can be used to teach a dog to flush and retrieve, but the two should not be confused with other gaming whistles. You can find duck and game whistles in any store that sells hunting dog supplies. You can use them together with bird launchers as a simulation exercise for on-the-field training. Some dog whistles offer a few different noises so that you can use it call your dog and also duplicate the sounds of ducks and upland game.

Bird Launchers

You should train your new puppy to retrieve, as well as point and flush, and you should do so as soon as possible. Bird launchers are the choice training tool for most hunters when it comes to this kind of training. Use it with a bird whistle to show your dog what it will be like when you’re out together on the field. Regardless of whether you’re training to retrieve, flush, or follow, bird launchers are the top choice. You’ll find that a lot of bird launchers come with remote controls, each designed to train your dog to learn how to be a good hunting dog. Retailers of hunting dog supplies will usually keep bird launchers on hand.

Other Hunting Dog Supplies

In addition to the supplies mentioned above, you can find bumpers and dummies that can help train dogs in retrieval techniques in both water and on land. When used with a scent they can help train your hunting dog even better. Remember, the sooner you train your dog to get used to the field, your gun and prey the better he will be on the hunt.

Tags: bird launchers, dog crates, hunting dog supplies