Johnsonburg, Pa.:  Volunteers from the RGS Upland Bird Hunt Chapter, American Woodcock Society, Pheasants Forever, and the Rolfe Beagle Club put on an Individual, One-on-One Bird Dog Training Clinic on Sunday, 5/17, at the Rolfe Beagle Club, a premier dog training area in NC PA.  Eight bird dog handlers were selected to attend this one-on-one program with experienced bird dog trainers.  “We limit the attendees to only eight birddoggers so we can spend a solid two hours working on whatever the dog handler wants to work on,” said Bethany Ford, organizer of the training.

Larry, one of the attendees and handler of a springer spaniel, commented, “I learned I have some work to do, but now I know how to do it.”  Garrett, handler of a black lab said, “I learned lots of good tips to go back home and try.“  Brandie, handler of a wire-haired pointer, had a definite goal, “We needed those tips on ‘whoa’.” 

Sometimes it’s the simple things about learning what not to do.  Chase and Dan, handlers of a Brittany and Setter, respectively commented, “This training helped me learn to not make things worse.  It helped me put confidence in myself with my dog.”

The training needs this year consisted of handling, search, steadiness, pointing, and gun shyness.  Four trainers provided the knowledge needed for two hours of instruction.  The first session was from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., and the second session ran from 10:00 a.m. to noon.   Lunch and camaraderie ended the day.

The trainers were Tom McPherson, Garrett Baker, Jennifer Kellogg, and Trey Murphy.

Many people helped to put on this quality training event.  The following people provided key assistance:

Jack Hackley updated all the electronic bird launchers and provided bird crates.

Rolfe Birddoggers provided training pigeons and hoagies for lunch.

Garrett Balon maintained the club grounds prior to the event.

Johnna Winters helped on clubhouse organization.

Mary Hosmer provided coleslaw and chips.

Rolfe Beagle Club provided quail, a few pigeons, and all liquid refreshments.

Trey Murphy and Bethany Ford picked up the pigeons.

Jed Hamberger provided assistance wherever needed.

The next bird dog events at the Rolfe Beagle Club in NC PA will be an RGS Women’s Hunt on Sunday, September 13, and the Phil Fitch Memorial Chukar Challenge on Saturday, September 19.