Dog Finisher Training????

[Andrew Smith]

I just ordered a new finisher for my dog and I was wondering if it came with instruction's on how to train your dog to use it????

[BIG DOG]

I would say probablly not, but 1st I'd introduce it in the yard, since it resembles a porta crate I would use your "kennel" (what ever you tell your dog to make him "kennel-up", then make him sit in it and have a buddy throw marks for him while he is in it. You could also teach "place". It should be fairly simple to do. I don't field hunt that much so my dog's place is under a tree, or on a dog stand, or the bow of a boat/dog ramp.

Cooksey or David could probabally tell you if there are training directions though.

GOOD LUCK!!

[Mark Brendemuehl]

Big Dog is right on as far as the training goes. This will be bound to be a little different for your dog. When I have tried with mine to hunt from blinds, they have balked about going in them at first. Some dogs like to be a little more free. All of my dogs have LOVED their kennels. Its a safe, quiet place of their own. You may want to just let your dog come and go from it until he is used to it. As he does this, give him the commands "kennel" or whatever you want to use, and soon he will associate it and add it all together. Have a friend throw the marks for you, so you can reassure and keep your dog in line during this time. Make it more realistic by placing decoys in the field, and maybe even your own blind. If you train like you are hunting, the dog will come around much faster, thats just a given.
One last thing, since dogs seem to manage to get wetter, dirtier and smellier than us, bring a towel with to wipe dry the blind before you put it away from use. It will hold up better and last longer.
Mark