104. Training for Distance with Herding Dogs

WATCH on YouTube | https://youtu.be/wNS9TLk7Lno - In Part 3 of the Iron Oak Steadiness Series, we leave the post and take your dog to the field. But not for hunting just yet. We’re drilling everything—from whoa, flush, and shot, to rewarding restraint, randomizing retrieves, and even introducing visual backing. 🔶 What You’ll Learn in Part 3: ~How to teach steadiness in drive (not just in drills) ~The power of room service rewards vs. marked retrieves ~Using e-collar pressure during real bird contacts (safely) ~Creating dogs that expect the unexpected (so they stay steady) ~Correcting vocalization without hurting intensity ~Teaching backing as a visual cue, not a scenting accident ~Managing your setups, wind, and expectations ~Real-world tips: dummy birds in your vest, missed shots, communication with gunners ➡️ If your dog can handle this phase, they’re nearly a finished bird dog. 🛠️ Recommended Gear & Training Courses: StandingStoneSupply.com — use code GDIY at checkout to save 15%. 🔗 Useful Links:Watch the full series → [https://linkly.link/2ByWe] Join Patreon for early access → patreon.com/gundogityourself Chapters: 00:00 | Intro 01:00 | Establishing Point Under High Prey Drive 02:12 | Room Service Rewards vs. Marked Retrieve Drive 03:50 | Soft Points Explained: Why Control Lowers Intensity 05:01 | Patience Over Pressure: Don’t Rush the Flush 06:01 | Whoa Means Wait: Reps with Gunfire and Restraint 07:23 | When to Use the E-Collar During Bird Contact 10:18 | Real Hunting ≠ Training Drills: Why “Contrived” is Good 13:13 | Dealing with Vocalization During Steadiness Training 14:05 | Adding Complexity: Shots, Staggered Flushes, and Utility Prep 15:44 | Breaking the A-B-C Pattern: Randomizing Rewards to Prevent Anticipation 17:08 | Shooting Live Birds: When to Pay, When to Withhold 18:06 | Why keep Birds in Your Vest = Insurance Policy 22:02 | Missed the Bird? Still Pay the Steady Dog 24:01 | From Corrections to Consequences: Building a Finished Dog 25:31 | Teaching the Visual Cue: Backing Basics with Two Dogs 27:03 | Wind Direction, Setup, and Scent vs. Sight Triggers 31:04 | Stop to Flush → Stop to Dog = Backing Without Pressure 32:49 | Final Wrap-Up: Use What Works, Ditch What Doesn’t, Subscribe, Comment & Join Patreon --------------------------------------------- Support our sponsors: ~Standing Stone Supply | https://2ly.link/1vThi | Use Code 'GDIY' to save 15% ~Marsh Wear Clothing | https://2ly.link/1yJ7n | Use Code 'MWGD15' to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save MORE!) ~Trulock Choke Tubes | https://2ly.link/1yJ7k | Use Code 'GDIY10' to save 10% Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WATCH on YouTube | https://linkly.link/2CGYo - The whoa post is where steadiness truly begins for Nate Czarnota of Iron Oak Dog Company. In Part 2 of the Iron Oak Steadiness Series, we teach your bird dog exactly what “whoa” means using tactile cues, food rewards, and the belly e-collar. From first reps on the post to introducing the blank shots and flushing birds, this episode shows you how to layer steadiness cues for maximum transfer into the field. 🔶 What You’ll Learn in Part 2: ~How to teach “whoa” as a tactile and verbal command ~Why belly pressure is your dog's brake pedal ~Transitioning from leash to belly e-collar pressure ~Stop-to-shot and stop-to-flush protocols ~Rewarding with what matters most: the bird ~Avoiding common steadiness pitfalls like overdrilling or handler dependency ~Using tethers or homers to reduce training costs ➡️ This is the step-by-step bridge between “my dog points birds” and “my dog is steady through shot and fall.” 🎯 New to the series? Catch Part 1: “Do This Before You Teach Woah” [https://youtu.be/CE7T6FtXTEY] Watch Part 3 next week—OR get access now via Patreon (https://2ly.link/1vTic) 🛠️ Recommended Gear & Training Courses: StandingStoneSupply.com — use code GDIY at checkout to save 15%. 🔗 Useful Links: Watch the full series: [Gun Dog It Yourself YouTube Playlist] Get early access via Patreon → https://2ly.link/1vTic Chapters 00:00 | Intro 00:39 | Teaching the Tactile Cue: Belly Pressure Means Stop 03:04 | Why Every Dog Should Know “Whoa” Outside of Hunting 04:01 | First Whoa Reps: Pressure, Release, Reward 08:05 | Introducing Distractions: Can They Hold Steady? 09:05 | Stacking Cues: Verbal Command Before Tactile 10:02 | Testing Resistance: Can Your Dog Stay Still Under Pressure? 13:04 | Transitioning to the Belly E-Collar for Whoa 14:05 | Conditioning the E-Collar as a Tactile Cue 18:53 | Introducing Blank Shots and Bird Flush as Whoa Cues 20:16 | Whoa to Shot: How to Keep a Dog From Self-Releasing 24:09 | Stop-to-Shot, Stop-to-Flush: Adding Layers of Control 25:39 | Budget Training? Use Tethers for Reusable Bird Work 27:06 | How to Properly Tether Birds for Repeat Flushes 29:23 | Reward the Behavior with What the Dog Wants Most 31:30 | Building Duration: Holding Steady Without Pressure 32:36 | Returning to the Field: Don’t Let Steadiness Hurt Range 33:38 | Hand-Thrown vs Launcher Birds: Which Builds Range? 34:30 | Drawing the Line: Correction vs Reinforcement 35:41 | Last Reps: Drive vs. Control and Over-drilling Warnings 37:40 | Wrap-Up: Recap, Pitfalls, and What's Coming in Part 3 --------------------------------------------- Support our sponsors: ~Standing Stone Supply | https://2ly.link/1vThi | Use Code 'GDIY' to save 15% ~Marsh Wear Clothing | https://2ly.link/1yJ7n | Use Code 'MWGD15' to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save MORE!) ~Trulock Choke Tubes | https://2ly.link/1yJ7k | Use Code 'GDIY10' to save 10% Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WATCH on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CE7T6FtXTEY - Before you teach “whoa,” make sure your bird dog understands this. In Part 1 of the Iron Oak Steadiness Series, we break down the foundation every pointing dog needs before formal steadiness training begins. From sight-based drills and scent cone setup to using remote bird launchers the right way, this episode walks you through the most overlooked step in teaching dogs how to reliably hold point—without losing drive or confidence. - 🔶 What You’ll Learn in Part 1: ~How to build steadiness before the "whoa" command ~The #1 mistake bird dog trainers make with remote launchers ~How to read subtle signs of scent acknowledgment and caution ~When (and why) to launch birds early ~The difference between controlling drive vs. channeling it ~Smart timing, setup, and bird contact management ~When NOT to use the e-collar in early pointing work ➡️ Whether you're training for NAVHDA, AKC, or hunting season, these foundation drills are crucial for building a rock-solid pointing dog. 🧪 This is Part 1 of 3 in our steadiness training series. Watch this first to avoid common pitfalls and build toward a fully steady dog. Chapters: 00:00 | Intro 17:32 | Using Remote Launchers to Simulate Wild Bird Behavior 18:37 | The Art of Scent Cone Setup for Young Dogs 20:06 | Reading Dog Behavior: Subtle Cues That Signal Point 21:48 | Chasing Can Be a Reward—But Here’s How to Control It 23:06 | Why Fewer, Faster Reps Are More Effective in Steadying 24:33 | When Anticipation Builds Pointing Drive—Not Bad! 25:45 | Concealing Launchers: Scent Flow vs. Visibility 27:05 | Avoiding Superstitious Associations with the E-Collar 28:35 | Launcher Placement: Think Like Your Dog Sees 30:02 | Toad’s Field Run Begins: Timing, Chasing & Reward 32:33 | Fur vs. Feather: Can Dogs Tell the Difference? 33:38 | Pressure Triggers Flight—Creating Cause & Effect 36:01 | Why Early Launching Is Almost Never Too Early 36:54 | Sponsor Shoutout: Gear & Courses from Standing Stone 37:36 | When You Don’t Have Wild Birds—Train with Intention 38:37 | Don’t Use the E-Collar Yet: Avoiding Bird Aversions 40:42 | Pointing Complete? Pause Training, Build Drive Again 41:52 | Managing Heat, Fatigue & Contact Efficiency 43:27 | When the Setup Fails—Don’t Force a Point 44:37 | Avoid High-Stakes Corrections Without Context 45:31 | Tradeoffs in Training: Everything Costs Something 47:40 | Dogs Learn Best from Natural Failure and Correction 49:01 | Train Through Attrition: Let the Dog Fail, Then Succeed 50:29 | German vs. English Breeds—Teaching Point vs. Instinct 51:44 | Wrap-Up & What’s Next in Part Two of the Series CONTACT: Nate Czarnota | Iron Oak Dog Company | https://2ly.link/1xwdK Nick Adair | Gun Dog It Yourself | https://2ly.link/1vTif SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | https://2ly.link/1vTic SUPPORT THE SPONSORS: ~Standing Stone Supply | https://2ly.link/1vThi | Use Code 'GDIY' to save 15% ~Marsh Wear Clothing | https://2ly.link/1yJ7n | Use Code 'MWGD15' to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save MORE!) ~Trulock Choke Tubes | https://2ly.link/1yJ7k | Use Code 'GDIY10' to save 10% Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode touches on everything you need to know on the subject of spaying and neutering your dog. High altitude backpacking and acclimating the dogs Sporting dog owners are generally more knowledgeable than "pet dog" owners The "purpose" of our dogs and why or why not to get them fixed Orthopedic health considerations Making the right decisions for your females Making the right decisions for your males Weighing prostate concerns against the benefits of leaving them intact Behavioral changes after getting them fixed Balancing work load and weight after getting them fixed Diet/Nutrition is more important than activity level Supplements Procedural options -- Presented By: Standing Stone Supply [Use Code: GDIY to save 15%] Other Partners: ⁠Eukanuba⁠ // ⁠Bird Dog Society⁠ GDIY Links: ⁠Patreon⁠ // ⁠Instagram⁠ // ⁠Facebook⁠ // ⁠Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joel Ebstein of ⁠California Gun Dogs⁠ joins me to break down his experience and processes when it comes to trapping pigeons in an urban setting! How did this hustle start? Starting --> Training --> Selling "Legitimizing" the hustle The renewable resource Unloading the trapped birds Transitioning the trapped birds into homers? The cage setup (⁠Tomahawk cage⁠) Multiple compartments within the cage Food, Water, Shade Reasons you aren't catching any birds! Food options? Which is best? Bycatch Trapping in rural areas outside of the city ⁠⁠Joel's trap building Facebook video referenced in the episode.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Episode 136. Everything Pigeons Part 1⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Episode 137. ⁠⁠Everything Pigeons Part 2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --Presented By: ~Standing Stone Supply | https://2ly.link/1vThi | Use Code 'GDIY' to save 15% Supported By: ~Marsh Wear Clothing | https://2ly.link/1yJ7n | Use Code 'MWGD15' to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save MORE!) ~Trulock Choke Tubes | https://2ly.link/1yJ7k | Use Code 'GDIY10' to save 10% Other Partners: ⁠Eukanuba⁠ GDIY Links: ⁠Patreon⁠ // ⁠Instagram⁠ // ⁠Facebook⁠ // ⁠Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alston Peek makes his long awaited return to the podcast to recap his journey from qualifying in a NAVHDA Utility Test last year all the way to the Invitational Test held recently in New Mexico. A lot of honesty in this episode including what it's like to work so hard and fall just short of your intended target! Playing a "game" vs. the "real thing" The decision to retest the Utility to qualify for the '22 Invitational Using "versatile" dogs Mentally preparing for the Invitational Test Going all the way back to Scout's foundation of steadiness Training backing with bumpers?! Baby stepping all the way to a dog that backs! Diversify the training with new places and new dogs Keeping it fun, real, and fresh What its like working year around and still come up just short The day of the test and lessons learned Any regrets after "failing?" Episode References: ⁠91 Backing and Honoring⁠ ⁠124 Backing Dummies⁠ --- Patreon and Partners: Support the Podcast: ⁠PATREON⁠ Gear: ⁠STANDING STONE SUPPLY⁠⁠ ⁠Other GDIY LINKS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan Horak of⁠ Cato Outdoors⁠ comes back on to talk puppies! We both recently got new puppies and thought it would be fun to sit down and talk about early development and "drills." Starting off w/ a Puppy Prepping for a pup and getting the correct crate size Feeding and watering schedule "Objects" and keeping them special Avoid OVERSTIMULATING the puppy Pup keeps picking objects up around the house Teething! When does "training" start? Fun "retrieves" into the Cato board Building a retrieve for a pup that may not have a desire to retrieve Encouraging enthusiasm Birds TOO EARLY Gun intro tips Focusing on what you're actually training at any given time --- Patreon and Partners: Support the Podcast | ⁠PATREON⁠ Gear | ⁠STANDING STONE SUPPLY⁠⁠ --- Episode References: ⁠Griz Cato Steadiness Videos⁠ ⁠Ep. 146 Know Your Place! ⁠Other GDIY LINKS⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/kJ3KH7leThA Tired of cookie-cutter dog training advice? In this episode, we dive deep with Stephanie Vachinsky of Method K9 to explore holistic dog training that goes beyond simple commands. Learn how to truly connect with your dog by understanding their drives, instincts, and individual needs. We're not just talking about "sit" and "stay" – we're uncovering the "why" behind canine behavior! Chapters: 02:49 Dog Training Fundamentals 23:49 Understanding Dog Drives and Instincts 32:44 Corrections and Rewards 1:07:14 Training Techniques 1:22:51 Crate Training 1:32:44 Adding a Second Dog Plus, we'll debunk common myths about dog training and explore the importance of structure, and communication. Whether you have a high-drive working dog or a cuddly companion, this episode will help you build a stronger bond and a better understanding of your furry friend. This episode is presented by: Standing Stone Supply ~ https://2ly.link/1vThi | Use Code: GDIY to save 15% onX Hunt Maps ~ https://2ly.link/1vThs | Use Code: GDIY20 to save 20% UplandGun Company ~ https://2ly.link/1vTiJ Eukanuba ~ https://2ly.link/1vTiZ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 2 of my discussion with Jon and Jessica Hann back a while ago. This part of the episode we focused in on field work and keeping things SIMPLE! Proper bird launcher setup and considerations Wild birds are the BEST teachers! Be FAIR! Breaking "trash" and other aversive training How to teach Whoa Importance of timing Presented By: ~Standing Stone Supply | https://2ly.link/1vThi | Use Code 'GDIY' to save 15% ~onX Hunt Maps | https://2ly.link/1vThs | Use Code 'GDIY20' to save 20% ~Upland Gun Company | https://2ly.link/1vTiJ --------------------------------------------- Supported By: ~Marsh Wear Clothing | https://2ly.link/1yJ7n | Use Code 'MWGD15' to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save MORE!) ~Trulock Choke Tubes | https://2ly.link/1yJ7k | Use Code 'GDIY10' to save 10% Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon and Jessica Hann from join me to discuss their training program, clinics, and videos. They both truly value trying to educate the average dog trainer so they can train their own dogs themselves! The beginning of Perfection Kennel Training a "predator" as opposed to a "prey" animal Just keeping it simple! Step by step training Common mistake: Not actually understanding dogs! Bird introduction for a pup Gun introduction for a pup "Building of Tolerance" method for gun intro Common errors when introducing the gun Presented By: ~Standing Stone Supply | https://2ly.link/1vThi | Use Code 'GDIY' to save 15% ~onX Hunt Maps | https://2ly.link/1vThs | Use Code 'GDIY20' to save 20% ~Upland Gun Company | https://2ly.link/1vTiJ --------------------------------------------- Supported By: ~Marsh Wear Clothing | https://2ly.link/1yJ7n | Use Code 'MWGD15' to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save MORE!) ~Trulock Choke Tubes | https://2ly.link/1yJ7k | Use Code 'GDIY10' to save 10% Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices