Upland Bird Dog: Bird dog training camps and Johnny Houses

Top right, a released quail from a Johnny House flys into cover.

Dog Camp II

Johnny House Revisited part 2: The inner workings of a JH. NEW

Sage's pedigree (National Champion Whippoorwill Wild Card x Ch. Huyu Victor Dancer). NEW

Dog Camp: West/West/Gibbons training camp.

An American Field Trial: Raymond R. Rucker Derby in Oklahoma.

Johnny House: Pen-raised birds for dog training.

American Field Hall of Fame: Dogs inducted

Whelping Chart: See when pups are born.

This web page revisits Johnny Houses (JH) and its use in bird dog training. Below are two pictures of JH, watering system and entry ways for birds. Although, there is no schematic drawings of building a JH, you can design one based on these pictures and in Johnny House. Frequently, either bobwhite quail or chukars are used for recall birds. Birds are bought at 8-10 weeks of age, housed and fed in the JH for one week. During the second week, they are released to explore their surroundings. Birds are worked after the 3rd week. Release birds in small groups or individuals, promoting them to land apart from each other. This entices birds to sit tight and they can be worked more easily. Many birds are left inside the JH to call released birds back inside. If needed, additional birds are available to work more dogs or the same dogs.

Pictures are from West/West/Gibbons 2000 training camps.

A variation of the standard JH design. The bottom is roughly a 4 ft by 4 ft with a door. The top portion is sloped for rain and screened so birds can view the surrounding areas. The screen also allows sun light in to help birds stay healthy and dry.

This JH is square in shape and appropimately 6 ft high. The top portion (same level as the screen) has several 2 inch by 2 inch boards running the witdth of the JH. This provides an area for birds to roost and for them to look out. The screen is made of wielding wire to help prevent predators from getting in. Notice the 5 gallon water on top of the roof and hose leading into the JH.

A look inside a JH, note the water delivering device. Clean water is critical and essential for healthy birds. The blue container is a float valve connected to a pvc pipe with drinking nipples. This provides water to the birds. Other water devices may also be used, provided the water is kept clean.

Door of a JH. This door is framed and made of heavy duty wire. Care must to taken to make the door strong to prevent predators from gaining access to the birds.

Another door from a different JH that houses chukars. Once again, the door is framed and strong to prevent predators from getting inside.

Same door on the left but closed. The frame around the opening is important in keeping the door rigid.