Upland Bird Dog: Training equipment and use

Equipment List
Check line	Pinch collar

Training Equipment and Their Use

Check line
Check line: a rope with a snap swivel attached to it by either a square knot or a clamp. It is attached to the dog's collar. The main use of the check line is to enable the trainer to control the dog during fieldwork. Several properties of a good check line include a length of 12 to 20 ft long, 7/16 to 1/2 inch thick, stiff, and made of tightly woven nylon cord. Avoid buying a smaller diameter and a lesser quality rope. The thicker check line is easier to hold and less likely to cut or burn the hands when the dog pulls unexpectedly. Check lines longer than 15 to 20 ft and not stiff oftentimes wrap around legs and scrubs. The best way to work a check line is to constantly adjust the length of the rope and not allow too much slack to develop between the trainer and the dog. This process allows immediate control of the dog with short quick tugs. The check line is more effective when used in conjunction with the pinch collar (see below). Keeping the dog in front and close helps to facilitate this process.

Pinch Collar

Pinch collar: a thick collar made from saddle or harness leather with short bunted metal spikes sewn on the inside and has the ability to open and close quickly. The pinch collar is attached to a check line and placed around the dog's neck. The pinch collar works by constricting around the dog's neck and pinches the neck skin. The dog learns to avoid the discomfort and thus increases the likelihood of responding to a given command. To those unfamiliar with the pinch collar, their immediate reaction is "I wouldn't use it, I love my dog too much." However, many people use the metal choke collar found in pet stores. The socially acceptable choke collar can be dangerous to dogs because oftentimes it is jerked. This jerking action and construction around the dog's neck may cause injury. In contrast, the effectiveness of the pinch collar is in its pinching action design. The pinch collar is used by giving a short quick tug and not jerked. It is used to provide negative reinforcement. The pinch collar should be used like a bridal bit on a horse. To change the horse's direction requires only a slight pressure on the reins. The bridal bit prevents the horse from running amok with the rider. Similarly, the pinch collars prevents the dog from abusing (i.e., pulling and dragging) the trainer. The proper placement of the pinch collar is around the dog's neck and in front of the regular collar. Make sure the pinch and regular collars are not over lapping, that will reduce the effectiveness of the pinch collar. An example in the use of a pinch collar is give a command (i.e. here) and at the same time give a short quick tug to bring in the pup. After a few short sessions the dog will turn to come in before the trainer can tug on the check line. This is an important step because the dog is now accepting commands willingly and without hesitation. Give tactical reinforcement by petting the dog every time the dog comes in. This helps speed the process in which the dog learns the here command.

Order pinch collars, check lines and bird dog training tapes here.

A list of dog training equipment

electronic collar (e-collar)

battery charger for e-collar

adapter (car) for battery charger

pinch collar

6 ft leather lead

check line

stake out chain

dog boots

water and bowl

bird launcher

backing dog

bumper

birds (initially pigeons)

4 x 6 inches cardboard and yarn

portable recall pen

roading harness

blank pistol

shotgun