Search found 55 matches

by big swill
Tue Nov 18, 2014 12:29 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Advice with aggression
Replies: 31
Views: 13702

Re: Advice with aggression

Dogs always show signs that they are ready for an attack and their ancestor the wolf as well. Showing teeth is just one example. :) This is not true at all. They don't always show any sign that its about to be on. In fact , the serious fights that shags labeled as "nuclear" are almost NEVER shown i...
by big swill
Tue Aug 05, 2014 4:57 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Fleas
Replies: 19
Views: 11135

Re: Fleas

I just recently put all of my dogs on a newer oral flea treatment called Nexguard. It's sort of like Comfortis. It treats fleas as well as ticks (I don't know if Comfortis treats ticks). The reason I went with Nexguard is because you can use it in conjunction with ivermectin, unlike Comfortis. The ...
by big swill
Sun Aug 03, 2014 6:54 am
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Fleas
Replies: 19
Views: 11135

Re: Fleas

I just recently put all of my dogs on a newer oral flea treatment called Nexguard. It's sort of like Comfortis. It treats fleas as well as ticks (I don't know if Comfortis treats ticks). The reason I went with Nexguard is because you can use it in conjunction with ivermectin, unlike Comfortis. The a...
by big swill
Fri May 09, 2014 5:26 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Has anybody ever hunted, owned, worked a Belgian Mal?
Replies: 12
Views: 6406

Re: Has anybody ever hunted, owned, worked a Belgian Mal?

I've got one Mal and a Dutch shepherd right now and have trained MANY over the years. These are NOT hunting dogs, although I'm sure someone has some off the wall exception. They were originally bred to herd and still compete in herding competitions in Europe, and some in the US. They are primarily b...
by big swill
Mon Mar 31, 2014 4:01 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: People tracking dogs
Replies: 14
Views: 6592

Re: People tracking dogs

It's not just about the nose. Having trained these types of dogs there are reasons you typically see the same types of breeds. DoD, US Customs, and Special Ops won't even look at a dog that doesn't have an extreme natural retrieve drive. Customs won't touch a dog that won't retrieve metal. They look...
by big swill
Thu Mar 13, 2014 9:47 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: What Constitutes Interference In A Trial?
Replies: 3
Views: 1463

What Constitutes Interference In A Trial?

Being that I'm starting out in field trials this year, and have seen interference referred to on a couple of other threads, I was wondering what constitutes both interference by a dog and a handler in a field trial. I'm not talking about the obvious stuff, but the things that could (should?) be deem...
by big swill
Wed Feb 19, 2014 1:37 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Cost of Bo pup's and service
Replies: 11
Views: 5912

Re: Cost of Bo pup's and service

I guess there's a couple of ways to look at it. One, you're paying for potential, but that can be said for just about any breeding. Two, there are folks with a lot of disposable income who are just happy with owning a pup out of a dog like Bo. It's a bragging right thing. I'm not saying it's always ...
by big swill
Mon Feb 17, 2014 1:22 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: which gets you a placement
Replies: 33
Views: 14304

Re: which gets you a placement

Are you talking NSTRA, AF, AKC...?
by big swill
Wed Feb 12, 2014 5:41 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Decline of Field Trials
Replies: 249
Views: 79267

Re: Decline of Field Trials

I haven't posted on here in quite a while, but the posts on this thread interest me a great deal. As an admitted newbie to the bird dog world (been at this almost a year now) I think I see things from a different perspective. There have been some really good points made so far. At the trials I've be...
by big swill
Sun Aug 25, 2013 2:43 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Heat Shot
Replies: 12
Views: 4665

Re: Heat Shot

There are procedures and meds that can be used to make a female ovulate. But you have to ask yourself if the trouble and cost are worth it. I would want to know why the female isn't going into a cycle. There's going to be an underlying issue if she won't come into season. How old is the dog in quest...
by big swill
Wed Aug 21, 2013 1:11 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: picking a breed
Replies: 19
Views: 7226

Re: picking a breed

Do a lot of research. A few months ago I purposely asked a question very similar to yours, knowing I would get a ton of responses as to why I should get this breed or that. You're probably getting a butt load of PM's right now telling you that if you decide on this breed or that breed this is the br...
by big swill
Wed Aug 14, 2013 4:09 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: pic of my setter
Replies: 11
Views: 4530

Re: pic of my setter

Your son has a good eye for composition - I like how he is down to the level of the brit. It's a very nice picture! Thank you! We're pretty proud of him. He's one of those kids that has been drawing since he's been big enough to hold a pencil. I call him our right brain child; he just has that arti...
by big swill
Tue Aug 13, 2013 5:38 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: pic of my setter
Replies: 11
Views: 4530

Re: pic of my setter

brody.jpg
Another pic my son took on the same day of a French Brittany a friend has.
by big swill
Tue Aug 13, 2013 2:30 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: pic of my setter
Replies: 11
Views: 4530

Re: pic of my setter

SpinoneIllinois wrote:Nice-looking dog, and great pic by a 13-year-old.
Thanks, he really took some nice pics a couple of weeks ago. I'll post some more he took later.
by big swill
Tue Aug 13, 2013 2:29 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: pic of my setter
Replies: 11
Views: 4530

Re: pic of my setter

FirearmFan wrote:Sharp looking dog. Looks intense.
Thanks! Lots of work left to do but I REALLY like what she brings to the table.
by big swill
Tue Aug 13, 2013 2:27 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: pic of my setter
Replies: 11
Views: 4530

Re: pic of my setter

mudhunter wrote:nice looking dog, whats the pedigree?
Her sire is Grouse Wing Hitch who is a Long Gone George son. The dam is Luminary's Snow Bell, a Gov. Sam Houston daughter. On back on the top half there's some Stokely's and some Grouse Ridge. Bottom's got Smoke Rise Buck in there.
by big swill
Tue Aug 13, 2013 12:13 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: pic of my setter
Replies: 11
Views: 4530

pic of my setter

Thought I would psot a pic of my setter taken by my 13 year old son. She's 8 months now.
by big swill
Mon Aug 05, 2013 8:31 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Kennel training
Replies: 102
Views: 34040

Re: Kennel training

You know, I have met quite a few trainers and pro handlers. Someone made the comment that the only thing two dog trainers will agree upon is that the third is doing it wrong. When professionals are confident in themselves I have not found that to be the case. Quite the opposite, the best are usuall...
by big swill
Sun Aug 04, 2013 12:00 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Kennel training
Replies: 102
Views: 34040

Re: Kennel training

That is the broadest over simplification of dog training I have heard of. Dogs are motivated to please themselves . The dog is motivated by food but when game is present that is the motivator. All training is based on the dogs interaction of itself and the trainer, but only relative to the dogs mot...
by big swill
Wed Jun 05, 2013 7:07 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Training pups from whelping
Replies: 13
Views: 4680

Re: Training pups from whelping

Ok, I have to ask what is the Super Dog method? Google "Military Superdog Program" or "Bio-Sensor Imprinting Dogs". It's basically a method of "stressing" the pups. I've done it with every litter I've bred and know many breeders who do it. Some people think it's hocus-pocus Jedi magic, some swear b...
by big swill
Thu May 30, 2013 9:23 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Door rushing dogs
Replies: 18
Views: 7207

Re: Door rushing dogs

It'll be easier to train the dogs than you wife, LOL. I'm sure someone will disagree with this, but basically your dogs need to be taught some manners and who's in charge, at least when it comes to who's going through the door first. If your dogs know whoa, then whoa them at the door and make sure t...
by big swill
Mon May 13, 2013 6:01 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: new pup is home
Replies: 3
Views: 1133

Re: new pup is home

Meller wrote:Where are the picture's? :D
Gonna try my best to get some posted tonight.
by big swill
Sun May 12, 2013 8:00 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: new pup is home
Replies: 3
Views: 1133

new pup is home

We brought the new setter pup home last night. I'll post pics as soon as I get chance. Beautiful dog with chestnut markings. We got her from Hunter Payne at Gun Dog Development. Incredible pup! Always runs at the front. Had something like 8 finds yesterday. So far everyone that's seen her is blown a...
by big swill
Fri May 10, 2013 5:41 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Death of a dog
Replies: 18
Views: 10841

Re: Death of a dog

All dogs go to Heaven......In my opinion they are the best creatures to walk the face of the Earth. If I allow myself, I can get very emotional thinking of all my buddies of the past. I agree, all dogs go to Heaven. I was told once that dogs can't go to Heaven because they don't have souls. I just ...
by big swill
Thu May 09, 2013 7:57 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Question on agression
Replies: 16
Views: 6230

Re: Question on agression

Cajun Casey is correct, the dog presented a fear aggression response. But what starts as fear biting can turn into forward aggression if the dog thinks nothing happens. The dog will show aggression every time it's in a stressful situation because the dog believes aggression is what makes the stresso...
by big swill
Wed May 01, 2013 7:14 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Do you 'respect' your dogs?
Replies: 84
Views: 24363

Re: Do you 'respect' your dogs?

I don't define respect for my dogs as letting them sleep in the bed with me, etc. Obviously, "respect" is a subjective term. I respect my dogs' abilities to do the job they were bred and trained for. Coming from the K9 world you better respect their capabilities or someone gets hurt. But believe me,...
by big swill
Mon Apr 22, 2013 8:27 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?
Replies: 56
Views: 17285

Re: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?

After a lot of consideration and research, talking to breeders and narrowing down what I wanted in a dog, I'm going with an English setter. I've been talking with Hunter Payne at Gun Dog Development for the past few weeks, starting to learn the ropes of bird dog training, as well as learning the set...
by big swill
Tue Apr 09, 2013 7:47 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: The Best Kept SECRET IN DOG TRAINING
Replies: 20
Views: 7795

Re: The Best Kept SECRET IN DOG TRAINING

IMHO, I think while all 4 of the things mentioned by the OP are important, I believe that reading a dog is the most important tool a trainer can have in their toolbox. I don't believe you can get the timing down on praise or correction if you don't know how to read what the dog is going to do before...
by big swill
Thu Apr 04, 2013 6:39 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Inbred dogs.
Replies: 38
Views: 15398

Re: Inbred dogs.

"Now, if the blue-eyed boy marries a pure dominant brown-eyed boy..."

The only way these two are having a kid with any color eyes is if they adopt. (I know it was a typo, just kidding around).
by big swill
Fri Mar 29, 2013 2:59 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Reading a DOG
Replies: 24
Views: 8019

Re: Reading a DOG

I've said for years you can't read dogs by standing behind them. Reading a dog is not the simplest thing in the world but it's not rocket science either. When I first started learning to train K9's it didn't take me long to figure out things like a hackled dog is a scared dog, but learning the diffe...
by big swill
Wed Mar 27, 2013 4:27 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Educate me please Penn or OFA?
Replies: 17
Views: 7252

Re: Educate me please Penn or OFA?

OFA also looks at the breed as it can hardly compare a bulldogs hips to a brittany hip Another thing it is far better to breed to a fair with a good back ground then it is to an excellent with a poor background. And when you really put it into prospective We are not Gods ..we can only do our due di...
by big swill
Wed Mar 27, 2013 4:10 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: puppy ate end of nerf gun dart
Replies: 15
Views: 15833

Re: puppy ate end of nerf gun dart

I've had dogs eat anything and everything. One ate about 1/3 of a memory foam pillow; was picking up nerf turds for days in the yard. Had one eat aluminum foil, another swallowed one of my son's ankle socks whole. I discovered the hydrogen peroxide trick years ago. 1 cc per 10 pounds of body weight ...
by big swill
Tue Mar 26, 2013 1:07 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Educate me please Penn or OFA?
Replies: 17
Views: 7252

Re: Educate me please Penn or OFA?

Since I've dealt with alot of German shepherds and Mals in my day I had to get very familiar with hip and elbow xrays. It may have already been stated. Penn Hip works off of a distraction index. They sedate the dog, seat the hip joint as tight as possible, and then put a bar between the dog's legs t...
by big swill
Wed Mar 20, 2013 5:57 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Aggression towards other dogs
Replies: 11
Views: 5580

Re: Aggression towards other dogs

Admittedly, I'm knew to gundogs, and have been training K9's and service dogs for the last several years. From that base of knowledge I agree with what others have said: stop that behaviour NOW. It's not uncommon for a dog that age to start getting protective, territorial, etc. But I don't think tha...
by big swill
Mon Mar 18, 2013 11:37 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?
Replies: 56
Views: 17285

Re: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?

Went up to watch the trial in Spring City, TN this past weekend. Took the whole family. We had a fatastic time, met some great people, and got to see some of the breeds. Saw some GSP's and Vizslas do some field work. Got to see some setters, but didn't get to see one work. Met and spoke with so many...
by big swill
Wed Mar 13, 2013 6:37 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Abby
Replies: 4
Views: 1425

Re: Abby

I've found that soft and dominant aren't necessarily tied to each other. I agree. Coming from the K9 world I've been in the last several years I can tell you that a dog can be "handler soft" but "dog hard". I've got a bitch that's exactly that. She's sensitive to correction and scolding from me but...
by big swill
Wed Mar 06, 2013 9:28 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Does it matter to you?
Replies: 34
Views: 9884

Re: Does it matter to you?

That's good info for a newb like me to have. I'm not at all familiar with AKC hunt tests, admittedly. The fact that you can't have a one day wonder and pass really appeals to me. That's one of the reasons I'm interested in getting into gundogs and out of protection dogs and trials. I really like the...
by big swill
Wed Mar 06, 2013 8:55 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?
Replies: 56
Views: 17285

Re: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?

mtlhdr wrote:
big swill wrote:
Hattrick wrote:Did you get my pm? I had a little trouble sending it?
I tried to send you a PM but it's stuck in the outbox.
That just means the recipient hasn't read it yet.
Gotcha. Thanks!
by big swill
Wed Mar 06, 2013 7:04 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?
Replies: 56
Views: 17285

Re: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?

Hattrick wrote:Did you get my pm? I had a little trouble sending it?
I tried to send you a PM but it's stuck in the outbox. You can email me if you want. Either stephenaswilling@eaton.com or robbynswilling@bellsouth.net.
by big swill
Tue Mar 05, 2013 9:31 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Does it matter to you?
Replies: 34
Views: 9884

Re: Does it matter to you?

Admittedly I'm very new to gun dogs (as well as this forum). I've been training and breeding K9's and personal protection dogs for the last several years. This is a topic that has always interested me. I know nothing about gun dog lines by any stretch, so I'm in no way claiming to be an expert. So w...
by big swill
Tue Mar 05, 2013 8:27 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?
Replies: 56
Views: 17285

Re: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?

Hattrick wrote:Did you get my pm? I had a little trouble sending it?
I didn't get it. I'll send you one and you can just respond.
by big swill
Tue Mar 05, 2013 1:37 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?
Replies: 56
Views: 17285

Re: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?

Big Swill, I could not agree more with those that advised you to get out and see some of the dogs work. Trust me, if you can handle high drive Mals with mostly positive training, you can do the OB portion of birddog training in your sleep. In fact, it will likely be fun for you to see how much thes...
by big swill
Tue Mar 05, 2013 1:11 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?
Replies: 56
Views: 17285

Re: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?

Here's a contact for the mid-south NAVHDA. Tennessee (AL, MS,KY,AR) MID SOUTH website: http://www.midsouthnavhda.com ~RABOLLI, CHARLES V. 1015 N HILLS DR DECATUR GA 30033-4220 404/636-0766 Mid-South chapter serves members in TN,GA,SC AL,MS,AR, and LA with monthly training sessions near Pelham TN an...
by big swill
Tue Mar 05, 2013 11:36 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?
Replies: 56
Views: 17285

Re: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?

If I were in Cleveland I would make a phone call to Brenda Roe at Walnut Hills kennels right outside of Chattanooga and set up a time to see her dogs. Brenda breeds some of the nicest Gsp's you will find. Go over and spend a couple of hours and watch her dogs. She usually has a litter or 2 a year. ...
by big swill
Tue Mar 05, 2013 10:41 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?
Replies: 56
Views: 17285

Re: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?

Sharon wrote:advice: Make a well researched decision BEFORE you see anybody's puppies. :)
I absolutely agree with this advice. I made that mistake early in my dog training. Learned my lesson and never did it again.
by big swill
Tue Mar 05, 2013 10:31 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?
Replies: 56
Views: 17285

Re: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?

I don't think there really is a bad choice. If you're willing to put the necessary time in and you get a dog from a good breeding, you'll probably end up with a nice dog. I think the line and/or breeding is more important than which breed you decide upon. Putting time into a dog is no issue for me....
by big swill
Tue Mar 05, 2013 10:20 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?
Replies: 56
Views: 17285

Re: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?

marysburg wrote:Welcome to the forum, sounds like you'll fit in just fine. Nice to have you aboard.
Thank you marysurg. I appreciate the welcome.
by big swill
Mon Mar 04, 2013 6:32 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?
Replies: 56
Views: 17285

Re: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?

It's Mar 15th-17th at the Gun Dog Development Kennels at Hub Swafford RD. For info contact William Barber at 4 two 3- 365- 6652. If you go, have fun and don't be afraid to ask questions. Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! You don't have to worry about me asking questions. I'm all about pick...
by big swill
Mon Mar 04, 2013 5:46 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?
Replies: 56
Views: 17285

Re: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?

cmc274 wrote:There is an Akc walking ft in Spring City in 2 weeks. I could dig up the info if interested.
That would be great!! I'm less than an hour from Spring City.
by big swill
Mon Mar 04, 2013 2:24 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?
Replies: 56
Views: 17285

Re: in your opinion, which breed for a beginner?

I'd really like to see some of these breeds work. I'm in Tennessee, 30 miles north of Chattanooga. Anyone know of some folks who own some of these breeds that I could get in touch with and just watch the dog work that's maybe a couple of hours or so away? And just to put it out there, please don't t...