Search found 341 matches

by SwitchGrassWPG
Sat Jan 19, 2008 5:44 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: When should I get her fixed?
Replies: 15
Views: 3830

I've read that it is good to wait until the dog is full-grown to spay/neuter due to the hormones that play a big part in development.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Jan 17, 2008 6:32 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Wirehaired Vizsla?
Replies: 15
Views: 5194

Yup. Not the prettiest...

Here's a breeder in Kansas. They attend our NAVHDA training on occassion.

http://www.wirehairedvizsla.us/

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:19 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Whoa post and obstacles while on the check cord
Replies: 6
Views: 2257

Are you taking your pup for a walk using a flexi or check cord? If using a flexi, keep it short enough to be able to control where he goes. If the check cord, I'd highly suggest not using it and keep it associated with training situations. Yes, going on a walk is a training situation, but not a fiel...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed Jan 09, 2008 6:11 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Yoder, KS Hunt Test..
Replies: 11
Views: 3953

I tested there a couple years ago and what better opportunity to get four legs on a dog in a weekend. When I went, the fields were directly across the road from each other. Only negative to the area the year I went was there was nothing there but a parking area and a port potty.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Dec 20, 2007 6:06 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Dog Box Ideas...
Replies: 11
Views: 6222

The one I built has top storage; just a little deeper than a box of shotgun shells.

For interior insulation, you could use corrugated plastic glued to the walls. Unless your dog tears those kinds of things up...

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Dec 20, 2007 6:09 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Dog Box Ideas...
Replies: 11
Views: 6222

Take a trip to your nearest Bass Pro or Cabela's and measure the boxes they have for sale for dimensions. Or look at boxes online; most manufacturers give the dimensions. Another option is look at an Owens do it yourself box. All you add is the plywood. You can look on http://www.gundogsonline.com/ ...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Dec 11, 2007 3:55 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: ear hair coming off... again
Replies: 12
Views: 4367

At first look...similar circumstances. Possibly some type of behavior caused by boredom or like a child, you are paying more attention to him now that there is something "wrong" with him??

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Dec 11, 2007 7:51 am
Forum: Training
Topic: tail wagging ?
Replies: 7
Views: 2702

Think of the tail as a "happy meter". When it stops wagging and not while on point, then you need to worry.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Dec 11, 2007 7:48 am
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Crook in tail
Replies: 9
Views: 2783

Does it affect the dog's bird finding ability? If not, why worry about it. Think of it as an attribute that makes the dog uniquely yours.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Sat Dec 08, 2007 9:17 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: do it your self remote launchers
Replies: 4
Views: 1419

I can provide a plan to eliminate the 2-way radios and replace with a multi output circuit board with a true remote. Just send me a PM with your email address.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Dec 06, 2007 6:53 pm
Forum: Please Welcome New Members - Introduce Yourself Here!
Topic: Northwest Iowa
Replies: 15
Views: 2827

Don't fall into those categories, but will be visiting NW IA myself over the holidays. Primarily east and south of Sioux City.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed Nov 21, 2007 6:12 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Pigeon/Quail combo coop
Replies: 16
Views: 5122

Depends on your pigeons. I've had them peck at the quail's head until it killed it...

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Nov 20, 2007 4:51 pm
Forum: Guns and Ammo
Topic: Ammo of choice for upland and waterfowl.
Replies: 10
Views: 4672

Whatever is on clearance at Wal-Mart at the end of the season...
:D
Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Sat Nov 03, 2007 6:16 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Training Video Differences
Replies: 10
Views: 4055

Just remember, there is no one right method to use when training a dog. Obtainas much information as you can and use what works for you and your dog.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Fri Nov 02, 2007 3:20 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Training Video Differences
Replies: 10
Views: 4055

I use a Dogtra collar for both. Vibrate is for recall and stimulation is for whoa or any other reinforcement.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Nov 01, 2007 6:14 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Iowa Hunters?
Replies: 22
Views: 9016

Will be going around Christmas and plan to hunt in the Sioux City area.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Oct 30, 2007 3:58 pm
Forum: Please Welcome New Members - Introduce Yourself Here!
Topic: Hey from Iowa
Replies: 8
Views: 1793

Why buy a lab when your GSP can do the job. I know of many folks who use their GSP in the versatile role its meant to work.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Oct 29, 2007 4:10 pm
Forum: Please Welcome New Members - Introduce Yourself Here!
Topic: Hey from Iowa
Replies: 8
Views: 1793

I'm from NW Iowa (Sioux City area) as well; just live in Oklahoma now.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Oct 29, 2007 4:02 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: kansas/oklahoma non resident pact
Replies: 9
Views: 2829

I did a search on the OK Conservation site and state site and was unable to find any info...

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Oct 16, 2007 12:35 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Brittany is almost nine weeks. What should I be doing next?
Replies: 13
Views: 4353

Pups go through an imprinting period between 8-20 weeks. Positively exposing them to everything you expect them to experience as an adult during this period is important. Remember, you can't have a bird dog without birds. My litter in the spring was exposed to birds and water at 6-8 weeks. The two I...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Oct 09, 2007 5:16 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Using Pigeons?
Replies: 57
Views: 19145

I use corrugated plastic cut to 6X6. I put a metal grommet through the middle and ran apiece of 1/8" twine through the grommet. On one end of the twine is 1/2 of a decoy weight and the other end has a snap swivel. The snap swivel attaches to a zip tie on the bird's leg.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed Oct 03, 2007 3:33 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Dog Food Analysis
Replies: 12
Views: 4517

I feed my dogs Diamond Performance year-round and they seem to do well on it. The Whole Dog Journal does an article on their "approved" dry and wet foods each year without rating them. They even go as far as to include their criteria for their approval process. Unfortunately, the only way to share t...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:15 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: 14 Month Old Vizsla, Need Help
Replies: 18
Views: 6662

Get some good flying pigeons and run her by herself. Start out in the yard.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:10 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Puppy Training Pics 9/26/2007
Replies: 11
Views: 4478

I'm experiencing the same as you. Two weeks ago, I ran my 6 month old pups in their first JH test and they each qualified. Only ran one day; should have done all four and had their JH title before they were 6 mo and 1 week. Running them in their second test this weekend. If all goes well we'll have ...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed Sep 12, 2007 5:22 am
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: puppy food with highest calories
Replies: 13
Views: 4147

Post a picture and we'll weigh in on if she is too skinny. (pun intended)

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Sep 10, 2007 4:47 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: NEW PUP-WHEN TO START TRAINING???
Replies: 7
Views: 3157

Pups go through an imprint period between 8 and 20 weeks. Everything you expect them to be exposed to as an adult should be introduced during this period. If you don't take full advantage of this time, you may have some challenges in the future. Not an expert, just sharing what I've found while rese...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Sep 10, 2007 4:42 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Bought a started dog, what next?
Replies: 19
Views: 9467

I'd take it out in a "staged" hunting situation to evaluate just how "started" it is prior to truly taking it hunting. Every trainer has their own definition of started.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Sep 10, 2007 4:54 am
Forum: Training
Topic: NAVHDA UT Duck search-help?
Replies: 8
Views: 6595

Here is a good technique for a member of our club. Ducks obviously work best but pigeons would work in a pinch (flight feathers pulled completly or shackled). Step one is extremely important and is something that can be started on land but needs to be completed at the water. DUCK SEARCH TRAINING STE...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Sun Sep 02, 2007 8:23 am
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Black gold ingredients.
Replies: 16
Views: 5826

If you research what many of the ingredients truly are, you may never want to physically touch kibble again. Below are definitions as set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Meat Meal - the rendered product from mammal tissues, exclusive of blood, hair, hoof, horn, h...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed Aug 29, 2007 7:20 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Do it yourself launcher, I need help.
Replies: 10
Views: 5093

Understand wanting to use what you already have. I purchased three of these launchers set up as you are. After soldering all the connections and removing a lot of excess wiring, I used them for about 6 months and getting fed up with changing the radio channel. Who do I send the file to and have it u...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Sat Aug 25, 2007 5:57 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Do it yourself launcher, I need help.
Replies: 10
Views: 5093

Email me and I'll give you an alternative to using the radio setup.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed Aug 22, 2007 4:46 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: E collar opinions
Replies: 24
Views: 6905

I like the Dogtra line due to the vibrate function.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:44 pm
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Fall Hunting in Nebraska
Replies: 10
Views: 4684

Pheasant and Quail open Oct 27. Southeast NE used to have a lot of walk-in areas, though it's been a few years since I've hunted NE.

http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/hunting/pro ... rp/crp.asp

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed Jul 25, 2007 5:44 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: December Iowa Hunt
Replies: 7
Views: 2153

Be sure to keep an eye on the DNR's website for their August Roadside Report. This will give you a general idea on the populations in a given area.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed Jul 18, 2007 3:18 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Planting Pigeons
Replies: 15
Views: 5913

Tuck the head under a wing and gently pull the legs straight towards the tail. Hold in this position as you are walking to the place you are going to plant. Put in medium height grass and bend over the top. They'll stay in place just fine. I card mine with a piece of corrugated plastic sign material...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Jul 10, 2007 4:09 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: How old before introducing to birds?
Replies: 7
Views: 2259

Pups go through an imprint period between 8-20 weeks of age. This is the ideal time to introduce all things you expect the pup to be exposed to as an adult.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Sun Jul 08, 2007 8:57 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Actuator arm
Replies: 4
Views: 1437

Source for actuator.

Parts Express, www. partsexpress.com, part number 330-010. Cost is $4.97 for 1-3, $4.25 for 4 or more, plus shipping.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Jul 05, 2007 5:49 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Homemade Launchers????
Replies: 9
Views: 3416

Send me a PM with your email address and I'll give you some updated plans that eliminate the two way radio and replaces it with an actual remote.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Jul 03, 2007 3:42 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: rash/ bumps on belly
Replies: 13
Views: 7177

My pup gets the same thing after running through brome grass.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Jul 03, 2007 5:38 am
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: anal glands and diamond
Replies: 13
Views: 4402

I feed Diamond Perfomance to my 5 yr old female and puppy to my 2 3.5 month old puppies with no ill effects.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Jun 18, 2007 7:11 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Transporting Birds
Replies: 4
Views: 1515

For short periods of time, you could just use a bird bag if you have one.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Thu Jun 14, 2007 5:31 am
Forum: Training
Topic: New Dog. . .Need Advice on collar and training techniques
Replies: 11
Views: 4169

I personally prefer the Dogtra line due to the vibrating page function.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Tue Jun 05, 2007 5:49 am
Forum: Training
Topic: 12 wk GSP Q & A
Replies: 15
Views: 5322

Puppies go through an imprint period between 8 and 20 weeks. During this time you should expose them (positively) to the many things you expect they will experience during hunting. This means birds, running in the field, swimming, etc. Too many times you hear about people just starting to do many of...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon May 28, 2007 6:01 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Multiple Sire Breedings - II
Replies: 18
Views: 7334

With more registries requiring DNA testing for highly used sires along with testing at the highest levels, it would definitely bring any dog not matching the parent's DNA into question. Why give yourself the hassle? I know a guy with a Ch, MH, CD, Griffon that learned his girls DNA didn't match the ...
by SwitchGrassWPG
Fri May 18, 2007 4:38 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: approved bitch?
Replies: 6
Views: 2000

IMO...Performance titles are a good indication of how trainable a given dog is.

Jay
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed May 16, 2007 4:33 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Pedigree ?
Replies: 7
Views: 2361

DC = Dual Champion - typically conformation and field
CD = Companion Dog - first level of obedience
CAN could indicate a Canadian title from the CKC
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed May 16, 2007 4:30 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Cost of AKC Hunt Tests?
Replies: 8
Views: 1738

You can look on the AKC website Events Search to find tests in your area and normally the entry fees are stated.

http://www.akc.org/events/search/
by SwitchGrassWPG
Fri May 11, 2007 5:58 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Excessively long toe nails need help.
Replies: 23
Views: 9794

Mine hates the clippers, but tolerates the dremel with cut off wheel.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Wed May 02, 2007 5:27 am
Forum: Brags
Topic: Kansas Hunt Test Brag
Replies: 7
Views: 3468

Congrats. You've put in a lot of time with her and its paying off.
by SwitchGrassWPG
Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:46 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Bird Launcher or Dizzy the bird??
Replies: 8
Views: 1938

If concerned about the bird not flying or not being where you left it and don't want the expense of launchers, try making some "foot traps" or "kick cages". Send me an email if you want more info.

Jay