ATB: Gettin' Better All The Time

Today I just feel as if I want to break into a chorus of the Beatle song "Gettin' Better All The Time" to describe what it's been like to be back in the field again. For a long time following my total knee replacement back to the field meant sitting in my chair next to the chain gang waiting for John to return to tell me how each dog did. Each time he headed out I would hear the tone of the bell grow dimmer and dimmer, I would hear the shot from the blank gun, sometimes watch the bird fly over, and then the sound of the bell grow stronger as handler and dog returned.  Very often friends of ours would (and still) come to run their dogs and will give John a hand. At one point I drove the ATV around just so that I could see the dogs work which is something I derive great pleasure from. I know there are far greater physical challenges associated with recovery from diseases and much more complex surgeries.  I realize there are true heroes whose daily battles make what I went through seem like a walk in the park. But to me, that cinchy walk in the park lasted much longer than I could have anticipated, completely putting an end to enjoying ATB to the fullest with John.  But that was then and this is now.

A few highlights:

Working independently with Pippin Treasure. I did run them together just once to see where they may be in regards to backing/honoring.  The potential is there to fine tune this but there are other areas which I need to focus on. The reason for me to work my dogs in the field is two-fold.

ATB: Pippin Honors Treasure's Point

"Honoring' is a term used to describe other dogs recognizing a dog on point and following suit. 'Backing' is a term that can be used in the place of 'honoring'. The term 'backing' stems from the idea that the dogs following suit should be behind the dog that was on point first."

We really do not spend a lot of time TEACHING a dog to honor or back another dog's point. There are a lot of methods including the use of a wooden cut out dog figure that you set up in the field and walk your up to. This is helpful if you don't have another dog to train your dog with.  In our case we either have our dogs or those owned by friends of ours.  Teaching a dog to honor the point of another dog is so important but unfortunately some bird hunters don't understand the importance of it.  It's not fun for you or your dog if another dog comes running up, ignores the fact that your dog is on point and runs in and busts the very bird that you were about to go flush and hopefully shoot!

J&A's Brittanys: I Am Back In the Field !

9 year old J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton JH - lovingly known as "Treasure".  Established a beautiful point today on a Chukar Partridge and that she held throughout the entire sequence. I walked beyond her to locate her bird, flushed it, and fired my gun.  She never moved other than to turn her head in the direction of the bird's flight. 

7 year old CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton, affectionately called "Pippin" also established an equally impressive point this morning which she held for quite awhile.  After I flushed Pip's bird for her and fired my gun she remained perfectly steady.

It's 5:30 a.m. Thursday morning. My bed does not want to let go of me.  I roll over to look out the window and get an idea of what the weather may be. The sun is shining!  I hear John and some of the dogs out in the kitchen. Soon the aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee finds it's way to me. Treasure and Pippin are cuddled up next to me while Holly lies in wait on the floor in front of the bedroom door.