In daydreams my mind wanders between the past and future. I wonder, will I always pheasant hunt? Where will I be at in 15 years? Then I relive hunts of seasons gone by. I wasn't much past being green as Irish grass. Me and Skye were down in Iowa and had one rooster in the bag that morning. Many hours and miles later and we had nary another shot fired or rooster seen. My confidence was shaky, but I didn't try to show it. Skye, well she never loses confidence that she'll scent a rooster soon... Read more ..read more

For those that are interested, I've decided to experiment a bit and buy some quality shampoo and conditioner products for my hunting dogs. I don't bath my dogs very often but I've noticed my young Vizsla's coat is a bit dry and not as shiny compared to some other Vizsla's I've seen at a pointer club I belong too. and my GSP hasn't had a bath in a year. I have some cheap dog shampoo laying around that I probably bought at Walmart or Petco but my dogs don't look much different before or after... Read more ..read more

So I know she has allergies, we've accounted for all of them, besides getting the custom shot that's 250 a month(not gonna happen), she's still itchy. She has a raw diet, pre and probiotic, greenlipped muscle, colostrum, and an all natural allergy pill that I also take. I did weekly baths in Chlorhexidine after 2 months of a yeast protocol. Vet said blood work was fine, thinking it's anxiety? But my main question is how to prevent fur loss during hunting season? I started Cowboy Magic this... Read more ..read more

Just thought I would share what I do. For many years, I struggled to find the best way to water my doggos while hunting. Several years ago, I picked up a 20 qt cooler that was in pretty good shape. A light bulb went off and I filled it with water. When the dogs get back to the truck, the cooler goes down and everybody gets a drink. I do carry a bottle and collapsible bowl with me if needed; however, the cooler drink station has been a game changer. Let me know what you think or do differently ..read more

I listened to a great episode of the On the Wing podcast 254 the other day. Talked about twisted gut and feeding times and wetting down kibble. I started adding water to the food dish and my little guy loves it. I was wondering if others do this too? Also do you guys feed the morning of the hunt or give more food to your dogs during the hunt? Any other philosophies of getting your dog nutrients for the actual day of the hunt or ways you get dog more hydrated ..read more

Since guys like us love regulation, can we get a new rule for this site? In order to use the term versatile, the context must be defined. If just talking about something that's versatile, by Webster's definition, you just say versatile. eg: My dog can hunt pheasants, speak 3 Hmong dialects, & do card tricks. He's really versatile. If you're using versatile to mean a dog recognized by NAVHDA, it must be capitalized, since it's part of a title, & in quotes, since it really doesn't mean a dog... Read more ..read more

currently have a pointing lab that will be 8 in June. I’m starting to do my research now for my next dog. I know I want a gsp. I’ve hunted with them for years and it fits my style of hunting. I’m located in Illinois suburbs outside of Chicago looking at breeders in Iowa Wisconsin and obviously Illinois. Anyone hear of Highfire kennels? Had a few others in mind like thunderhead or topgun. Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated ..read more

So I have an 8yr old female Lab, a little Shi Tzu and I'm bring home a new Lab puppy next weekend. Anybody have any advise or suggestions on introducing the new pup to the keepers of the home? They all live inside. I know dogs can be territorial....wondering if any of you have a common practice when introducing and getting them acclimated ..read more

My 3 year old shorthair female came in from doing her business last summer limping terribly and a vet visit confirmed 2 blown acl's. After much thought we decided $7k was just not the right move for us with no guarantee she'd heal soundly. So we kept her on a leash and pain meds for about a month then didn't really let her "run" until months later. I had came to grips with her just being a pet but today she tears across our property at full speed completely sound. Has anyone seen these... Read more ..read more

Typical winter off-season question, but usually pretty fun. Any shortcomings or areas of particular strength that you've noticed with you breed ..read more