How to Use a Training Bird Launcher

Train your hunting dog with a bird launcher.

Like any athlete, bird dogs need to practice to become good at their sport. You can train your hunting dog with a bird launcher. The bird launcher launches live birds, often pigeons, into the air. This teaches your dog to grow accustomed to birds taking off suddenly from cover, teaches your dog to point out the bird rather than following its instinct to catch the bird.

Things You'll Need

• Electronic collar
• Treats

Instructions

1. Load the bird into the launcher shortly before you begin training your dog. Load from the top or side, according to the specifications of your launcher. Use the correct-sized launcher for your birds; smaller launchers for quail, larger ones for pigeons.

2. While holding your dog at a distance, sound the beeper on the remote for the bird launcher. The dog will come to associate that beep with the bird being released. Release a bird from the launcher while the dog remains tethered. This will accustom your dog to the sound of the launcher and the surprise of a bird taking flight.

3. Sound the beep and release the bird from the launcher again while your dog remains tethered. Praise and/or reward the dog when he assumes the point position, even momentarily. Repeat this until the dog consistently points at the bird.

4. Release the bird from the launcher and allow your dog to chase it. Before the dog reaches the bird, give the command "Whoa." The dog should already be familiar with this command. If the dog does not immediately stop, trainers Jim and Phyllis Dobbs recommend administering a very light shock to the dog's electronic training collar, to divert the dog's attention and get him to stop. Repeat this drill until the dog stops on the command "whoa."

5. Set up several bird launchers and release them simultaneously. This gives the dog a feel for a flock of birds flushing from cover. Repeat the "whoa" drill until the dog stops on point when the birds are launched, without your having to give the "whoa" command. Reward or praise the dog for assuming the point position.

Tips & Warnings

• Set the launcher upwind of your dog to allow the dog to scent the bird.

References

• Dobbs Training Center: Training With Bird Launchers
• Willow Creek Kennels: Free Hunting Dog Training Video --- Bird Launcher Introduction