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Free Floating firing pins
Are you a safe hunter or shooter? Most people would say they are. Most people handle guns by not pointing them at other people and proper storage of firearms. Do you leave your shotgun loaded in the field or at home? If so this information is for you. Most shotguns have a cross bolt safety. Is it really safe while on safe? The cross bolt safety only keeps the trigger from being pulled. This doesn’t keep the shotgun from firing. Most shotguns have a floating firing pin, if the firing pin takes a jolt or hard hit it can and may fire. If the bolt is slammed forward the gun may go off. Not saying it will or not but it is a possibility. What if someone is walking ahead of you when this happens? What if you are in you vehicle and the shotgun is loaded and you hit and really bad bump or get in an accident? The shotgun could fire during this also causing damage to your vehicle or worse. Always keep you gun pointed in a safe direction. A direction that would cause minor damage to property and no damage to a person. Keep guns unloaded and bolt opened to the rear, so others can see you gun is unloaded when not in use, especially during transport and in the field before hunting. This is especially important when hunting in a group. Always be aware of your surroundings. Know where everyone in your hunting party is and only shoot when safe to do so. Be careful and enjoy the outdoors!
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Preparing for a New Hunting Companion
So you had a great duck season that wasn’t so great? You have decided it is time for a new retriever to assist in your duck hunting expeditions. There are many factors to consider when making this choice. First, you need to think about how your dog will be used. Some other questions to ask yourself: Do you hunt one weekend a year or 90 days a year? Do you want an outside kennel dog or an inside pet? Would you be better off to find an older retriever that has already received training? This would mean less time put in for you, but it would be more expensive. Do you have the time to dedicate to training a puppy? The time is now to start your journey.
Canine Language and Understanding Your Dogs Communication
Much like their human counterparts dogs just want to be heard, of course. Dogs bark to communicate with other dogs and with humans. There is the woof, woof-woof, the triple woof with many different ranges and pitches that can make canine speech difficult to decipher. We will start out with the single or double barks that are usually mid-level as you are walking in the door from work to say “hello”. Barking in sequences of three or more and doing this repeatedly often means they sense danger or think someone is near that they do not know or that should not be there. When a canine persistently continues to bark at a low or medium level they are saying please come get me, I am lonely. A short bark that is loud often shows fear or surprise with the dog conveying come check this out.
The Bond
Josh Billings once said, “A dog is the only being on Earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” This is something that has proven to be true time and time again. There is an undeniable bond between owner and canine.
Puppy or Older dog
So `Goose` is getting older and you are thinking about a new puppy. Or maybe you lost your pet and are starting to look for another one. Remember first of all there is only one `Goose`. Nothing or nobody can replace him. He was the one we have all had or want to have. He may not have been a Field Trial Champion but to us he was better. Goose just fits our family. Do we get a puppy or an older pup out of the puppy stage? Each family must make a decision of what works best for them. I am going to give you the pros and cons for young puppies verses older puppies for sporting dogs. Of course, many decisions must be made like, breed, pedigree, what or how will I use Goose Jr? Will I hunt test, field trial, or just hunt?
Socializing your sporting dog
Socializing your sporting dog. Your faithful hunting companion needs proper socializing, people places and things. As soon as you get your new pup start introducing to everything and everyone. At the beginning just things around your home and kennel. Remember your pup has not had all his or her immunizations. After all shots are complete take your puppy everywhere.
Consistency in Dog Training
Think back to a time when you first started school or a new job. You were probably nervous and didn't know what to expect. How did you make it through those first few months? You had to learn the expectations and how to perform the tasks needed to make you successful. This might have meant performing certain tasks multiple times until you were proficient, or maybe you learned by watching others do the task. It is the same way with your dog when you are beginning training sessions. You have to teach them what you expect of them, and this could mean a lot of repetition for certain tasks. Take your time, don't compare your retriever to other dogs even littermates (they are all different). Be consistent, take your time, join a train group, don't quit. The rewards outweigh the work!
