Training/Hunt Testing, AKC & UKC

I'm one of the few standard poodle owners that actually hunt their dogs.  For the last several years going back as far as 1995 I've hunted quite successfully for both ducks and pheasants in Wisconsin, South Dakota, and lately North Dakota over poodles.  

Unfortunately, at this point in time there simply are not enough breeders attempting to breed poodles with the temperament a field dog needs to retrieve ducks in freezing water, plus flush and retrieve shot birds in the upland.  

However, that is changing.  I'm not saying a hunting poodle cannot be found from parentage that has never seen a pheasant or duck.  My two male poodles have proven that to me and I believe strongly with Callie's breeding that she will follow in their foot steps.  I can honestly say the two males hunt the toughest cover as well as any of the more commonly known hunting breeds and retrieve on land and water better than most.  That's mainly because they've been trained far more than the average retriever I see in the field. 

Scout's sire, Powder, is a Junior Hunter with two Master legs to date.  Look for those genes in both sire and dam.  How does one know they're present?--hunt test titles can help.   And finding the right breeder is the key.   Start training that pup with live birds at 8 weeks and do not throw in the towel too early if things are not going well.  Poodles mature slowly and may not show an immediate interest for retrieving in water at a young age like a lab   Be patient and aware it will likely take some pressure--go easy.  

Both males and Callie are still being conventionally trained as retriever's with as many birds as possible, alive and dead. They were force fetched with the ear pinch,  E-collar conditioned, than walking fetch, forced to pile, double T, swim-by, etc. with the aid of remote training collars by me alone.  Callie is now starting into the transition phase.  Training and keeping them in good shape never stops.  I'm not a pro, strictly an amateur.    When Beau and Scout were ready, just short of one year of age, I entered them in UKC and AKC beginning level hunt tests--Started and Junior respectively.  Callie is still working on UKC Started and AKC Junior titles and looking good.

Both males successfully advanced through both to Seasoned, and Senior and are being tested in Finished and Master.   So far Beau has one Finished leg and Scout three. 

No hunting dog has to be trained and campaigned in hunt tests to that level of competence to be a decent companion in the field.  However, it sure does eliminate a lot of aggravation and it definitely improves the hunt.   

Click on each picture to enlarge and read

"the rest of the story" at  Journal

Beau learning to retrieve as a pup

Scout in early training retrieving a wing

Beau's first finished pass

Beau delivering duck at the Midwest Regional first ever poodle only hunt test and WC/WCX.

Start your poodle on birds ASAP.

Scout on his way to his Senior title.

Callie is flying at Orlando Poodle Club

Big Rock Shooting Preserve

Scout FL 07 working toward a gold medallion