As we approach our first formal 'Training Days,' I thought it is a good opportunity to address some key elements to successful events. Jumping in to set-up, tear down and make everything else in the middle happen is key........whether its your first NAVHDA event, or you've done it a million times....... It not only helps the event run smoothly, but in the end makes for the best experience for you, your dog, and the entire chapter.
If our collective attitude is: "Let's run your dog next," as opposed to "When does my dog run?".... We not only get more accomplished, but we all become better dog trainers, and in the end are of greater benefit to our individual dogs. Of course we should be excited to get our own dogs "on the ground," but helping and watching with other handlers and dogs is what inevitably makes us better better dog trainers, and collectively a great chapter.
A few things to remember throughout the weekend and all training events:
Visitors and Guests are allowed and encouraged to watch, listen and learn, although if they participate in any fashion, including just "being part of the gallery" in the field, they need to become a chapter member so they are covered in our insurance policy. (We will have Membership Forms available at the training event.)
If your dog has not been exposed to gunfire, make sure you let folks know right away.....And don't be afraid to ask as people pull into an event if they have a pup that has not been exposed...........First exposure to gunfire should certainly not be accidental.
Blaze Orange is required (at least a hat) on all participants, including gallery, when live ammunition is used. Please bring blaze if you are training for UT, UPT or want to help, watch or participate in those fields.
Training events are a great opportunity to socialize a dog with other dogs and strange people (at least in our case.) Please remember, however, it is not "The Dog Park".......All dogs should be under control, on a leash, in a crate, staked-out, etc. when not being run or "aired-out"......... If someone is out "free-running" a dog, don't assume its okay for you and your dog to join them.........Always ask, and don't impose your dog on others..........
We are guests on private property.........Please respect it, help to insure we leave it nicer than we found it, and of course.........Thank the property owner if you get the opportunity.
TRAINING - CONNER RANCH - THREE FORKS, MT - APRIL 5,6 & 7
Starting 2:00 Friday Afternoon - Ending at Noon on Sunday.
Camping on the site will be an option in Three Forks (I'm pretty sure, more info coming). We will have a portable toilet on site. Fees for the event are as follows:
One Day: $20.00
Two or More Days: $30.00
Pigeons: $4.00
Quail: $5.00
Chukar: $9.00***
Pheasant: $16.00***
***Chukars and Pheasant are a "Suggested Donation" as we are not allowed to sell game birds recognized by the state of Montana. Additionally, Chukars and Pheasants may not be taken live from the event unless you have a permit from the state of Montana to posses game birds.
For interested Chapter Members, you can get info on a "Dog Training Permit" here:
http://fwp.mt.gov/doingBusiness/licenses/captiveDogTraining.html
A link to the PDF Application is at the bottom of that page.
You can get info about a "non-commercial" permit to possess gamebirds here:
http://fwp.mt.gov/doingBusiness/licenses/captiveNoncommercial.html
A link to the PDF Application is at the bottom of that page as well.
You are allowed to shoot gamebirds under the permit of a chapter member that is participating at the event.........Note....... Pigeons and Quail are not considered gamebirds, hence you do not need a permit to train with or posses those birds at home.
HATS, SHIRTS AND HOODIES
Thought those might get your attention. We'll have hats (and hopefully a variety of T-Shirts, Henleys and Hoodies) at the training event. The Hats are Made in the USA and embroidered in Montana. They are universal fit and have an oil-skin bill. They will be $27.00 apiece available on a first-come, first serve basis. We ordered a variety of shirts from Sierra Trading Post........They will be embroidered in Montana and pricing will be forthcoming. We will also have a couple fleece jackets available and the embroiderer can do custom work on your own apparel......Contact info will be posted.
Directions to Three Forks will be posted soon on the Weblog.............Thanks, and feel free to call Tom or email with questions. Please RSVP via email if you plan on attending the event.
406-212-0602
montanasharptail@gmail.com