Hunting and Working

NO, you don’t have to be a hunter to get involved with this sport.

Edmonton is not the best place to train for this sport but I don’t mind the early morning drive to the different locations around the city. I was also very fortunate to find a trainer that enjoys working with  breeds other than retrievers.

When we first started, Soleil (CH Nightsun Brightest Star CDX) already had an obedience background and a solid retrieve.

We had to work on whistle commands:
SIT = 1 short/sharp toot
COME = 1 long tooooot and 3 short toot-toot-toot

We also worked on the HOLD command, no chewing or spitting out allowed. Soleil will now hold anything in her mouth from my fingers to her wooden dumbbell to a rubber/canvas bumper to a bird.
[Soleil] and I prefer the bird or the canvas bumper with wings attached to it.

A solid and committed retrieve is very important. We made retrieving a game and we often play with happy bumpers. I get Soleil very excited about an object and then I throw it for her.
[Soleil] yes, and my favorite is still the bird.

Having someone to throw for you makes it easier and a good way to achieve distance.
A dummy launcher will also work well and this adds the sound of a gun.

We also had to get acquainted with the sound of a gun, which didn’t seem to be much of a problem for Soleil.
[Soleil] the sound of the gun makes me want to go even more.

All of this is done on land to start with. Like in obedience consistency and patience are a must. Before starting the water work make sure that you have a solid retrieve on land. The water work should be fairly easy since the dog is all excited about retrieving, well ….
[Soleil] have I got a surprise for you, I’m not the only one getting wet.

Airedales are not retrievers and won’t just jump in the water as eagerly as retrievers. Starting early will make this job easier but Soleil started at 2-1/2 and she could be real stubborn. Mom got wet with her a couple of times before investing in a pair of chest (not hip) waders.
[Soleil] now-now, I got the message, from now on I’ll do it on my own.

Now we are retrieving on land and in the water. We have learned to honor another dog doing his retrieve work, to be steady at the line and to wait for the release command to go out and retrieve.

This is only the start; a lot more training needs to be done. This year we are working on distance and single marks, where the dog has to use its eyes and memory. We will introduce the blind retrieves, where 2 bumpers/birds are thrown and the dog is sent to retrieve the last one first and then is sent to retrieve the first bumper/bird . This is done on land and in the water.

As much work and training this seems to be there is nothing as rewarding as watching your dog at work and come back with either the bumper or the bird. Let me finish by saying NO I’m not a hunter and I did have to wear gloves to hold my first bird.

Airedales are not allowed to trial in the CKC Hunting trials. NARA welcomes every breed to compete in their trials. The Airedale Terrier Club of America (ATCA) is pushing to get the Airedale hunting titles recognized by the AKC. For anyone interested in attending a weekend of fun, the ATCA puts on every year at the end of March a great weekend. Ffor information visit their website.

Louise Chady
Nightsun Airedale Terriers