The Accommodating Woodcock

Well I have recently acquired a very accommodating woodcock in the backyard. For those who have never been to the house/training grounds. Usually every spring I have a nesting woodcock somewhere in the backyard area. Usually we'll play around with her for the early spring once a week or so unless she gets to close to the dogs normal errands. Usually she'll disappear for the hot part of the summer. First year i worried I'd lost her but now I know better. By this time of year usually she'll be back around in one of a few areas during the course of the day. Well she's been hiding along a edge lately and giving Ivy a good time of it. For the past couple of nights when I turn the dogs out for their time to clean out she's been pointed. Same place and same time. Well what better training opportunity then that. SO Zoe has got some backing work the last couple of nights. First time Zoe wanted to rush in and "help" but I made her stop and stand still as I went to IVY on point. This is a narrow little area that has a number of 1-2 inch saplings so tying off the checkcord was convenient. The second night Zoe stopped on her own!!! I have not been flushing for Ivy as I don't like to disturb the little ones but have heard Mom scurrying through the under brush. Not to mention who likes to flush in vines with sandals and shorts on so I've just been carrying Ivy off point and quietly going back to Zoe who has remained standing nice and pretty. Needless to say i have been very happy with my little brown training assistant....

Long Summer

So as many people could guess it's been a long summer so far. Work with the pup has ground to a virtual halt as I have been trying to find time to build a pigeon loft. Unfortunately the wife has had other plans for my time and the loft is not yet built. Hopefully with the upcoming rain this weekend I will have a chance to try and get it together.......