Using quail to steady

[pdm1983]

Anyone any experience using quail to get a dog (springer) sitting to flush? If so any tips? ideas? recommendations?

[JAN]

Yes - with my trainer - on cockers and clumbers. Excellent because they only flush a few feet upwards and then scoot about in the undergrowth. Ideal for youngsters. I wouldn't try them on my own but have only had good experiences with them.

[Springfield Pointers]

Just beware your dog doesn't catch one in training, you'll have a whole other set of issues to train out...

[Cass]

Its funny the differences. We expect our pups to catch lots of birds in the beginning to shape their drive

[Springfield Pointers]

Its funny the differences. We expect our pups to catch lots of birds in the beginning to shape their drive

"in the beginning" - when you're training steadiness, you should be quite a way past "the beginning". If you're still trying to shape drive well into the first year, I would be looking at new meat.

[Cass]

LOL guess I wasn't really paying attention SP, you are right. A dog catching one would be the opposite of steady hahaha. I have never used quail with my dog (only pigeons) but I think they would be a great tool. I have heard of folks here setting up a johnny house on their property and then taking the dog(s) out and working them. They can get quite a few contacts since they don't fly far and then eventually the birds go back to the call house. Seems like a great idea and a bit more "natural" then using pigeons like we do so much. Mind you pigeons are much easier to find, keep, and are cheaper.

[Springfield Pointers]

I use pigeons in traps and a long line, I don't overdo it though, as the dogs have a tendency to get too close (pointers mind) but they are good to teaching steadiness...

[Gundogguy]

Anyone any experience using quail to get a dog (springer) sitting to flush? If so any tips? ideas? recommendations?

Certainly you can use quail to steady a spaniel to flush or wing. The bird itself, lends itself, better to pointing dog training than spaniel work. When I have used quail, I have only used them for introduction type work with pups. Understand I cannot recall how long ago that was maybe 25 yrs or so. So really not my bird of choice. Pigeons and pheasants would be my go to training birds.
How available are quail in your local?

[Blackjaw]

I haven't had good luck with quail, but Paul McGagh (U.S.) has a Johnny Box and uses quail quite a bit (He must have figured out a strain of quail that works for spaniels).

[Bamburi]

I but Paul McGagh (U.S.) has a Johnny Box and uses quail quite a bit .

whats a Johnny Box ?