Question: I would like to know if it is possible to train my own dog. I have a six-month-old German Short-haired Pointer and would like to try to train her myself. Do you think I am foolish to try? My friends tell me I would be better off taking her to a professional like you. By the way, this is my first gun dog.

Karl T., Royal Oak.

Answer: Everyone has to start some where. It might be good for you to try it on your own to see how much money and time it takes. Start by reading as much as you can find on training field dogs and talking to other people who have trained their own dogs. You might consider joining the local NAVHDA [North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association] chapter or a National Shoot to Retrieve Association club. Both organizations are based on you training your own dog and have experienced members who might help. You may try going to a professional trainer for an occasional session to help give you some direction and in-sight into what needs to happen. I have helped many people to train their own dogs this way.

Charlie Linblade

Mighigan Wing Shooters Hunt Club

Michigan Pheasant Hunting

Michigan Bird Dog Training