Welcome to the DOGS Unlimited Blog!

While this is a new media, this is not entirely a foreign function for me. Before I discovered bird dogs I trained as a journalist and worked in that field – on paper. In fact, I first set type from a California Job Case while still in high school. Later offset printing eliminated the need for lead type. Next documents were prepared on computers for publication on paper. Now I move on to preparation on computer for display on the web.

Like a new publication just where and how it will grow is unknown at this moment. If it is to grow, it must serve its readers. Their “feedback” will provide direction. This might become a collection of articles on how to train and develop dogs for field work. It might be a vehicle for civilized exchange of opinion. It might become a reliable source for information. It might do all of this and more.

This introduction is my first posting, so it is a beginning for me. I am hoping this “first step” is but a beginning of a long and interesting journey. With my horizons open, I see the only limitation at this point is that this is a site for dogs which function afield. Pointing, retrieving and flushing breeds are all candidates for this site. Might we touch on related topics like guns, where to go to hunt, equipment of interest to hunters is entirely possible. On the other hand, we do not want the “focus” of the site to be lost so we will likely avoid fishing, auto racing and other topics unrelated to bird hunting or water fowling. We will also screen out “advertising” since that will distract from information and discussion.

While the site is new, I am not. I was “into” bird dogs before NAVHDA and NSTRA were founded. I originally sold leather collars painted with orange to make them more visible. Bill Brown was editor of American Field and Henry P. Davis was still writing and judging. Some of the issues that were discussed over coffee then are still being discussed now – and may be topics for discussion for many years to come.

It has been my observation that many who take up this bird hunting sport are involved for the rest of their lives. It does not get “old” or lose its luster. Even when the “learning curve” is mostly accomplished, there is the appreciation that there is more. Every young dog brings something new. At the beginning of each hunt, there is anticipation that this one will be special. And for those who get involved with the breeding of dogs, they now look to see how progeny do afield; are they better than their parents? What characteristics do they display?

Technology has changed the sport some. We have electronic collars. We have dog locaters. New studies of animal behavior have lead to new training techniques. Nutrition for dogs is better understood and resulted in improved rations. This has led to better performance over a longer life span in many cases.

That said, bird hunting is still a sport of tradition and many of the practices of 200 years ago are still in place. There are many who like traditional double guns,.traditional clothing and want the dogs to hunt in a “traditional” way. They enjoy reading the classic sporting books and may even display classic sporting art in their office or den.

There are events held nationwide so competitors can see who has the best dog. There are more different kinds of venues today than ever. There are also non-competitive events available so hunters can get together, help each other, exchange ideas and, hopefully, come away with better dogs. Not every hunter takes advantage of this. Many still seek the peace of field, forest and lake reveling in nature with their dog. For them the “competition” is their teamwork against meeting their quarry in their native habitat. Through all of this diversity, the dog is a pliant partner. He will share your joy on “shooting a double” in the grouse woods. He will feel your exhilaration when you are handed a blue ribbon. And he will know his world is o.k. when you put down that food pan in the evening.

A lot of this is about me. That will change. Oh, I'll be here. I'll still be hunting. I'll still be making some events. I'm still cleaning kennels and putting down food pans. But this is not MY blog; it's yours. Let me hear from you. You can email me at: blog@dogsunlimited.com