Provided

Mike Dietz and Peach (left) are shown with bird dog trainer  Jonathan Wirth.

Individual bird dog training offered at Rolfe Beagle Club

JOHNSONBURG — Bird dog handlers had the opportunity to benefit from individual training with their dogs at the Rolfe Beagle Club on Saturday.

“It was awesome to have great training grounds and access to people with the training skills I wanted,” said Mike Dietz, a bird dog handler attending the Individual Bird Dog Training.

Dietz is the caretaker of a 10-month-old Boykin spaniel named Peach. The training was offered at the club by Birddoggers, consisting of volunteers from the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS), American Woodcock Society, Pheasants Forever, and beagle club members.

Eight dog handlers were provided with two hours of one-on-one instruction in any area they chose for their bird dog. Handling, search, steadiness, pointing — it was an opportunity to tighten those skills between a bird dog and the handler.

Four trainers provided the knowledge needed for two hours of instruction. The first session was from 8 to 10 a.m. and the second session was 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Jonathan Wirth, a member of RGS and the beagle club, and also a trainer at Warriors Mark, said, “I really enjoy training dogs, all types of bird dogs, so this was one of my happy days.”

The training was organized by Tom McPherson, also a trainer, and Bethany Ford, volunteers with the RGS. Jack Hackley, also a trainer, provided all the pigeons for the training. Jennifer Kellogg rounded out the dog trainers.

The Rolfe Beagle Club provided quail, launchers, and all bird equipment. Mary Hosmer provided lunches.

The next bird dog events at the club will be an RGS Women’s Hunt on Sept. 7 and the Phil Fitch Memorial Chukar Challenge on Sept. 20.