To accommodate the 30+ dogs, we will split into 2 training groups - the first will start at 3:30pm and the second will start at 5:30pm.

Ducks will be used every week – please bring 1 duck for every dog you run. Tag and identify the birds so you can take them home with you each night.

Handlers are expected to bring a radio, duck call and have access to a pistol (meaning you need to have one to use; they will not be provided).

Bring equipment

You are responsible for set-up, working, etc. and being there when the group starts.

Within a group it’s up to the group to organize who throws/runs when – (for multi-dog owners it is efficient to make sure they run with as few dogs in between as possible so they can work, multi-dog owners should not place undue burden on the group and be prompt to the holding blind.)

Please make sure there is someone to open up the following week and transfer the key – one for each group

Contact:

Margaret Stubbs
LRCGB
mstubbs222@aol.com
(781) 894-4315

Where

Delaney Watershed Area
314 Harvard Rd
Stow, MA 01775 Stow, MA

Driving Directions

ABOUT DELANEY

Delaney is a coveted Massachusetts Wildlife Management Area (WMA), managed jointly by the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW, known as Mass Wildlife) with other agencies.

Hunter retriever training access to WMA grounds is becoming more and more rare and we are grateful to the DFW and supporting agencines for granting the LRCGB a permit for Tuesday training.

2015 DELANEY Subcommittee

J.Edsall - chair
M.Amidon
M.Bush
K.Fisher
N.Freitas
R.Fuchs
B.Johnston
K.Kase
J.Lyons
C.Shea
M.Stubbs
D.Tucker
M.Wilcox
N.Wolston

2016 Field Training at Delaney

Mission: To support the training, education,
and improvement of all dogs and handlers

The LRCGB Field Committee has secured Delaney Wildlife Area for field training on Tuesdays, from March 15 through Oct 4, 2016.

This is a peer-to-peer training group. There is no formal instruction
outside of the Beginners Class.

To make Delaney less of a burden on any one person, we will move to group training with overarching guidance on location– which will help to keep things somewhat orderly. Please look to your peers for help, and plan to take ownership of your training. It is not formal training -- there is no instruction.

There will be 2 training groups each night - the first starts in mid-afternoon at 3:30pm and the second at 5:30 - nearer to our normal start time. Teams will organize the set ups according to a season syllabus (currently in development). We expect the training to be as close to a hunt test as possible people should expect to contribute to the training group and bring equipment.

While members who pay the seasonal dues can train at Delaney at any time of the day, all should inform the group in case others wish to join.

The Tuesday night training group is open to LRCGB members only, with modest accommodation for guests.

Participation Fees & Policies

Pre-pay for the season: $50 for first dog
Pre-pay for the season: $25 each for 2nd and 3rd dog; no cost for more dogs
Drop In: $10 per dog per day

All Beginners Class participants are encouraged to join the training group after the class is over - even if you're not (yet) a LRCGB member. For those class members new to field work, the participation fee will be waived. For repeat clients of the Beginners Class the fee for their first dog will be reduced to $25.

Drop-ins must sign up for that week in order to attend (see below).

Weekly electronic sign-up will be provided, both pre-paids and drop-ins should indicate their intent to attend, and the session they'll attend, by 5pm the day prior (Monday). Please be accurate on your estimated arrival time.

What to Expect

There will be two group start times: 3:30 and 5:30
Bring one bird for every dog you run – remember to tag your bird and be prepared to dispose of your bird
Bring equipment!
You are responsible for set-up, working, etc. and being there when the group starts.
Within a group, you will organize who throws/runs when – for multi-dog owners, be efficient and run with as few dogs in between as possible so they can work; multi-dog owners should not place undue burden on the group -- be prompt to the holding blind.
Please make sure someone is able to open up the following week and transfer the key – one for each group
Each week's setup will follow a prearranged syllabus, adn the group is encouraged to manage the setup to accomodate dogs at varying levels.
Weekly preregistration is helpful. Each week, please indicate your preference for early or late sessions.
Adhoc training sessions are okay if you arrive in between the early and late sessions. Feel free to run drills with bumpers only and be sure not to disturb the organized training group. At the 5:30 witching hour, all adhoc training ceases and the formal training group begins.
Start times are important. Training groups create the best experience for all when folks arrive in/around the same time. As a courtesy to your fellow trainers, please plan to arrive within 1/2 hour of the designated start time.

What's Expected of Participants

All Delaney users are required to work at least one (if not more) official field events.

Be prepared to work in the field and provide equipment. The club will supply popper guns and gun stands, popper shells, and possibly wingers. Please bring holding blinds and other equipment. At a minimum, handlers are expected to have a duck call, whistle, working radio and a pistol.

Please make sure your dog is ready to run when it is your turn. Ideally, there is always a dog in the holding blind. Air your dog in advance, pick up after your dog!

Please be aware that we're sharing the grounds with other people walking their dogs. We’d like to keep a good relationship between our training group and the dog walkers. If someone complains, be courteous, offer to explain what we are doing, but do not get into arguments.

On the grounds, never drive faster than 5 mph. We’d like to keep a good relationship between our training group and the others using the grounds -- dog walkers, runners, horseback riders, etc.

Finally, do recognize that we dog trainers are an eclectic group, and we cannot please all people all the time. To ensure a good time is had by all, please make an effort to all get along and accept the differences amongst each other; critical commentary to these agreed upon processes should be directed to the field committee chair (NFreitas). Improvements that are in sync with these philosophies are welcome!

Keep This in Mind:

This is a training session, think about what you want you and your dog to LEARN. Do not try to win the training session, you will have ample time to demonstrate your dog’s ability at the tests.

All dogs learn at different rates and have different problems. Do not feel your dog should be able to do the most difficult set-up or that a training approach used by one member is always the right approach for your dog. Know your dog's skills. If he's less experienced, simplify your run.

Don't hesitate to ask more experienced handlers for suggestions on how to simplify if you're in doubt. Ask questions!

While all dogs have bad days, if your dog appears to consistently have problems, then you may want to consider that the task you have asked is beyond the current ability of your dog.

You are encouraged to spend as much time as you need to help your dog deal with a problem you encounter while running a setup. At the same time, please be considerate of your fellow dog trainers - especially as daylight wanes. For example, if you worked 10 minutes on a tough blind, your training partners wouldn't be pleased if you tried to run a second, similarly difficult blind. Know when to quit. A happy bumper may be better for you, your dog, and your training partners than another frustrating mark or blind.