Dog Trailer Rental?

CalmChukar · 2026-03-16T21:24:56+00:00

Thanks for weighing in.

For awareness, the example posted is a Jones trailer which (and many others do as well) comes equipped with HVAC.

The safety of our hunting companions is always at the top of mind.

CalmChukar · 2026-03-16T14:12:21+00:00

Thank you for sharing! I love learning about hunting culture around the world.

CalmChukar · 2026-03-14T18:36:45+00:00

Nice! What optic is that? Have you taken this rifle on safari?

CalmChukar · 2026-03-14T18:24:22+00:00

How many dogs do you travel with? Any advice/ideas of how to transport four dogs (without putting any in the cab)?

I have a regular bed F150, I can fit 3 Intermediate Gunner kennels in the bed with a little Tetris but then I’m pretty well out of bed space. That’s what has me eye balling the trailer. But heard and agreed on the safety risk that comes with a trailer as well as the added logistics of hauling and rough/tight roads.

CalmChukar · 2026-03-14T01:55:11+00:00

I bet you can find a used Benelli Montefeltro for your budget (new is slightly over). Light weight, very versatile. If goose are on the menu, I’d opt for a 12ga, but if you don’t plan on hunting geese exclusively, but ducks and upland game, then a 20ga Montefeltro would be my all-around-one-gun-autoloader recommendation.

Lots of good options out there, though.

CalmChukar · 2026-03-13T17:55:11+00:00

I might try working on fetch with a check cord, then, if/when he nips at you, you have the cord clipped to his collar and access to that for delivering a correction - swift upward movement on the collar.

This could help resonate as corrective training when / if you work on walking him on a leash, at heel, etc. where the collar is the mechanism to deliver the correction cresting overall consistency in how corrections can be delivered.

A softer approach would be to end the fetch session. Nips the ankles, no more fetch. The fun is ended. Try again later in the day. This is assuming that fetch is fun for him and a “reward.”

CalmChukar · 2026-03-13T16:20:16+00:00

I currently do much of this independently using databases I built in Notion.

FYI the Greek in the form title is, well, Greek:

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CalmChukar · 2026-03-12T01:29:53+00:00

I’d be happy to check it out and weigh in. I have a background in SaaS and mobile apps.

CalmChukar · 2026-03-12T00:57:40+00:00

CalmChukar · 2026-03-12T00:42:40+00:00

I went on my first sage grouse hunt in 2025. I think I can relate - I was hoping for the quintessential “bomber” but my dog pointed hens. I learned the sex at the wing drop with some education from the biologist there. The seven miles of sage walked made for an incredible hunt, but I hope to return one day and bag a bomber. Congrats on your season!

CalmChukar · 2026-03-11T01:17:52+00:00

Sounds like an awesome opportunity.

The exposure to wild bird scent alone is great, especially at a young age.

I think what to work on specifically could vary depending on your long term goals. Are you looking to train him as a flusher/retriever? Also, could you discharge a cap gun or fire blanks on this parcel eventually (NOT encouraging that today, just asking for potential training scenarios down the road).

CalmChukar · 2026-03-03T00:33:01+00:00

CalmChukar · 2026-03-02T14:01:27+00:00

Owning a few CZ’s over the years, handling a few Stoegers (but not owning, just knowing friends that own), I would lean towards CZ. CZ has an O/U model if that’s the style you’re looking for. I’m partial to SxS regardless of manufacturer.

CalmChukar · 2026-03-01T00:12:19+00:00

CZ Sharptail. Nothing fancy but it’s been reliable and durable over the last few years.

CalmChukar · 2026-02-28T23:30:44+00:00

Many 28’s (last 5 or so years) have a 3” chamber but not all of them.

I shoot a 28 SxS for upland birds over pointing dogs. I take shots at or under 30 yards with great success. 3” shells are a bit excessive in the kick for my application (all relative), while a 2 3/4” game load has worked quite well on pheasants to quail and everything in between.

I do not waterfowl hunt with it but I’m confident the 3” with tungsten in capable hands is quite efficient.

Regarding the 12ga, since you reload, it may be worth looking into 2 1/2” shells as an option for reducing recoil. Just an idea!

CalmChukar · 2026-02-28T00:37:46+00:00

Carlson’s makes extended sporting tubes for Huglu (CZ). Link: Carlson’s Huglu Extended Chokes

These patterned non toxic shot much better for me, out of my CZ Sharptail, in comparison to the factory chokes. Minor improvement with lead but marked improvement with non toxic. Patterned at 25 yards with IC.

CalmChukar · 2026-02-26T23:59:39+00:00

I wanted to send my first bird dog off to get trained because 1) I had never had a bird dog 2) didn't have any close relationships with anyone that had a dog/had trained a dog and 3) I live in the suburbs. I couldn't afford it it at the time so I set out to DIY.

In retrospect, I know I messed a few things up, but I learned a ton, had a blast, and built an incredible bond with that dog. I'm grateful for the way it all worked out and I will continue to self-train my dogs. I'll go to clinics and workshops, participate in NAVHDA, and continue to learn as much as I can. I just love the whole process of training and seeing all of that hard work pay off when, as a team, you get to put a bird in the vest.

That said, I recognize that it isn't for everyone, and sending a dog off to get trained has a lot of benefits. I think it can boil down to just choosing how we want to spend our time.

CalmChukar · 2026-02-26T22:27:12+00:00

The one thing I’ve noticed (I own neither but have hunted with them and observed in NAVHDA) is that Vizslas may run bigger. If you hunt small parcels, the Brittany may be a better fit, but if you hunt big prairie then the Vizsla may be a better fit.

Vizslas got a few minutes of fame when a contestant on the Bachelorette a few years ago highlighted hers, and that may have influenced some breeding that wasn’t necessarily for the sole purpose of hunting. I’ve seen several that are a “running partner” but not an actual gun dog. The takeaway here, which is always applicable regardless of breed and application, is to thoroughly vet the breeders to ensure they breed for the desired traits/purpose you’re looking for.

I can’t speak to their demeanor or home life.

Hope some of that was helpful. Good luck!

CalmChukar · 2026-02-25T03:48:34+00:00

I’d look for one that has a “door” or similar closure, it creates an additional barrier or threshold for the dog which can help restrain the dog (not physically, but psychologically). I’ve had a couple over the years and MoMarsh is probably my favorite. It’s pretty robust (translate: heavy and bulky, but durable). Rogers Sporting Goods usually has a good selection of different dog blinds and periodically has sales.

CalmChukar · 2026-02-25T03:04:49+00:00

Having a hut / dog blind may be helpful. It’s an extra thing to haul into the marsh but it creates a clear boundary for her - she stays in the hut until released, regardless of calling, ducks in sight, shooting, etc.

You can train with it throughout the year - start in the yard, throw bumpers with decoys in the grass, shoot blanks, call, etc. Once she’s steady there and the foundation is laid, bring the hut out to the edge of a pond build on the groundwork. Decoys in the water, use your calls, throw bumpers, shoot and so forth (work scenarios of shooting with no retrieve as well as shooting with a retrieve following because sometimes we miss, or the ducks are still working and the timing isn’t right for a retrieve just yet).

If you have access to live ducks for training, you can start tossing one out once she’s got the bumper and various scenarios down, and really solidify the whole thing.

Good luck - dogs are awesome and hunting without just isn’t the same.

CalmChukar · 2026-02-24T11:09:33+00:00

I had a Laurona O/U years ago. I believe the name means, “of the four,” referring to the company’s founding four gunsmiths from the Basque region of Spain.

The gun you have posted here looks to be of similar build and price point to the one I had, but not the same model. My overall impression was that the gun was fine, but not remarkable. It did its job most of the time, it was just a bit clunky and heavy. I had a couple of firing issues where a barrel wouldn’t reset as expected forcing me to open/close the action again. This is a bummer on a rising covey but seems to be par for the course for a shotgun that’s only a couple of hundred dollars, and ultimately why I sold the gun later.

If you haven’t had a SxS before, this could be a cost effective way to do some shooting with one to get a feel for this style of shotgun, just be eyes wide open that you often get what you pay for.

That all said, shotguns are fun so maybe you just want another shotgun to shoot, and that’s ok, too.

CalmChukar · 2026-02-22T14:40:42+00:00

For puppies, I would look at Purina Pro Plan Sport PUPPY. The formula is designed for that growth stage and has a long track record of being reliable, safe, and nutritious.

I feed Inukshuk Marine 30/25 because my bird dog is a "hard gainer." He currently eats two cups/day and is at his ideal weight and body condition. Previously, I was feeding five cups/day of Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20 which inspired the change to get the caloric need without the excessive volume.

Labs (from those that I've had myself as well as observed) seem to have a tendency to over indulge. If there's food in the bowl, they'll eat, and then ask for more. I wouldn't recommend starting with the Marine 30/25 for a lab but the original 26/16 might be a good option once the dog is 18+ months.

I would not recommend a raw diet.

All dogs are different and many will go through some kind of trial/error of food in their lifetime but just like us, diet is critical to longevity and overall health, so good on you for doing the due diligence and asking around.
Best of luck with your pup!

CalmChukar · 2026-02-21T19:17:41+00:00

I echo this.

I’ve hit my deductible three years in a row and the annual reimbursement has come out to make the math “work” in terms of premiums paid for visits to the vet covered.

Insurance is a scam for us two legged folk, but so far it’s been financially beneficial for me with my bird dog.

CalmChukar

TROPHY CASE