Biding Time
Outdoor Adventures with Phil Taunton
Phil Taunton
Friday, January 11, 2008
Last week the snow was almost too deep to get out with the dogs, and this week it has really been too muddy for this old “tromper.”
What’s an outdoor person to do during these types of conditions if he isn’t a waterfowl hunter or a hard water fisherman?
Cold-weather fishing can be productive, and parts of some lakes are open. I think I will just bide my time and wait for better weather conditions to prevail.
Dog owners, if you can’t do anything with the dogs outside, there are a few things you can do indoors, such as teaching your dog some manners. But first, you need to have an understanding with others in the household.
For you men, one significant “other” would be the woman of the house. How you expect the dog to act in the house must be agreed upon by both parties, with uniform commands and proper reprimands given when needed.
Unlike some people who believe hunting dogs should be used just for hunting, I am under the persuasion and preach that any positive time you spend with your dog will strengthen the bond you have with it. Sporting dog owners are restricting themselves somewhat if they think these dogs are just meant for hunting.
I enjoy the company of my canine companions year round — hunting, gardening, fishing — wherever I can go and they have the opportunity to go with me. I am fortunate that Wifeus shares this same feeling.
I also believe a dog is not man’s best friend to start with. The dog’s trust and loyalty must be earned. And like with your significant other, you and your dog also must have an understanding.
The dog shouldn’t be given free reign in the house, or in the field for that matter, until it can be trusted and shows it wants to cooperate. Commands should be short and simple. Here means here. If the dog doesn’t come, put a leash on it and enforce your command. Don’t jerk the dog, scream the command or intimidate it. It is hard for a frightened animal to learn.
Stay also means stay. If the dog leaves the area where you ask it to stay, correct it, put it back and have it stay until you give another command to release it. Repetition does wonders, especially when followed with praise for a job well done.
By watching your dog, you will know when it needs to go outside to relieve itself. Try not to let it have an accident in the house. Leash the dog and take it outside to a particular spot in the yard. A smart dog will soon know why you are going outside and where it needs to go to do its duty.
Cassie, my 18-month-old pup, is in the house for the first time. She seems to be a bit under the weather and is lying on a rug (which is now her rug) at my feet as I write this column.
I am tickled to death how she has responded in the field, and her actions in the house confirm she will be a member of this family forever.
Dogs can’t talk, but their behavior can tell their owners what they need and when something is bothering them. Though she is eating out of my hand and drinking water, she seems lethargic and not quite her bouncy, inquisitive self. Perhaps she is just biding her time waiting for better weather and a trip to the bird fields.
Hopefully by evening she will come around.
If not, it’s off to the vet we go. If you have youngsters in the house who are interested in hunting, you might think about taking them rabbit or squirrel hunting. Rabbit season is open year round, but squirrel season closes Feb. 29.
A single shot 22 is a good firearm to start these young hunters with. The memories of the time you spend with them in the woods or on the waters will last a lifetime. Another great outdoor-related adventure held indoors for the whole family is the Kansas City Boat Show, which runs through Sunday afternoon at Bartle Hall in Kansas City, Mo. Seminars featured on Saturday will be Catfishing, and All About Walleye will be held on Sunday.