Newbie Question

[KonasMom]

I am currently looking into starting Kona in field/hunt test training. My only concern is I am not a hunter and don't shoot guns. Can this training be accomplished without me becoming a hunter?

[Kzunell]

Yes you can absolutely train and compete in AKC hunt tests and/or field trials without ever hunting and or shooting a lived gun. That being said you should be prepared to handle dead birds and at firing a starter pistol would be helpful. Alot of training can be done with bumpers, but at some point dead birds should be used and then some live flyers should be used. If you join a club that trains dog there will probably be enough people that will shoot that you can get your dog exposed to it. Go to AKC.org and look up the coming hunt tests this spring in your area and go talk to people there about training and finding out where to train and who to train with. I find if you are willing to work people are willing to include you in their training group, and a training group is really the best way to train. A 6 person group works well so 1/2 the people can throw and 1/2 can run their dogs then you can switch around.
The one thing I know is there are a bunch of really nice people that will help you train if you will help them.

Kelly and Amber

[GulfCoast]

Yes, you can train a dog to Master/HRCH/qaa without being a hunter, but like was said above, you WILL have to use real birds/have flyers shot and use a starter pistol. Have fun!

[SamIAm]

Yes, I knew nothing about guns or hunting when I started. You will not have to shoot live ammo, unless you decide to while training, from time to time. As the others said, you will have to handle a dead duck.

Frances

[georgie]

Absolutely. Our breeder has labs with MH titles & have taken two of hers to the Master National Test & she does not hunt. Joining a lab club that trains for hunt tests will help. Like the others have said, you will have to handle dead ducks etc., but others in the club can shoot live flyers for you.
It is alot of fun. Good luck.

[Kzunell]

Here is a club (looks like a very good one) that should be kinda close to you in Florida

www.treasurecoastretrieverclub.com

Kelly and Amber