Vizsla Field Training Equipment

Here are a few things you need to effectively train and work your dog for field events. They are relatively inexpensive and will make the job a lot easier.

• Buckle collar - A strap buckle collar is best. It should fit snugly but have enough room to be comfortable when “working up a sweat” running in the field. Never field train your dog with a chain choker collar.
• Orange and yellow reversible field collar - This makes seeing your dog in tall grass a lot easier and helps to tell the dogs apart in a field event. The first dog listed in the brace uses the orange side. The second dog listed uses the yellow side.
• Orange vest or shirt for you - This makes you easier to be seen in the field and an orange upper garment is required by AKC to be worn when live ammunition is being used.
• Whistle - Many people whistle train their dogs for field work because the sound carries better than the human voice. You will want to use a “referee” whistle which can be found at Walmarts, Target, and sports stores.
• Starter Pistol 22 caliber only - During training and in a field event the handler uses a common track starter pistol or blank pistol. Ideally, it should be carried in a holster on a belt around your waist. The key is to have it easily accessible to shoot when your dog goes on point in Junior. In Senior and Master, you would use it if your dog goes on point in the back course or if the Gunner misses the bird in the bird field. Do not shoot right next to your dog or brace mate.
• Leash - You always have your dog leashed up at an event and when you go to the starter line to begin your turn. You take your leash in case you have to leash your dog while in the field. A 6 foot or less leash is fine. Carry the leash in your hunting vest to keep your hands free.
• Long Line/Check Cord - You can make this out of thick cord from Home Depot. It should be about 8 to 10 feet long with a snap on the end to attach to your buckle collar. This long line is used in training. It allows your dog to range out from you but you still have control of your dog for corrections.
• Water Bottle - You should always carry water with you in the field for you as well as for your dog. On a hot day many handlers give their dogs a drink to keep their mouth and nose moist. This helps their sense of smell. You should cup your hand and squirt the water in to your hand for your dog to drink or squirt the water in to their mouth.
• Sturdy Shoes - You will often be walking over rough terrain and the proper shoes are critical.
• Sun Protection - A hat and sunscreen can be the difference between a good day and a bad one.
• Tweezers - These work great for removing cactus thorns from you and your dog.
• Leather Gloves - These can protect your hands against thorns and rope burn from your long line.
• First Aid Kit - A simple first aid kit when you are out training can help in an emergency until you or your dog gets medical help.
• Food - Always bring something to eat. You will need the energy to keep up with your dog! Don’t feed your dog before you take him in the field and wait at least an hour afterwards. After the dog’s run, limit its water intake too. This will lessen the chance of stomach torsion.
• AKC Pointing Breed Hunting Test Rule Book – If you don’t know the rules you can’t play the game to win.

RSVC has a limited supply of reversible collars, orange t-shirts, and AKC rule books.

www.tbicatalog.com - reversible collars, check cords, whistles, whistle lanyards, 22 caliber blank pistols, holsters, and blank ammunition.

Walmart, Cabellas, Sports Warehouse, BassPro - orange mesh vests.

AKC Pointing Breed Hunting Test Rule Book >>