The more our time goes into helping others start their bird dogs (Vizslas specifically), the more we realize how much training gear we've accumulated over the years.  We decided to provide a list of these supplies so you know where to get your own gear.  Having your own gear gives you the flexibility to head out to train your bird dogs as your schedule allows.

First, we recommend you purchase and watch several times John and Cindy Hann's "A Perfect Start" (may as well get "A Perfect Finish" too!).  This video will help you better understand why we start our Vizslas the way we do.  For years, we started Vizslas in different ways with moderate success.  Finally, we came across the Hanns' videos and liked much of what we saw.  Then, Mel attended a John Hann seminar and got hooked on his training methods.  The Hann method of training bird dogs makes "perfect" sense!  Their method removes much of the dog/handler conflict by allowing the dog to teach him/herself.  Yes, the dogs are worked on check cords in the early training but the Hann's process of using remote launchers and LOTS of birds (pigeons) is intended to more closely simulate wild bird hunting.  If a bird dog puts too much pressure on a wild bird, the bird will flush.  No good if you're too far away to get a shot.  Wild birds teach gun dogs they can't get too close or they'll flush. You can do all of the whooping and hollering your heart desires when trying to 'whoa' your bird dog but, wild birds flushing are far more effective trainers than your shouts.

Buy the video to learn more! By the way, we don't receive any sort of kick-back if you buy the Hanns' videos or mention we referred them. We recommend them because we very much believe in the training methods they demonstrate. And, the Hanns are good, honest, talented trainers. Lots of good info in their videos.  

Below is our list of training gear and where it can be purchased.  Most of these links go to Dogs Unlimited for a couple of reasons.  The first reason is Dogs Unlimited is a local Colorado-owned business. We believe in supporting local businesses whenever possible.  The second reason to buy your gear from Dogs Unlimited is the owner and employees are a good, hard-working group!   

Training Supplies:

1. DT Systems - Natural Flush Remote Bird Launchers (we have one transmitter and two launchers), order from www.dogsunlimited.com
2. Original Game Steward's Bird Bag, order from www.dogsunlimited.com
3. Alfa Starter Pistol, order from www.dogsunlimited.com
4. 209 Primers, CCI - 209 Primers, order from www.dogsunlimited.com
5. Game Bird Harness (without studs, need a fishing pole to attach to) – Quail and Pigeon, order from www.dogsunlimited.com
6. Bird Flight Limiter, order from www.dogsunlimited.com
7. Avery PRO Trainer's Bag, order from www.dogsunlimited.com
8. Dokken Dead Fowl Trainers (Quail and Pheasant), order from www.dogsunlimited.com
9.  PermaTack check cords and collars, www.permatack.com
10. Tri-tronics e-collars, Pro 500 G3 EXP (we have the multi-dog unit), order from Two Bears Dog Training www.twobearsinc.net (and sign up for obedience training classes while you're at it--John Hendershot and Diann Yandrich are THE BEST in the business!)
11. Cabela's 5mm Neoprene Vest Chest Protector, order from www.cabelas.com
12. Ruff Wear - Bark'n Boots Grip Trex, order from www.dogsunlimited.com – Read our “How to get dog boots to stay on your dog’s feet” article!
13. Field Trial (hunting) Collars – Make sure you order them WITH an address plate – order from www.dogsunlimited.com
14. Bird carrier, COOP 10 - Transportation Coop -order from www.dogsunlimited.com
15. TBI Pro Style Dog StakeOut, www.gundogsupply.com
16. Whistle and lanyard
17. A pair of durable, good fitting, leather working gloves
18. Hunting vest (www.uglydoghunting.com and www.orvis.com for some nice options) - We wear Quilomene vests, www.quilomene.com
19. Chaps/brush pants – we wear Filson’s  (www.uglydoghunting.com and www.orvis.com for some nice options)
20. Shotgun (“DUH!” but felt it necessary to add to the list)
21. BIRDS! – we do our early and steadying bird work with pigeons (Another “DUH!” but felt it necessary to add to the list)
22. First aid kit (see the contents of ours below)

You can buy much of this same gear at:

1. www.lcsupply.com
2. www.gundogsupply.com
3. www.cabelas.com

First Aid Kit:

1. Hemostats
2. EMT gel and spray
3. Saline solution (for flushing your bird dog’s eyes)
4. Scissors
5. Gauze pads
6. 3M Vet Wrap (Trust us—you’ll NEED this in your kit!)
7. Cotton balls and swabs
8. Antibiotics
9. Antibiotic eye ointment
10. Duct tape
11. Flashlight
12. Clean towels (old t-shirts and socks)
13. Hydrogen peroxide
14. Thermometer
15. Arnica
16. Traumeel (tabs and gel)
17. Pepto Bismol
18. Plastic bags
19. Bacitracin ointment/NeoSporin
20. Buffered Aspirin
21. Benadryl
22. Tramadol
23. Staple gun
24. Kwik-Stop
25. Book on first aid for canines

Always bring along:

1. PLENTY of water
2. Burt's Bees insect repellent (safe for you and your dog!)
3. Portable chairs (sometimes you do need to take a rest!)
4. Pre-moistened hand wipes
5. Sunscreen
6. Food/snacks (the days can be long!)