Duck Hunting in a pit blind with dog

[BenHuntin]

How do you line your dog for a blind retrieve when hunting out of a pit blind?

I have been getting him out of the dog box with a "back", then sitting him with the whistle, and casting him to the duck. This works great but my only issue with it is that I am creating a popping expert. He has learned to run out 10 yards and turn around for his next move. This is great when hunting but it's not gonna be so great when we start running our seasoned test.

I understand that we can train away from the habit after season is over but I am hoping to get some advice on a better way to do this and create less problems.

Thanks!

[j towne]

My dog watches what way we shoot so he has a good idea where they fall when he jumps out of the pit. But if it is multiplei birds he will heel next to me on the ground while I'm in the pit and I stick my arm out and point what way to go. I always stand on the end of the pit.

[Big Suh]

Personally I get out of my pit and run blind retrieves as I would in a test. Just because your hunting doesn't mean you can be training or at the very least maintaining. An inexperienced opinion but thats how I do it.

[labman63]

Thats the way I do as well. Get out,call dog out to me, heel then send.

Personally I get out of my pit and run blind retrieves as I would in a test. Just because your hunting doesn't mean you can be training or at the very least maintaining. An inexperienced opinion but thats how I do it.

[David McCracken]

I do the same thing as above. Also, I put my dog in a dog blind outside the pit (rather than inside) so he doesn't have to run a whole bunch of blinds.

[chuck187]

I concur, get out and line your dog up.

[Hunter06FLKY]

Personally I get out of my pit and run blind retrieves as I would in a test. Just because your hunting doesn't mean you can be training or at the very least maintaining. An inexperienced opinion but thats how I do it.

Same thing here from the goose pit. Did have a double on honkers 2 weeks ago where she marked based on the gun direction but I normally don't count on that.

[Dustin D]

Marks from the Box.

Blinds from the Levee.

I still have a puppy though so he's not ready for Prime Time yet. I suppose this could change once his handling improves more and more.

[j towne]

I use a dog so I dont have to get out of the pit.

If I had to get out of the pit everytime to send the dog I miles well just leave the dog at home and pick up the bird myself.

[Dustin D]

I use a dog so I dont have to get out of the pit.

If I had to get out of the pit everytime to send the dog I miles well just leave the dog at home and pick up the bird myself.

Well that all depends on your set up too. If the dog is not right out in front of the blinds I hunt, you can't seem him and he can't see you. To the left and right and rear is all tall grass.