I hope everyone enjoyed and learned a little about training at this years training day. I enjoyed working with you and your dogs. First I would like to thank the Trainers that came to help. Mike Dalby returned to help with individual training, the seminar and to demonstrate the whoa table. Dennis Nowak returned for individual training without using the electric collar. Brian Gingrich came for his first year and demonstrated the Perfection Kennels method as well as helping field questions with the demonstration. I would also like to thank Mary Haines for collecting money, taking pictures, cooking and serving lunch, Shelly and Eric Kliefoth for picking up the key and meeting the birds, Pam Spurgeon for cooking and taking pictures, Jan Casper for helping with lunch. Without volunteers an event like this can not take place. I also want to thank anyone that helped in small ways or were there to help if needed.

We had a good turnout with many dogs and trainers in need of help. We worked with dogs from their first birds all the way up to backing a standing dog. For me this was the most enjoyable year I have had running this event. We made a few changes this year and took groups into the field so people could learn to work with other issues than just their own. It worked great and the day ran very smooth. We were able to work in much more detail than in years past. From the input I received we will do the same format next year. The main point I hope everyone came away with was; It doesn’ t matter what training method you use as long as it makes sense to you and you spend the time training your dog. All 4 methods of training we used have had huge success; the common element is putting in the time.

Next year I hope to see you all back with a new pup, that young dog ready to break, or your broke dog just out for practice.

Until next year,
Mark Spurgeon
Crimson Sky Vizslas

2008 Vizsla Club of Illinois Training Day

2007 Training Day Write Up

This years training day was a big success. We had a-lot of people showing up to learn about hunt tests, and training. Some were there for curiosity. Some wanted to hone their skills, or work on a specific problem. Others were there to see if Fido could pass a junior, senior, or master hunt test. We had people sign up for the hunt test on Sunday after the training seminar. I saw quite a few returning people and dogs. For the most part the dogs and trainers that returned had made huge improvements. The dogs that were introduced to birds last year were working on steady to wing, or shot this year.

I would like to thank all the people that made this event a success. The trainers, assistant trainers, gunners, and everyone on the hill that make everything happen. Without your help this event could not take place. We ran 35-40 dogs through the field in 1 afternoon. We had 3 or 4 different field running at the same time each having a handler there dog, 1 trainer, and 1 assistant trainer.

We tried to start with the more experienced trainers and dogs in the morning. We took a break from individual training for the seminar. After the seminar we took time for questions and answers. After lunch it was back to training with the newer handlers.

For 2008 we will be pre-registering to have a better head count. We may even change a few things on how the day is run, so keep an eye to the bulletin and website for more information.

We hope to see you all back next year with a new puppy or a finished dog. Remember if your dog is doing something wrong, he thinks it is what you want, is probably trying to please you and is confused. You taught him to do it one way or another. You may not even know what you did wrong. It is your job to show your dog how to do it right in a gentle way he can understand.

Thank you and good luck Mark Spurgeon Crimson Sky Vizslas

 2004 Training Day

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