When we Steady our Upland Hunting Dogs

When we Steady our Upland Hunting Dogs

By Ryan Eder

Steady to Wing
Pointers: For a pointer to be steady to wing (or steady to flush) this would mean that once the dog goes on point, they remain on point while the handler searches for the bird and kicks the bird up (this would also be called “Whoa broke”; the dog does not creep or move closer to the bird while the handler kicks over cover trying to flush the bird). Furthermore, steady to wing means that once the bird flushes, the dog is not chasing the bird but staying on point and watching the bird fly away.

Flushers: A flusher that is steady to wing will find and flush a bird, then stop chasing once the bird is flushed and either stand or sit still watching the bird fly away. Many handlers will give a whistle or verbal command once the bird flushes to encourage the flushing dog to sit or stand in place immediately after the flush.

Steady to Shot
Pointers: Once a dog is steady to wing, and will remain still during the flush of a bird, the next step is to be steady through the shot(s) taken at the flushed bird. The dog should not break when the gun(s) are fired, and should still be focused (and in the same place as when the bird flushed) on the bird.

Flushers: The concept of steady to shot is the same for flushers. Once they are sitting or standing immediately after the flush, a flusher that is steady to shot will remain in that position when the shot(s) are fired.

Steady to Fall
Pointers: Once a bird is shot or hit, a steady dog that is steady to wing, shot and fall will watch the shot bird land, and wait to be released by their handler to make the retrieve. This is the final stage, resulting in a pointer that locates a bird, establishes a solid point and does not move until after the bird is flushed, shot, wounded or killed and lands on the ground. The handler will release the dog at that point to retrieve the downed bird.

Flushers: Again, this concept is the same for flushers. The dog is already sitting or standing to the flush of the bird and continuing to do so while the shots are fired at the flying bird. When the bird is shot or hit, the dog should be “marking” (watching the bird fall) and waiting to be released. Like a pointer that is steady to wing, shot and fall, the dog will wait for the handler to release them to make a retrieve.

Now that we have a basic understanding of what it means for a dog to be steady to wing, shot and fall, let’s discuss the debate on whether or not we should be training our dogs to this level. While this is not always the case, I typically hear this debate take place between a common everyday bird hunter, and someone who participates in advanced level hunt tests with their dogs. Advanced level hunt tests (for example AKC Senior and Master hunter, HRC Upland Test, NAHRA Senior test and UGA Advanced test) require dogs to display certain levels of steadiness (each test can be slightly different in requirements). However, in the field, I see significantly less dog and handler teams using the same levels of steadiness while hunting. Again, there are plenty of exceptions and I am simply making general statements.

One of the main reasons dog owners do not train their dogs to be steady to wing, shot and fall is because they lack the understanding and knowledge of how to do so. This also takes significantly more time compared to basic obedience, bird and gun introduction, and basic field work with game birds. Additionally, an inexperienced dog handler may find it difficult to worry about steadying a dog in the field while flushing a bird (if handling a pointer) and then shooting the bird. There is a lot happening at once, and the hassle is not often desired by a common bird hunter.

There are also several hunters that have no interest in advanced level hunt tests, so they do not pursue advanced level training. In parallel, anyone who competes in tournament style venues that are timed events might argue that a dog being steady to wing, shot and fall actually slows them down and as a result will score higher times in the competition. Similarly, many bird hunters raise the argument that if you wound or cripple a bird, a steady dog that is not already advancing towards the fall area to retrieve the bird could lose it.

What are some of the benefits to steadiness in our dogs while hunting upland birds? I would like to start by discussing some of the safety-related benefits. Once a dog is steady to wing (or “steady to flush”), we begin to minimize the chase; the dog will not intensely chase the flushed bird. In turn, this means that we are less likely to be faced with shooting at low flying birds and a dog close behind. This is particularly beneficial when hunting in large groups with multiple guns. Reduced bird chases also reduce the chances of our dogs running into barbwire fences, or running towards a road, ice or other potential hazards in the field.

Previously mentioned were objections suggesting that a steady dog is not ideal in the field (example: a steady dog will be delayed at getting to a downed bird that is wounded or crippled); but there are also elements to a steady dog that can be argued as more efficient in the field. Imagine hunting wild quail down south (I know, sounds great as we enjoy nearly one foot of snow in the Midwest in February). If your dog goes on point (or executes a strong flush) and is steady, then they will not chase the first flushed bird and potentially bust other birds in the covey. If the dog is not steady, they might bust other birds while chasing the first bird flushed, potentially making your hunt more difficult.

Advanced steadiness is also necessary to teach our dogs to honor other dogs in the field. Dogs that do not honor other dogs in the field can be problematic for several reasons (dogs fighting over birds, bumping other birds prematurely, etc.). A dog needs to understand the concept of steadiness to be patient and obedient while another dog points or flushes a bird, making your hunting experience much more enjoyable when hunting with friends and other dogs.

There is no “right answer” here; I firmly believe that we all have our own preferences when it comes to hunting with our dogs and to be honest I see valid arguments on both sides of this debate. Keep these items in mind when working with your dog, and make sure to establish a training program (either yourself, with a group or with a professional trainer) that helps you achieve your goals. In the end, you will have a much more enjoyable experience in the field and most importantly, enjoy hunting with your dog.