The Ultimate Hunting Dog Reference Book
I've been asked, "Why this book? What prompted you to write it?"
The answer is a bit more involved than the questions. Of course part of that answer would include things that most folks would expect. For example, this book fulfills the need for a "reference book" if you will, for hunting and sporting breeds, that covers a wide variety of topics-from breed highlights and choosing dogs, health matters, maintenance issues, a broad spectrum of information on training, inclusion of dog games, and hunting-within one volume, concluding with an extensive resources section to help direct the reader to further sources of information. Ailments particular to hunting dogs are covered, as well as all aspects of training including various training techniques, principles of training, training methods, and training suggestions. Additional aspects include things such as overviews on the mysteries of scent, hunting techniques, when to use professionals and how to find training grounds.
But there is more to it than that. Many books cover "this way" or "that way" to train. One thing I've learned over the years is that there are no magic mysteries to training dogs, or horses, for that matter. Rather, they thrive on consistency and fairness in teaching phases, reinforcement and advancement. There are many principles that are universal no matter the breed of dog or animal you are training. Having taken two completely different types of dogs-retrievers and coonhounds-to top field titles in each respective field, and in addition having successfully trained a number of bird dogs, beagles and horses over the years, this rule of training has emerged as a constant with them all. Why not share those things in a book on hunting dogs? This was a focal point of my mission statement which also included the goal of accentuating the relationship between a hunting or sporting dog and his owner.
From my Introduction in the book:
"I remember the first time I saw a retriever watch three birds down and then recover them for his handler. I was awestruck. I remember the first time I saw a pointer whirl and lock on a bird, and the first time I heard a hound's music in the hardwood bottoms. I remember how I wanted to train my dog and couldn't find anyone to help me, much less find anywhere that I could buy the most rudimentary of supplies.
I remember the first training rope I ever made, and the metal coach whistle I used. I remember throwing oversized plastic boat bumpers from the local marina for my dogs and hand-making canvas dummies out of fire-hose material. I remember making a drag from worn-out hide, and tying a bird's wing to a cane fishing pole. Back then it didn't matter if you needed dog training supplies or hunting gear, the pickins were slim. And I remember taking my dogs to the fields, the woods, and the marshes in pursuit of wild adventures. I remember duck hunting and bird hunting and coon hunting "when hunting wasn't cool."
In some ways, times have changed. Today, entire television networks are devoted to hunting and fishing programming. Multimillion dollar companies specialize in retailing all types of hunting paraphernalia. These superstores and smaller ones all cater to needs of hunters and anglers, and most of them have extensive selections of dog training supplies. What you can't get in these stores, you can find in catalogs or on the Internet. If you want it you can probably find it.
However, in other ways time has stood still. It is still tough to get started. Where do you turn? How do you find help? Once you are under way, what things will help you become more advanced? How do you transform dog training and hunting experiences into priceless memories?
You will find the answers to all these questions, and more, on the pages ahead. I want to help you avoid the painful, time-consuming mistakes I've learned from by doing it the hard way over the years. I also share some valuable things I've learned about people, dogs, and the wild outdoors in the hopes that this knowledge will help you on your journey with your dogs.
Yes, I remember. And it is my fervent wish-whether you are a newcomer to dog training and hunting or a veteran-that you will enjoy what you find here, as we all ultimately share in these experiences of living with dogs, loving them, and taking them afield."
With over 450 pages including six parts, forty-one chapters, plentiful quality photographs and an eight-page color section, this comprehensive hardcover book is available to complement your dog and hunting library and is published by Lyons Press, an imprint of Globe Pequot.
Recent reviews:
"Such an ambitious title is sure to make book reviewers wary. We were surprised. From dispelling the basic myth that dogs living in the house will be too spoiled for the field, to explaining the dynamics of scent dispersion, Vickie Lamb presents information for both novice and seasoned gun dog owners. This is a superlative reference covering puppy selection, training, healthcare, gear, grooming, hunt tests and field trials, feeding, finding training grounds, and breeding... Lamb is sensible and generous, taking into account differences in hunters' needs and options... Lamb's credentials now include authorship of what might arguably be called the definitive hunting dog owner's resource."
- The Upland Almanac
"A useful and important book for all dog owners. Written in an easy-to-read, neighborly style... touches on all topics of interest to dog owners-from training techniques to canine health care, dog games, and hunting techniques and tactics. Vickie Lamb's knowledge of dog behavior is deep and thorough, and it shows. This is the type of book that people will keep on hand for years to come."
- Jay Cassell, Deputy Editor, Field and Stream
