Why do you "have" to attend a test your dog isn't ready for? Kiss the 65 bucks goodbye, and consider it a good trainable moment for yourself...
Your dog should be thoroughly unimpressed at the test.
You have your answer, Don gave it to you, wild pigeons. If no one around is trapping them anymore, you may need to get after it yourself, but it seems difficult to believe no one at the local navhda or akc clubs has access to them... Good luck.
I'd be interested in don's answer to your last question, but I myself would be inclined to work him until you see a bit of progress, a half dozen or so birds, and once you see him "thinking about it" or what have you, put him away. As often As not next time he comes out of the kennel he will be a different dog, one who needs the concept reenforced yet, but...I'm a fan of the check cord on young dogs, period, whether they are breakers or not, the added element of control there can be nice, though you may never need it.
Last edited by 175rltw; 09/13/11.
