WATCH on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CE7T6FtXTEY
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Before you teach “whoa,” make sure your bird dog understands this.
In Part 1 of the Iron Oak Steadiness Series, we break down the foundation every pointing dog needs before formal steadiness training begins.
From sight-based drills and scent cone setup to using remote bird launchers the right way, this episode walks you through the most overlooked step in teaching dogs how to reliably hold point—without losing drive or confidence.
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🔶 What You’ll Learn in Part 1:
~How to build steadiness before the "whoa" command
~The #1 mistake bird dog trainers make with remote launchers
~How to read subtle signs of scent acknowledgment and caution
~When (and why) to launch birds early
~The difference between controlling drive vs. channeling it
~Smart timing, setup, and bird contact management
~When NOT to use the e-collar in early pointing work
➡️ Whether you're training for NAVHDA, AKC, or hunting season, these foundation drills are crucial for building a rock-solid pointing dog.
🧪 This is Part 1 of 3 in our steadiness training series. Watch this first to avoid common pitfalls and build toward a fully steady dog.
Chapters:
00:00 | Intro
17:32 | Using Remote Launchers to Simulate Wild Bird Behavior
18:37 | The Art of Scent Cone Setup for Young Dogs
20:06 | Reading Dog Behavior: Subtle Cues That Signal Point
21:48 | Chasing Can Be a Reward—But Here’s How to Control It
23:06 | Why Fewer, Faster Reps Are More Effective in Steadying
24:33 | When Anticipation Builds Pointing Drive—Not Bad!
25:45 | Concealing Launchers: Scent Flow vs. Visibility
27:05 | Avoiding Superstitious Associations with the E-Collar
28:35 | Launcher Placement: Think Like Your Dog Sees
30:02 | Toad’s Field Run Begins: Timing, Chasing & Reward
32:33 | Fur vs. Feather: Can Dogs Tell the Difference?
33:38 | Pressure Triggers Flight—Creating Cause & Effect
36:01 | Why Early Launching Is Almost Never Too Early
36:54 | Sponsor Shoutout: Gear & Courses from Standing Stone
37:36 | When You Don’t Have Wild Birds—Train with Intention
38:37 | Don’t Use the E-Collar Yet: Avoiding Bird Aversions
40:42 | Pointing Complete? Pause Training, Build Drive Again
41:52 | Managing Heat, Fatigue & Contact Efficiency
43:27 | When the Setup Fails—Don’t Force a Point
44:37 | Avoid High-Stakes Corrections Without Context
45:31 | Tradeoffs in Training: Everything Costs Something
47:40 | Dogs Learn Best from Natural Failure and Correction
49:01 | Train Through Attrition: Let the Dog Fail, Then Succeed
50:29 | German vs. English Breeds—Teaching Point vs. Instinct
51:44 | Wrap-Up & What’s Next in Part Two of the Series
CONTACT:
Nate Czarnota | Iron Oak Dog Company | https://2ly.link/1xwdK
Nick Adair | Gun Dog It Yourself | https://2ly.link/1vTif
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