Training with Us

​The aim of the training days is to help each chapter member learn how to train his/her dog.   Training days are run by the Chapter members, not professional trainers, and members will not train your dog for you.  However, our members do have a wealth of experience and knowledge.  The key thing to remember for new members is to pitch in and help out.  The best way to learn is to follow behind in the field or help another member train their dog.  

​​Time in the field or on the water is on a first come, first serve basis.  Once you have trained your dog please stay and help others.  Birds are not provided by the Chapter, but please see one of the committee members for details of where you can order birds and options for housing them if required.

Non-members may attend one training day prior to joining the chapter. If you are not a chapter member you must bring a signed waiver with you in order to participate.

Bird Orders

Training Schedule

The Potomac Chapter hosts a formal training day typically on the first Saturday of each month from March through September at the McKee-Beshers WMA.  Training starts at 730AM and we meet at the 1st parking lot on Sycamore Landing Road in the McKee-Besher WMA, Poolesville MD. 

​Click Here for Directions

Check the Calendar for details and to confirm dates and times.  

Training Day Rules & Expectations

  • Follow all Maryland Department of Natural Resources Rules and Regulations.

  • Wear at least 250 square inches blaze orange or fluorescent pink - required for all participants (hat and vest, shirt, and/or jacket).

  • Help out - setup, tear down, plant birds, etc. (see Training Day Roles for examples of how you can get involved).

  • Return all chapter equipment to its proper place in the trailer.

  • Dogs must wear a properly fitted flat collar (cannot back out of) with owner ID.

  • Owner must notify training director if their dog has had any aggressive behavior incidents whether at NAVHDA training days/events or elsewhere.

  • Keep your dog(s) in their kennel or staked-out when not actively engaged in training activities.  All other times at heel or leashed.

  • Only tape with water soluble adhesives (i.e. painter's tape) are permitted to wing-tape ducks. Any tape with permanent adhesive (i.e. duct tape, electrical tape, etc.) is strictly forbidden from being used at any Potomac event. 

  • Dispose of all dead birds and trash properly offsite - leave no trace at any location.

  • Abide by our Approved Gunner policy (only these individuals are permitted to shoot live rounds).

  • Maintain active membership in both NAVHDA International and NAVHDA Potomac Chapter.

Training Etiquette

Ask how you can help (see Training Day Roles) for examples of how you can get involved)

  • Do not permit your dog to approach another dog without permission (generally discouraged anyways)

  • Offer shells to your gunner(s)

  • Your birds (dead or alive) are your responsibility. Do not discard dead birds or leave trash at any Potomac training location

  • Make best efforts to conceal dead birds from view of general public

  • Address disruptive dogs - do not permit excessive barking/whining (distract, move away, redirect their attention)

  • Walk in the gallery and observe other dog/trainer’s training sessions

  • Avoid wearing white shirts in the gallery

  • Do not take your dog(s) to an area where another handler is participating in a training session

  • To accommodate other people training, limit field and water runs to 30 minutes or less

Bird Order Check-in

Prior to the start of every training day, members are expected to check-in and gather the birds that they ordered. Conducting check-in is an easy way to volunteer and meet chapter members. You'll also learn to band birds and appropriately pull flight feathers (ducks).

 Bird Planter

Planting birds is vital to a successful training day. There are many ways to plant birds, and many times, different ways will need to be employed based on the dog and what the handler is working on. Planting birds is a necessary skill for all members to develop.

 Bird Runner

Often times at training days, birds need to be run to the field in order to be planted ahead of the next dog/handler. This is a very easy way for newbies to help out as it's a great way for those with little experience to get involved and help.

Training Format

A typical training day will go something like this:

  • Pre-Registration - We strongly encourage you to pre-register for each training day

  • Arrival - Plan to arrive at or before 7:30am at the 1st parking lot on Sycamore Landing Road in the McKee-Besher WMA, Poolesville MD

  • First time guests may attend one training day prior to joining the Chapter. You must give the Secretary or Training Director a signed WAIVER prior to participating

  • Setup - Everyone should find a way to help with bird tent, water setup, traps and electronics, etc.

  • Check-In - Collect your bird order before 8am

  • Announcements - Prompt 8am- Training Director will provide any schedule updates

  • Dog and Handler Socialization - Introductions and standing on the lead, walking at heel, walking past other dogs

  • Demonstration - Each month will focus on a different dog training topic (put your dogs in their kennels at this time)

  • Field and Water Work - New members and Natural Ability (NA) dogs will form one group, Utility Test (UT) and Invitational Test (IT) dogs will form the other. After running your dog, you are welcome to help and observe either group. 

  • Conclusion - Training does not end until the last dog completes its run

  • Clean-Up - Load trailer / return all equipment and return trailer to IWLA

  • Bird runs are made by our volunteers. Ask to help make the bird run for a future training day

  • Training day birds must be ordered AND paid for in advance through our Form. Birds should be ordered by 6pm the Tuesday preceding Training.

  • Only order what you need for training day and what you can house before your next opportunity to get birds

  • Suggested Bird Orders for use at training day:

    • NA Dogs: 1 chukar for bird introduction (dogs that have zero/very limited exposure to birds) OR 3 or 4 chukar if training on field work / pointing.  1 pheasant if working on track.

    • UT Dogs: 3 or 4 chukar max and 1 or 2 ducks if training water

    • IT Dogs: 3 or 4 chukar

  • Bring a crate (preferred) or bag to collect your birds at the start of the training day

  • The chapter is not responsible for unused, lost or missing birds

  • If you order birds but cannot make it to the training day, you are responsible for coordinating the pickup of your birds or they will be forfeit

  • The chapter cannot hold or store birds. Refunds will not be issued. 

    Comprehensive Training Day Guidelines can be found HERE

Training Day Roles

Duck Planter

Putting ducks out is essential when training at the water. There is a lot to consider when planting ducks, especially the dog's experience level with ducks and duck search. Always coordinate with the handler. While in the kayak, you must have a whistle and life jacket.

 Equipment Setup

At the start of each training day, the Training Director will go over the schedule for the day. This will dictate what equipment needs removed from the trailer and taken to and setup at the appropriate location. This a great way to learn about the equipment and how it is used.

 Gunner

Gunning for handlers is a very important role, and one the chapter takes very seriously. To gun (shoot live ammo) at any Potomac function, you MUST be an approved gunner...there are requirements and a formal process to receive this distinction. Please see an EC member for details.