Where to Buy Live Birds for Dog Training and How to Use Them

Why Live Birds Matter in Dog Training

Live birds provide essential exposure to natural scent, movement, and flight patterns that cannot be replicated with dummies or other training tools. This exposure helps:

  • Develop proper pointing instincts in pointers and setters

  • Build retrieving drive and soft mouth capabilities

  • Establish bird awareness and hunting patterns

  • Create controlled exposure to the excitement of live birds before actual hunting scenarios

Pigeons: The Perfect Starter Bird

Pigeons are widely considered the most practical bird for training purposes, especially for beginners or young dogs. Here's why:

Advantages of Training with Pigeons

  • Readily Available: Pigeons can be sourced from various locations throughout the year

  • Cost-Effective: Typically less expensive than game birds like pheasants or quail

  • Durable: Pigeons are hardy and can be used for multiple training sessions

  • Beginner-Friendly: Their lightweight build and lack of sharp talons make them less intimidating for young dogs

  • Good Flyers: When properly handled, they provide realistic flight patterns for training

Where to Buy Pigeons for Dog Training

  1. Local Dog Training Kennels: Many professional kennels maintain pigeon coops and may sell birds to clients

  2. Racing Pigeon Clubs: Connect with local pigeon racing enthusiasts who may sell culls or extras

  3. Agricultural Supply Stores: Some farm supply outlets can order pigeons or connect you with suppliers

  4. Online Bird Marketplaces: Websites connecting bird sellers with buyers (search for "homing pigeons" or "utility pigeons")

  5. Professional Bird Trappers: Some individuals specialize in trapping nuisance pigeons and selling them for training purposes

  6. Social Media Groups: Dog training and hunting communities often have members selling training birds

Beyond Pigeons: Other Training Bird Options

While pigeons are excellent starter birds, other species offer different training advantages:

Quail

  • Advantages: Small size, game bird scent, relatively inexpensive, can be raised at home

  • Sourcing: Game bird farms, hatcheries, hunting preserves

  • Best For: Initial pointing work, gentle introduction to game birds

Pheasants

  • Advantages: Most realistic training for pheasant hunting, strong flyers, challenging retrieves

  • Considerations: Can be intimidating for young dogs due to size and spurs

  • Sourcing: Game bird farms, hunting clubs, pheasant raisers

  • Best For: Advanced training prior to hunting season

How to Use Live Birds in Training Sessions

For Pointing Dogs

  1. Introduce Planted Birds: Start with dizzied or hobbled birds in light cover

  2. Use a Check Cord: Maintain control while allowing the dog to find and point birds

  3. Progress to Fly-Aways: Graduate to birds that can fly when the dog is steady on point

  4. Incorporate the Gun: Once steady to flush, introduce gunfire (starting with blank pistol)

For Retrievers

  1. Begin with Thrown Birds: Have an assistant toss a pigeon while you hold the dog

  2. Use Clip-Wing Birds: For water retrieves or short fly-aways in controlled settings

  3. Set Up Marked Retrieves: Place birds in visible locations for the dog to mark and retrieve

  4. Progress to Blind Retrieves: Plant birds for the dog to find using directional commands

Housing and Maintaining Training Birds

If you plan to use birds regularly, consider:

  • Building or purchasing a simple coop for pigeons

  • Providing proper feed, water and shelter

  • Learning basic bird health management

  • Establishing a breeding program for sustainable supply

Legal Considerations

Before purchasing live birds for training:

  • Check local regulations regarding possession of live birds

  • Verify if permits are required for certain species

  • Understand any restrictions on release or transport

Safety and Ethical Considerations

  • Always prioritize humane treatment of training birds

  • Ensure your dog is properly introduced to birds to prevent injury

  • Monitor weather conditions when training with live birds

  • Provide appropriate care for birds between training sessions

Ready to Take Your Dog's Training to the Next Level?

At Wild Acre Kennels, we specialize in developing hunting dogs to their full potential through proven training methods, including proper introduction to live birds. Whether you're just starting with a new puppy or refining your seasoned hunter's skills, our experienced trainers can help you build a solid foundation.

Book a Training Consultation Today and let's discuss how we can incorporate live bird work into your dog's training program.

Raelynn Skluzacek