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
Local Dog Training Kennels: Many professional kennels maintain pigeon coops and may sell birds to clients
Racing Pigeon Clubs: Connect with local pigeon racing enthusiasts who may sell culls or extras
Agricultural Supply Stores: Some farm supply outlets can order pigeons or connect you with suppliers
Online Bird Marketplaces: Websites connecting bird sellers with buyers (search for "homing pigeons" or "utility pigeons")
Professional Bird Trappers: Some individuals specialize in trapping nuisance pigeons and selling them for training purposes
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
Introduce Planted Birds: Start with dizzied or hobbled birds in light cover
Use a Check Cord: Maintain control while allowing the dog to find and point birds
Progress to Fly-Aways: Graduate to birds that can fly when the dog is steady on point
Incorporate the Gun: Once steady to flush, introduce gunfire (starting with blank pistol)
For Retrievers
Begin with Thrown Birds: Have an assistant toss a pigeon while you hold the dog
Use Clip-Wing Birds: For water retrieves or short fly-aways in controlled settings
Set Up Marked Retrieves: Place birds in visible locations for the dog to mark and retrieve
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.