Using a dog when hunting out of layouts

[Side Kick]

Any suggestions on how to do this? Trying to keep the dog comfortable and hidden as well, hunting in corn and beans. Thanks

[grnhed]

Interesting you ask this as I was just asking friends of mine the same thing. I'll be interested as well what the guys on here say.

[driveby]

Ruff stand and a dog blind.

[H20 Fowl]

I put mine in the blind wit me a lot! Also have a dog blind!

[7ducks]

xxx

[Bourbon]

We used something like this in North Dakota. Worked really well. Had loops along blind to put brush in.

http://www.mackspw.com/Item--i-AVE142S

[GET-N-RITE]

I wasn't comfortable hunting with my dog in the blind. If she/he breaks they will be right in front of the muzzle. Just too much risk for me. I use a rig em right field bully. Seems to be a good blind, and folds up like an accordion. I place it behind me a few yards where she can see them fall and if she breaks she will not be in gun fire. PS every dog will make you a liar. She has never broke in trials or hunting, but broke early goose season and I can't imagine what would happen if she had broke from my blind with me trying to shoot.

[H20 Fowl]

[alducker]

My dog just sits beside me without a blind. Birds have never seemed to mind

[Chuckle12]

I have used an Avery dog blind for years. Works well.

[champcaller]

Dog blind or make him sit behind the action in some cover.

[Anatidae]

We've put her on a remote 'sit' several times.

'Even trained her to lay down and stay down with birds approaching (in 'no cover' situations).

But most of the time she lays down in the ground blind under Anne's left arm next to her left leg (side she heals on). She has a full harness on and is clipped to the blind frame near the headrest with a short lead and alligator clip for quick release.

When Anne opens the doors and comes up to shoot, BJ is aquiring targets (visually) and ends-up sitting up right behind Anne's left shoulder.

You may not be able to put your dog in the blind with you if it's a large dog. BJ is 53# and doesn't take-up much room, so she fits in a Finisher-sized GB without too much fuss.

After she delivers the bird, Anne says, "in"......and BJ hops back in her spot, turns around and backs-up so Anne can re-clip her lead.

I suggest doing some yard work first, to get your dog used to the drill. You can train them to be 'steady' but why take a chance - they get excited in the heat of the moment - they're just dogs.

I wouldn't hunt your dog from a ground blind if he's over 7 years, unconditioned, or overweight (or all 3) as they can tear joints making the initial 'vertical' part of the jump to clear the blind. Unfortunately, I've seen that happen and it's a sick feeling.

I also would not put your dog in the footbag and let it look out through the un-zipped end of the blind. Too much can go wrong and your dog's head will be right under the muzzle - even if it stays in the blind until 'sent'. I've heard folks say they hunt'em like this, but I think they're nutz to even think or admit they do.

[jdbuckshot]

When we used to hunt out of them alot, I always liked to have an extra Cheapo blind for guests or extra guys to hunt out of, and then we also used the layouts for the dogs.

[ransco33]

[kb7722]