There can only be one
first flush of a wild bird by a young dog. It's a beautiful thing to see:
a spaniel starting to sort out in his mind what his life's work will be.....
Chuck
Fergus
Pennsylvania
Game Commission Dog Training Regulations
Dogs are not permitted to
hunt big game. All State Game Lands are closed to all dog training activities
from the Monday prior to the start of the youth pheasant season until the
close of the youth pheasant season.
There
is no closed season for training dogs.
• A hunting or furtaker
license is not required for dog training.
• Dogs may not be
trained on private land on Sunday without the landowner’s permission.
• A person may not
carry a rifle, shotgun or bow and arrows while training dogs.
• Dogs are not permitted
to injure or kill wildlife. Owners are liable for any wildlife killed or
injured by dogs. Hunters need to be aware of and avoid areas, especially
wetlands, where birds are nesting when training dogs.
• There are appropriate
penalties in the Game and Wildlife Code to deter owners from permitting
their dogs to chase big game. Any person who destroys a dog (licensed or
unlicensed) attacking a big game animal must report the incident to the
dog’s owner or a Game Commission officer within 48 hours.
• All hunters are
urged to respect dog owners and their sport. Dogs can be attracted by electronic
calling devices, as well as turkey calls. Be sure of your target.
• While the law requires
dogs to be under the control of their owner or handler at all times, dogs
often are not within sight of their handler while tracking game. Dogs cannot
read no trespassing signs and do not heed fences. If you see a hunting
dog running or barking, even though you may not see the handler, he or
she is probably not far behind. It is unlawful for dogs to chase or pursue
big game, but hunters may only shoot dogs if they are actually in the act
of attacking a big game animal. If you see a dog or dogs chasing any deer,
bear, elk or turkey, please contact the Game Commission and report the
violation.
• Hunting dog owners
have significant amounts of time and money invested in their dogs, and
they consider their dogs hunting partners and friends. Please do not shoot
hunting dogs just because you do not immediately see their handler. If
you shoot a dog that is not attacking a big game animal you could be subject
to prosecution under the Crimes Code, may be required to defend your action
in a court of law, and be liable for restitution to the owner.
• Electronic devices
may be used for locating dogs while training or hunting, including such
devices as e-collars, radio-telemetry dog tracking systems and beeper collars.
In addition to the regulations, dogs should be handled in a safe and humane
manner, with adequate consideration to temperature and ventilation in transportation
cages and compartments.
01/07/2008 Legislative
Proposal will put tight leash on Sporting Dog Breeders : Legislative Proposal
will put tight leash on Sporting Dog Breeders (Pennsylvania) Gov.
Ed Rendell’s administration recently unveiled revised dog care regulations
and a legislative package aimed at commercial breeding kennels and animal
abusers. The proposals continue to classify many sporting dog kennels as
commercial breeders, which will mandate restrictions that will make it
nearly impossible for smaller kennels to comply.
Agility
Clubs-In agility trials, your dog and you demonstrate that you can
work together through a variety of situations.
Conformation
Clubs-At dog shows, judges evaluate a dog's conformation, or how closely
his physical structure conforms to his particular breed's "standard."
National
Clubs-The parent clubs for each AKC-recognized breed.
Obedience
Clubs-In obedience, the dog must perform a prescribed set of exercises
which the judge scores.
Performance
Clubs-Performance events give today's purebred dogs the opportunity
to perform the tasks for which they were originally bred.
Tracking
Clubs-Tracking tests held under AKC regulations require a dog to follow
a trail by scent.
Training
Clubs-Not all AKC clubs offer training. Go here to find an AKC
club that offers classes in your area.
