Gun Dog It Yourself

By Nick AdairSports

Favorites
75
Followers
Typical duration
53 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Gun Dog It Yourself episodes

August 07, 2025 Whoa in the Field: Steadiness Drills for Pointing Dogs | Iron Oak Steadiness Pt. 3
WATCH on YouTube | https://youtu.be/wNS9TLk7Lno
-
In Part 3 of the Iron Oak Steadiness Series, we leave the post and take your dog to the field. But not for hunting just yet. We’re drilling everything—from whoa, flush, and shot, to rewarding restraint, randomizing retrieves, and even introducing visual backing.
🔶 What You’ll Learn in Part 3:
~How to teach steadiness in drive (not just in drills)
~The power of room service rewards vs. marked retrieves
~Using e-collar pressure during real bird contacts (safely)
~Creating dogs that expect the unexpected (so they stay steady)
~Correcting vocalization without hurting intensity
~Teaching backing as a visual cue, not a scenting accident
~Managing your setups, wind, and expectations
~Real-world tips: dummy birds in your vest, missed shots, communication with gunners
➡️ If your dog can handle this phase, they’re nearly a finished bird dog.

🛠️ Recommended Gear & Training Courses:
StandingStoneSupply.com — use code GDIY at checkout to save 15%.
🔗 Useful Links:Watch the full series → [https://linkly.link/2ByWe]
Join Patreon for early access → patreon.com/gundogityourself
Chapters:
00:00 | Intro
01:00 | Establishing Point Under High Prey Drive
02:12 | Room Service Rewards vs. Marked Retrieve Drive
03:50 | Soft Points Explained: Why Control Lowers Intensity
05:01 | Patience Over Pressure: Don’t Rush the Flush
06:01 | Whoa Means Wait: Reps with Gunfire and Restraint
07:23 | When to Use the E-Collar During Bird Contact
10:18 | Real Hunting ≠ Training Drills: Why “Contrived” is Good
13:13 | Dealing with Vocalization During Steadiness Training
14:05 | Adding Complexity: Shots, Staggered Flushes, and Utility Prep
15:44 | Breaking the A-B-C Pattern: Randomizing Rewards to Prevent Anticipation
17:08 | Shooting Live Birds: When to Pay, When to Withhold
18:06 | Why keep Birds in Your Vest = Insurance Policy
22:02 | Missed the Bird? Still Pay the Steady Dog
24:01 | From Corrections to Consequences: Building a Finished Dog
25:31 | Teaching the Visual Cue: Backing Basics with Two Dogs
27:03 | Wind Direction, Setup, and Scent vs. Sight Triggers
31:04 | Stop to Flush → Stop to Dog = Backing Without Pressure
32:49 | Final Wrap-Up: Use What Works, Ditch What Doesn’t, Subscribe, Comment & Join Patreon
---------------------------------------------
Support our sponsors:
~Standing Stone Supply | https://2ly.link/1vThi | Use Code 'GDIY' to save 15%
~Marsh Wear Clothing | https://2ly.link/1yJ7n | Use Code 'MWGD15' to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save MORE!)
~Trulock Choke Tubes | https://2ly.link/1yJ7k | Use Code 'GDIY10' to save 10%

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
34 min
July 31, 2025 Building the Steady Pointing Dog with WHOA! | Iron Oak Steadiness Pt. 2
WATCH on YouTube | https://linkly.link/2CGYo
-
The whoa post is where steadiness truly begins for Nate Czarnota of Iron Oak Dog Company.
In Part 2 of the Iron Oak Steadiness Series, we teach your bird dog exactly what “whoa” means using tactile cues, food rewards, and the belly e-collar.
From first reps on the post to introducing the blank shots and flushing birds, this episode shows you how to layer steadiness cues for maximum transfer into the field.
🔶 What You’ll Learn in Part 2:
~How to teach “whoa” as a tactile and verbal command
~Why belly pressure is your dog's brake pedal
~Transitioning from leash to belly e-collar pressure
~Stop-to-shot and stop-to-flush protocols
~Rewarding with what matters most: the bird
~Avoiding common steadiness pitfalls like overdrilling or handler dependency
~Using tethers or homers to reduce training costs
➡️ This is the step-by-step bridge between “my dog points birds” and “my dog is steady through shot and fall.”
🎯 New to the series?
Catch Part 1: “Do This Before You Teach Woah” [https://youtu.be/CE7T6FtXTEY]
Watch Part 3 next week—OR get access now via Patreon (https://2ly.link/1vTic)
🛠️ Recommended Gear & Training Courses:
StandingStoneSupply.com — use code GDIY at checkout to save 15%.
🔗 Useful Links:
Watch the full series: [Gun Dog It Yourself YouTube Playlist]
Get early access via Patreon → https://2ly.link/1vTic
Chapters
00:00 | Intro
00:39 | Teaching the Tactile Cue: Belly Pressure Means Stop
03:04 | Why Every Dog Should Know “Whoa” Outside of Hunting
04:01 | First Whoa Reps: Pressure, Release, Reward
08:05 | Introducing Distractions: Can They Hold Steady?
09:05 | Stacking Cues: Verbal Command Before Tactile
10:02 | Testing Resistance: Can Your Dog Stay Still Under Pressure?
13:04 | Transitioning to the Belly E-Collar for Whoa
14:05 | Conditioning the E-Collar as a Tactile Cue
18:53 | Introducing Blank Shots and Bird Flush as Whoa Cues
20:16 | Whoa to Shot: How to Keep a Dog From Self-Releasing
24:09 | Stop-to-Shot, Stop-to-Flush: Adding Layers of Control
25:39 | Budget Training? Use Tethers for Reusable Bird Work
27:06 | How to Properly Tether Birds for Repeat Flushes
29:23 | Reward the Behavior with What the Dog Wants Most
31:30 | Building Duration: Holding Steady Without Pressure
32:36 | Returning to the Field: Don’t Let Steadiness Hurt Range
33:38 | Hand-Thrown vs Launcher Birds: Which Builds Range?
34:30 | Drawing the Line: Correction vs Reinforcement
35:41 | Last Reps: Drive vs. Control and Over-drilling Warnings
37:40 | Wrap-Up: Recap, Pitfalls, and What's Coming in Part 3
---------------------------------------------
Support our sponsors:
~Standing Stone Supply | https://2ly.link/1vThi | Use Code 'GDIY' to save 15%
~Marsh Wear Clothing | https://2ly.link/1yJ7n | Use Code 'MWGD15' to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save MORE!)
~Trulock Choke Tubes | https://2ly.link/1yJ7k | Use Code 'GDIY10' to save 10%

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
39 min
July 24, 2025 BEFORE You Teach WHOA | Iron Oak Steadiness Pt. 1
WATCH on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CE7T6FtXTEY
-
Before you teach “whoa,” make sure your bird dog understands this.
In Part 1 of the Iron Oak Steadiness Series, we break down the foundation every pointing dog needs before formal steadiness training begins.
From sight-based drills and scent cone setup to using remote bird launchers the right way, this episode walks you through the most overlooked step in teaching dogs how to reliably hold point—without losing drive or confidence.
-
🔶 What You’ll Learn in Part 1:
~How to build steadiness before the "whoa" command
~The #1 mistake bird dog trainers make with remote launchers
~How to read subtle signs of scent acknowledgment and caution
~When (and why) to launch birds early
~The difference between controlling drive vs. channeling it
~Smart timing, setup, and bird contact management
~When NOT to use the e-collar in early pointing work

➡️ Whether you're training for NAVHDA, AKC, or hunting season, these foundation drills are crucial for building a rock-solid pointing dog.
🧪 This is Part 1 of 3 in our steadiness training series. Watch this first to avoid common pitfalls and build toward a fully steady dog.
Chapters:
00:00 | Intro
17:32 | Using Remote Launchers to Simulate Wild Bird Behavior
18:37 | The Art of Scent Cone Setup for Young Dogs
20:06 | Reading Dog Behavior: Subtle Cues That Signal Point
21:48 | Chasing Can Be a Reward—But Here’s How to Control It
23:06 | Why Fewer, Faster Reps Are More Effective in Steadying
24:33 | When Anticipation Builds Pointing Drive—Not Bad!
25:45 | Concealing Launchers: Scent Flow vs. Visibility
27:05 | Avoiding Superstitious Associations with the E-Collar
28:35 | Launcher Placement: Think Like Your Dog Sees
30:02 | Toad’s Field Run Begins: Timing, Chasing & Reward
32:33 | Fur vs. Feather: Can Dogs Tell the Difference?
33:38 | Pressure Triggers Flight—Creating Cause & Effect
36:01 | Why Early Launching Is Almost Never Too Early
36:54 | Sponsor Shoutout: Gear & Courses from Standing Stone
37:36 | When You Don’t Have Wild Birds—Train with Intention
38:37 | Don’t Use the E-Collar Yet: Avoiding Bird Aversions
40:42 | Pointing Complete? Pause Training, Build Drive Again
41:52 | Managing Heat, Fatigue & Contact Efficiency
43:27 | When the Setup Fails—Don’t Force a Point
44:37 | Avoid High-Stakes Corrections Without Context
45:31 | Tradeoffs in Training: Everything Costs Something
47:40 | Dogs Learn Best from Natural Failure and Correction
49:01 | Train Through Attrition: Let the Dog Fail, Then Succeed
50:29 | German vs. English Breeds—Teaching Point vs. Instinct
51:44 | Wrap-Up & What’s Next in Part Two of the Series

CONTACT:
Nate Czarnota | Iron Oak Dog Company | https://2ly.link/1xwdK
Nick Adair | Gun Dog It Yourself | https://2ly.link/1vTif
SUPPORT THE SHOW:
Patreon | https://2ly.link/1vTic
SUPPORT THE SPONSORS:
~Standing Stone Supply | https://2ly.link/1vThi | Use Code 'GDIY' to save 15%
~Marsh Wear Clothing | https://2ly.link/1yJ7n | Use Code 'MWGD15' to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save MORE!)
~Trulock Choke Tubes | https://2ly.link/1yJ7k | Use Code 'GDIY10' to save 10%

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
54 min
July 17, 2025Recall | 206. SHOULD you Spay or Neuter your hunting dog?
This episode touches on everything you need to know on the subject of spaying and neutering your dog.
High altitude backpacking and acclimating the dogs

Sporting dog owners are generally more knowledgeable than "pet dog" owners

The "purpose" of our dogs and why or why not to get them fixed

Orthopedic health considerations

Making the right decisions for your females

Making the right decisions for your males

Weighing prostate concerns against the benefits of leaving them intact

Behavioral changes after getting them fixed

Balancing work load and weight after getting them fixed

Diet/Nutrition is more important than activity level

Supplements

Procedural options
--
Presented By:
Standing Stone Supply [Use Code: GDIY to save 15%]

Other Partners:
⁠Eukanuba⁠ // ⁠Bird Dog Society⁠

GDIY Links:
⁠Patreon⁠ // ⁠Instagram⁠ // ⁠Facebook⁠ // ⁠Website

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 10 min
July 10, 2025Recall | 196. Trapping Wild Pigeons
Joel Ebstein of ⁠California Gun Dogs⁠ joins me to break down his experience and processes when it comes to trapping pigeons in an urban setting!
How did this hustle start?

Starting --> Training --> Selling

"Legitimizing" the hustle

The renewable resource

Unloading the trapped birds

Transitioning the trapped birds into homers?

The cage setup (⁠Tomahawk cage⁠)

Multiple compartments within the cage

Food, Water, Shade

Reasons you aren't catching any birds!

Food options? Which is best?

Bycatch

Trapping in rural areas outside of the city

⁠⁠Joel's trap building Facebook video referenced in the episode.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠Episode 136. Everything Pigeons Part 1⁠⁠
⁠⁠Episode 137. ⁠⁠Everything Pigeons Part 2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

--Presented By:
~Standing Stone Supply | https://2ly.link/1vThi | Use Code 'GDIY' to save 15%

Supported By:
~Marsh Wear Clothing | https://2ly.link/1yJ7n | Use Code 'MWGD15' to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save MORE!)
~Trulock Choke Tubes | https://2ly.link/1yJ7k | Use Code 'GDIY10' to save 10%

Other Partners:
⁠Eukanuba⁠

GDIY Links:
⁠Patreon⁠ // ⁠Instagram⁠ // ⁠Facebook⁠ // ⁠Website

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 3 min
July 03, 2025Recall | Ep. 162 Lessons Learned in Preparing & Testing the NAVHDA Invite
Alston Peek makes his long awaited return to the podcast to recap his journey from qualifying in a NAVHDA Utility Test last year all the way to the Invitational Test held recently in New Mexico. A lot of honesty in this episode including what it's like to work so hard and fall just short of your intended target!
Playing a "game" vs. the "real thing"

The decision to retest the Utility to qualify for the '22 Invitational

Using "versatile" dogs

Mentally preparing for the Invitational Test

Going all the way back to Scout's foundation of steadiness

Training backing with bumpers?!

Baby stepping all the way to a dog that backs!

Diversify the training with new places and new dogs

Keeping it fun, real, and fresh

What its like working year around and still come up just short

The day of the test and lessons learned

Any regrets after "failing?"

Episode References:
⁠91 Backing and Honoring⁠
⁠124 Backing Dummies⁠
---
Patreon and Partners:
Support the Podcast: ⁠PATREON⁠
Gear: ⁠STANDING STONE SUPPLY⁠⁠
⁠Other GDIY LINKS

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 18 min
June 26, 2025Recall | 161. Puppy Talk
Jordan Horak of⁠ Cato Outdoors⁠ comes back on to talk puppies! We both recently got new puppies and thought it would be fun to sit down and talk about early development and "drills."
Starting off w/ a Puppy

Prepping for a pup and getting the correct crate size

Feeding and watering schedule

"Objects" and keeping them special

Avoid OVERSTIMULATING the puppy

Pup keeps picking objects up around the house

Teething!

When does "training" start?

Fun "retrieves" into the Cato board

Building a retrieve for a pup that may not have a desire to retrieve

Encouraging enthusiasm

Birds TOO EARLY

Gun intro tips

Focusing on what you're actually training at any given time
---
Patreon and Partners:
Support the Podcast | ⁠PATREON⁠
Gear | ⁠STANDING STONE SUPPLY⁠⁠
---
Episode References:
⁠Griz Cato Steadiness Videos⁠
⁠Ep. 146 Know Your Place!
⁠Other GDIY LINKS⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 49 min
June 12, 2025 Recall | Ep. 243 Understanding YOUR Dog's Behavior
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/kJ3KH7leThA

Tired of cookie-cutter dog training advice? In this episode, we dive deep with Stephanie Vachinsky of Method K9 to explore holistic dog training that goes beyond simple commands. Learn how to truly connect with your dog by understanding their drives, instincts, and individual needs. We're not just talking about "sit" and "stay" – we're uncovering the "why" behind canine behavior!
Chapters:
02:49 Dog Training Fundamentals
23:49 Understanding Dog Drives and Instincts
32:44 Corrections and Rewards
1:07:14 Training Techniques
1:22:51 Crate Training
1:32:44 Adding a Second Dog
Plus, we'll debunk common myths about dog training and explore the importance of structure, and communication. Whether you have a high-drive working dog or a cuddly companion, this episode will help you build a stronger bond and a better understanding of your furry friend.
This episode is presented by:
Standing Stone Supply ~ https://2ly.link/1vThi | Use Code: GDIY to save 15%
onX Hunt Maps ~ https://2ly.link/1vThs | Use Code: GDIY20 to save 20%
UplandGun Company ~ https://2ly.link/1vTiJ
Eukanuba ~ https://2ly.link/1vTiZ

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 45 min
May 22, 2025Recall | Ep. 202 Perfection Kennels pt. 2 | Field Work & Steadiness
Part 2 of my discussion with Jon and Jessica Hann back a while ago. This part of the episode we focused in on field work and keeping things SIMPLE!
Proper bird launcher setup and considerations

Wild birds are the BEST teachers!

Be FAIR!

Breaking "trash" and other aversive training

How to teach Whoa

Importance of timing
Presented By:
~Standing Stone Supply | https://2ly.link/1vThi | Use Code 'GDIY' to save 15%
~onX Hunt Maps | https://2ly.link/1vThs | Use Code 'GDIY20' to save 20%
~Upland Gun Company | https://2ly.link/1vTiJ
---------------------------------------------
Supported By:
~Marsh Wear Clothing | https://2ly.link/1yJ7n | Use Code 'MWGD15' to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save MORE!)
~Trulock Choke Tubes | https://2ly.link/1yJ7k | Use Code 'GDIY10' to save 10%

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
50 min
May 15, 2025Recall | Ep. 202 Perfection Kennels pt. 1 | Bird & Gun Intro
Jon and Jessica Hann from join me to discuss their training program, clinics, and videos. They both truly value trying to educate the average dog trainer so they can train their own dogs themselves!
The beginning of Perfection Kennel

Training a "predator" as opposed to a "prey" animal

Just keeping it simple!

Step by step training

Common mistake: Not actually understanding dogs!

Bird introduction for a pup

Gun introduction for a pup

"Building of Tolerance" method for gun intro

Common errors when introducing the gun

Presented By:
~Standing Stone Supply | https://2ly.link/1vThi | Use Code 'GDIY' to save 15%
~onX Hunt Maps | https://2ly.link/1vThs | Use Code 'GDIY20' to save 20%
~Upland Gun Company | https://2ly.link/1vTiJ
---------------------------------------------
Supported By:
~Marsh Wear Clothing | https://2ly.link/1yJ7n | Use Code 'MWGD15' to save 15% (Patreon Patrons save MORE!)
~Trulock Choke Tubes | https://2ly.link/1yJ7k | Use Code 'GDIY10' to save 10%

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
48 min