Mike - all the comments above are great. I finally got involved over the last year and it's been great. Clubs are the way to go. They are family oriented and the only way you'll figure out the deal to train and test.
With the ages of your kids...more chance you'll get family time doing this moreso than sitting in a blind at darkthirty in sub zero temps. :yes: (although still do this!) :thumbsup:
Your dogs current marking ability will be a big advantage. While you can hold the dogs collar I'd still work on steady (if not already) and yea...work on hold before you test. It doesn't have to be picture perfect to hand by any stretch but you have to take the bird from the dog without touching the dog.
Go for it...I have never talked to anyone that regretted it. And people are very helpful when you're new.
With the ages of your kids...more chance you'll get family time doing this moreso than sitting in a blind at darkthirty in sub zero temps. :yes: (although still do this!) :thumbsup:
Your dogs current marking ability will be a big advantage. While you can hold the dogs collar I'd still work on steady (if not already) and yea...work on hold before you test. It doesn't have to be picture perfect to hand by any stretch but you have to take the bird from the dog without touching the dog.
Go for it...I have never talked to anyone that regretted it. And people are very helpful when you're new.
