PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish & Wildlife will offer a workshop entitled "Training Pointing Dogs" on Sunday, September 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the dog training area in Arcadia Management Area in Exeter. The free event is being presented by DEM's hunter education program in conjunction with the South County Field Trial Club and Purina.
Topics that will be covered during the 6-hour workshop include purchasing the right dog for your needs; training techniques for pointing, backing and retrieving; proper equipment; care and conditioning; problem solving; and hunting and field trial opportunities.
The program is open to all interested participants, and it is not necessary to bring a dog to the workshop. Individuals who do not currently own a dog, but are interested in getting a dog in the future, are also welcome to participate. Professional trainers will work with both dogs and humans to help them attain their goals. The program is geared toward pointing breeds only, and all dogs will be offered an opportunity to point live birds in a controlled training situation.
Dogs must be leashed and under the participant's control. Attendees are asked to bring enough water to sustain their dog throughout the day, as no water is available on site. Lunch and refreshments will be provided through the generosity of the South County Field Trial Club.
The program is limited to 30 participants with one dog apiece. To register, contact Carolann McGovern in DEM's hunter education office at 539-0019 weekdays or via email at carolann.mcgovern@dem.ri.gov; or Edward McGovern at 539-3178 evenings. Participants will be asked to provide their contact information and the name, age and breed of dog if they plan to bring a dog to the workshop.