Spoon River NAVHDA Chapter

If anyone has any experience with Bona's Kennels in Indiana or Jay Wade of Rudebeaver gun dog training facility - Illinois, I would appreciate the input.  Pros and/or cons are appreciated.  Please respond directly to me if possible.  I don't want to stir up a big debate or make anyone upset.  I am considering doing business with both and just putting my feelers out.  Thank you.  If my e-mail is not listed for some reason, you can contact me at , simon@htc.net   

I dont think you are stirring debate by looking into a trainer. You have just been honest in the matter that you dont have the time, knowledge, or facilities it takes to train a dog. There are some of us who dont realize this until we have the dog, start it on training, then realize 2 months later that we have not had him out for a long time. Then hunting season comes around and we regret we didnt put all of our time in we needed. No need to apologize for your honesty. But do realize that it will take time and work after your dog is finished to keep him working right, and in good physical shape.

It is true that by joining a club and training your own dog will be the most enjoyable part of your partnership. You will be proud and form a special bond. I encourage anyone with the time and recources to do so. But if you cant, you cant. Even some of the club has to turn to a higher training power (pro) when we hit a glinch.

I do not know of either trainer you refer to. I suggest visiting thier training grounds and kennels. Make sure its clean. Ask questions about what his training program entails, how much bird exposure, what results to expect. A goog trainer also will not have a problem running a finished dog (he trained) for you to examine. Make sure its up to your standards! If you want a close working dog, or one that will get out there, he needs to train for that. Just make sure you know up front what type of results you expect. Most will keep your dog for 3-4 months (min.) Thats a lot of missed bonding time. You might want to see if you can come out and help with the training. They should encourage you to.

Good Luck in your search. If you ever want to come out for some of our training days to see what its all about, you are more than welcome!

I know Jay Wade and Rude Beaver Kennel
I met him at a couple of our Chapter testing days, His dogs were very impressive.
I have kept in contact with Jay a little since meeting him at the test a couple years ago.  He is always kind helpful and knowledgeable.  I would not hesitate sending a dog to Jay.  His dogs and his handling abilities were very impressive.  I also was at the NAVHDA invitational this past year ran my dog on Thursday and he ran his on Friday.  He was very professional and curtious towards everyone that he spoke to.  Jay and his dog got a perfect score.  I saw some of his testing  thruout the day,dog was flawless. 
you may contact me if you have any other questions about him
rashman@usd116.org

Randy

Thanks for the input.  I'm getting closer to putting a deposit down on a pup.  Just milling over some questions I've got.  So might not be too terribly long before I really start buggin the heck out of everyone.

Jay Wade is a stand-up guy.  Great trainer and great attitude.

I spoke to Jay a few times on the phone and he was a real nice guy. He has been into Shorthairs and he purchased two ugly dogs from a guy I know last fall. Would be interested in hear how the pups are doing.

Clint

Jay Wade will be at the test this week-end.  He help with training a few of my dogs and is coming to see the results.