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