Check cords should be made of 3/8″ nylon and 20′ in length with a bowline knot and a brass snap. They used to be available from only one gun dog supplier in the south and now this is the closest you will find to the correct stiffness from Cabella’s.
Gary Ruppel demonstrates his famous half-hitch, which is a trick used to acquaint foals with saddling, and it works great on bird dogs to change the point of contact from the collar to the flank. Gary uses it frequently in teaching heel, whoa, and other commands. I am always surprised at its effectiveness and the simple fact that few other trainers have learned this technique.
