MSDA welcomes beginners! We offer many activities, often as a part of bigger events, for newbies both in the ring and in the field. Here’s what’s coming up.
The 2026 WORLD OF PETS EXPO is Friday, February 23-Sunday, February 25 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. MSDA will have a booth, staffed by club members and their dogs, ready to greet the public and provide information about the club, upcoming events and sporting dogs in general.
BIRD INSTINCT CLINICS are MSDA’s long-standing entry activity for those who might be interested in field work. Open to all potential bird dogs, sessions are held outside at the Spring Event February 27-March 1 (weather permitting) at the Howard County Fairgrounds to introduce dogs to birds. No field experience is necessary so this is great for beginners. Early registration, at a discounted price, is open through February 15.
At the Dog Show at MSDA’s Spring Event… BEST GUN DOG competitions are on Saturday, February 28 at Howard County Fairgrounds. This is breed judging (so, dog show) but only for dogs who have some “field cred”. Throughout the day, each breed holds a Gun Dog competition and those winners at the breed level compete for Best Gun Dog in the big ring at the end of the day. If you are experienced in the field but have never been in the show ring, mentoring is available, so you can do this!
Spectators are very welcome at MSDA’s SPRING EVENT, Friday February 27-Monday March 1. MSDA runs some of the biggest AKC Sporting Group dog shows in the country, so this is a great place to learn more about specific breeds or just get up close to watch the activity in the rings. All dog show, obedience and rally events are held indoors.
INTRO TO SPANIEL HUNT TESTING. Learn more about spaniel hunt testing and the requisite handler and dog skills. While observers are always welcome at MSDA hunt tests, on Saturday April 11, we are making a special effort to provide an introduction to the sport. This is a great learning opportunity for those who are curious about hunt tests, or who have started training but are not yet ready to enter. Mentors will be available to provide explanations of what’s going on and the scoring, get you close to the action, and answer questions. You’ll be able to meet new and experienced hunt testers and we’ll welcome you at our lunch and our late-afternoon “tailgate” ribbon ceremony.
FLUSHING 101: a 1/2-day intro to field obedience and basic skills training. The date is TBD, but likely will be in late spring or early summer. We are tentatively planning an afternoon at Mt Ararat Farm in Port Deposit, MD. This is the site of MSDA’s Advanced Work Group training for Flushing Dogs. After a hearty lunch and some introductions, experienced handlers and hunt test judges will work with dogs and handlers in small groups. No previous hunt experience is required.
More activities will be coming later in the year, so be sure to check back or, even better, sign up for our mailing list and/or join our Facebook Group.
For questions about Bird Dog Basics and related activities, please contact Pamela DeSmidt via Pamela@mdsportingdog.org.
Are these activities a bit “too beginner-ish” for you? Browse the Events on the main menu of this website for all of our options or check the Calendar page for a list of events including those offered by other clubs. For field work in particular, you may want to:
- Attend an Advanced Work Group flushing training day as an observer. Watch experienced handlers and dogs, many of them master level, polish their skills on land and in the water. Observers for these sessions are welcome and handlers are quite friendly but advance registration is required and there is no organized program for observers.
- Train with the Skill Building Working Group for flushing dogs and handlers who want to build their skills and experience to enter Spaniel Hunt Tests. This is a season-long program that with some prerequisite skills.
- Sign up for Pointing Breeds Field Training – group work and individual attention geared towards your needs, whether it be hunting or AKC field competitions. Individual sessions with advance registration.