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Since 2022, MSDA has been offering very popular Flushing Dog Training Days. Starting in 2024, this has expanded to include different groups to address the wide range of upland hunting skills needed based on the experience of our handlers and dogs. This page provides information for the “Skill Building Working Group” training days.
The Skill Building Working Group (SBWG) training days are led by Trish Jackson and Janet Ciarico. They generally are about a half-day session, e.g., 9 am – 12 pm, though times may vary. This is a training group that focuses on teaching foundational flushing skills to dogs and handlers at the newbie, junior, and senior levels, or who simply want to develop a well-trained flushing/hunting dog. Participants engage in group exercises and receive tailored assistance in foundational flushing skills (e.g., teamwork, hunting, recall in the field, whistle commands, delivery to hand) that vary from session to session. The 2026 series will be targeted at dogs who have mastered basic field obedience skills.
November 22 was the last session of 2025, but planning for 2026 is underway. Please check back in January for much more information.
More photos of training days and other events, taken by our members, are on our Flickr site.
Upcoming Training Dates:
We’re currently working on plans for training dates and formats in 2026, but we are expecting this to be a series of at least six sessions starting in March. More information will be available in January.
Registration Process and Other Important Info:
More information about the 2026 training formats and dates will be available in January.
All attendees are required to sign liability releases. Handlers accept the MSDA liability release as part of the preregistration process. Many of you have already signed this on your membership form or when attending another MSDA activity. In addition, releases may be required for specifical training locations. Guests and any other attendees also must provide the required liability releases – please download these and bring signed copies along, or the event leader will have you sign when you arrive.
Owners and handlers are reminded that they are responsible for their own dog’s actions and that good sportsmanship is expected at all times. If dogs (or humans!) exhibit inappropriate behavior or aggression, you will be directed to leave immediately and may be excluded from future MSDA activities. Such decisions are made exclusively by the event chair, or other event committee member in the chair’s absence.
If you are interested in receiving specific information about training with MSDA’s Flushing Dog Program, including timely email notification when dates are selected and when registrations will open and close for each date, sign up for our mailing list, which is managed by MailChimp (or edit your preferences if you’re already on the list). On the form, be sure to mark “Yes” for “Interested in Training for Flushing Dogs”.
The Flushing Dog Training Days – Skill Building Working Group is led by Janet Ciarico and Trish Jackson. Reach them via SWBG@mdsportingdog.org.
No training sessions are currently open for preregistration. Please consult the schedule near the top of this page for the next training day.