Works Cited

"Breeds" Thu Hunting Dog. The Hunting Dog, 2010. Web. 09 Nov 2010.

Caine, Michael. "Duck Hunting Quotes." Thinkexis.com. ThinkExist, 2010. Web. 16 Nov 2010. .

Ducks Unlimited, 2010. Web. 11 Nov 2010.

Glassmaker, Mark. "Alaska Fishing." MFAlaska. Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker, 2010. Web. 11 Nov 2010. .

"Retrievers." The Hunting Dog. The Hunting Dog, 2010. Web. 09 Nov 2010. .


Rigle, John. "Prepare Your Retreiver for Duck Hunting." Ducks. Ducks Unlimited, 2010. Web. 11 Nov 2010. .

"thehunting.com"

“The Hunting Dog.” The Hunting-Dog.com. The Hunting Dog.2010. Web. 16 Nov 2010. http://www.the-hunting-dog.com/duck-hunting-dogs.html

Reflection on sources

Even though my topic was unique or one of a kind, I still managed to find good services that helped out a whole lot on my research for this blog. One that I used the most was The Hunting Dog.com. I used this site more then others because it gave me information on the hunting sport its self, and characteristics of these breeds that help them pull ahead of the other breeds of dogs. This was the best and most useful sites of all that I found because of the information given on this web site of all of what I needed to know. This site and a few others like the magazine website were very trustworthy in getting what I needed to get this blog done with excellent information. Through all of this, I did find a few sites that seemed completely biased. One of the ones was the hunting chat.com. This showed all opinions on how different people and different types of hunters felt were the best dogs to use for duck hunting. All of sources gave information that I could have used, but not all of them were credible to use on this blog. The sites that I did use were proven to be true and not based on the opinions of the people.

Reflection on process

I thought that my research was not the easiest to find information of because it is so unique; but I loved the feeling of taking something that is a great question that relates to my life, and putting in a blog. It was to easy to find information on the characteristics of the breeds of dogs that helped to see why most of the people used them. I think that the most difficult part of constructing my blog on this topic was the fact that all people have different opinions that make them like one dog better then the other. I enjoyed being able to make my blog about something that spiked my interest. I also liked that we ware to able to make a visual for people to actually see instead of writing a essay. The part that I disliked more than other things, was that we had dead lines we had to meet of when publishing a post or posting a comment. If I got the opportunity to do this project over again, I would like to do a little more research and add some different point of views of different hunters. I think that I would post my posts a little earlier so that I would have time to edit or change them if I wanted.

Reflection on findings

Research is a great way to find information; they have it for about any topic you can think of, even one as unique as mine. I learned a lot based on what I found. Different types of the duck hunting may call for different breeds of dogs. It would depend on if you would need a smaller breed, or a larger one. I also learned that features and attitudes the dog has effect both on how good of a job they will do and on the way the owner will like him. Dogs have a webbed like substance that make them able to swim and some have the retriever skills to allow them to go get something and bring it back to you. The most surprising thing I found was that when they train the dogs to do this sport, they put them in a field with a lot of decoys and one real duck. They get the dogs used to finding the real duck out of the mix and bringing it back to their owner in a fast and orderly fashion. Through all my information and research, all questions I had about why they use certain breeds have been answered. I feel that my topic is interesting and is unique. Not everyone knows the different breeds of dogs or even the types of hunting. Most people couldn’t even tell what duck hunting is, other than using the title to try to figure it out; even then, they leave out the most important part… the dogs! I really cling to this topic because of where I came from and how I grew up, this topic is interesting to me. I still love it!

Finding paragraph #3

Boykin Spaniels and Labs have distinctions that make them the best breeds to use when participating in this sport. “Their small size came in handy in upland waterfowl hunting, especially when floating rivers in small watercraft such as canoes or johnboats. Try to keep a canoe upright when a 70-pound Lab retrieves, and then compare it to the disturbance that a 30-pound Boykin produces when he leaves a small boat and re-enters it moments later with a hen wood duck."(Dan Kibler) According to this quote, a Boykin is easier to use when you are in the water yourself with the dog; this is because they do not weigh as much and would not tip the boat as easy a big dog like a lab. More research shows that Labs are also good to use when sending your dog out to retrieve the fallen duck. They are faster runners and can hit the water running, making them get in and out of the water faster than other breeds. If you are hunting on the land, then the best bet would be a Lab. But on the other hand, if you will be hunting by a boat on the water you would use a Boykin because they weigh less, and could get their job done without dumping you over into the water with them when they jump out to collect the duck. Both of these types of dogs are great. Research found shows all the reasons people would want to use them more than any other kind around.

Wordle #2 based on 25 key words

Finding paragraph #2

Attitudes given from the dogs can waver the thoughts of how the owner feels about their “little hunter.” Usually people start their dogs training when the dog is at a young age, but they do not teach them in a correct manner so that they will understand the job ahead of them. "It's never good when a wingshooter takes a young retriever duck hunting for the first time and then doesn't understand why their pride and joy is picking up sticks in the water and bringing back decoys instead of ducks. If that dog has never been in a duck blind before, it's understandable to me" (John Riggle) Dogs are just like children, they need encouragement and a sense of reward when they do what they are told. Labs and Boykin spaniels love to get a job done and then go on home to cuddle up with the family, their great attitudes make them great for family pets, and as hunters. These moods shown by the animal reflects on the owner. People want dogs that will listen and do what they are told; anyone would rather have an animal with an awesome personality than a mean one that bites. There are even other reasons why people chose these instead of any of the other breeds in the world.

Finding Paragraph #1

The definition of waterfowl is a water bird that swims, and this is just what these dogs hunt. According to the Hunting Dog.com, the different types of dogs have many characteristics that help them with their job. “The special density and hair type of their coat that allows them to repel water, and their seemingly limitless energy enables them to quickly adapt to working in both the water and on land. They have webbed feet that propels them powerfully through the water. Retriever breeds are highly trainable, with an ability to respond to training pressure without losing interest in their job. Retrievers are problem solvers, willing to work through a situation in order to complete their task” (The Hunting Dog) The coats of the dogs repel the water, making it easier for them to get in and out smoothly and swim in a great speed. Not only their coats, but their feet have webbed linking in between the toes to allow them to be a swimmer. They are able to walk on the land and are amazing in the water. Boykin Spaniels and Labs are waterfowl hunters; they can hunt their prey on land or in the water. According the information given the Lab is wonderful for retrieving and bringing back the ducks. Certain attitudes also help to prove they are the best.

Quote #5

“Duck hunting dogs are very popular both as hunters and as pets. Among this group is the king of retrievers, the Labrador. A dominant force in duck hunting circles, these dogs are eager to work in all weather conditions. The ability to get into cold weather and withstand water work is essential with these working breeds. While bird dogs like Pointers and Setters locate the birds for the hunters, the Retriever's job is to go get the downed ducks.”

I chose to share this wonderful quote with you because it states actual facts on why a Lab is found to be a perfect match for the job of a real duck hunting dog. They can outcome almost any weather- that not all dogs can- and they are really good at downing the ducks so that they can bring them back to their hunter.

"The Hunting Dog." The-Hunting-Dog.com. The Hunting Dog, 2010. Web. 16 Nov 2010. <http://www.the-hunting-dog.com/duck-hunting-dogs.html>.

Quote #4

“If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, looks like a duck, it must be a duck” -Unknown

“Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath.” -Michael Caine
I chose to use these quotes because they tell characteristics of a duck, and how you can tell a duck from all of the birds that fly in the sky, to ones that walk the land. I love these quotes because they match my topic exactly and they are also funny little rhymes to help get you through the day. The second quote is probably my favorite; A person never thinks of what they see when they see a duck swimming silently in a body of water. Above the surface is the calm, gentle duck that makes not a sound, but if you were to be under the water looking up at him, you would see his feet hard at work.
Caine, Michael. "Duck Hunting Quotes." Thinkexis.com. ThinkExist, 2010. Web. 16 Nov 2010. <http://thinkexist.com/quotation/be_like_a_duck-calm_on_the_surface-but_always/153790.html>.

Statistics on Duck Hunting

This chart relates to my topic because it shows all the different types of ducks and about what their population is. Labs and Boykin spaniels hunt all of these; The most common ones are the Mallards.  http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_13707073

Random Fact #1

 Boykin Spaniels became the state dog of South Carolina in 1985.

Quote, paraphrase, and citation #3

"It's never good when a wingshooter takes a young retriever duck hunting for the first time and then doesn't understand why their pride and joy is picking up sticks in the water and bringing back decoys instead of ducks. If that dog has never been in a duck blind before, it's understandable to me" -John Riggle
Some people push their dogs into doing something before they are ready. Dogs get happy with the achievement that they retrieved something-whether it is a stick or a decoy- people just need to teach them the correct thing to do from the wrong things. It’s not the dogs fault, but it is not really the owners fault either. The dog is learning something new; It is kind of like riding a bike, if someone just sits you on there and tells you pedal- how do you know which way to pedal or even how to?- You end up doing what you think is right, and do it the best way possible. If the dog has never been taught the difference between the real things and the fake ones, then he or she is blind to what they need to know. This is also what John Riggle thinks and he does not stand alone on it.

Rigle, John. "Prepare Your Retreiver for Duck Hunting." Ducks. Ducks Unlimited, 2010. Web. 11 Nov 2010. <http://www.ducks.org/hunting/retriever-training/preparing-for-duck-hunting/page3>.

Photo, caption, and citation #3

I chose this picture because it shows that the dog must know how to swim (be a waterfowl dog.) He must have the skill it takes to go inside of the water, retrieve what he went in for, and come back a winner. The things that help this dog to do this are his coat, and his feet. The dog has to be able to with stand freezing waters, and understand when it is or is not the correct time to go get the duck. This is a great picture to show you exactly what part of a duck hunting dogs job is.

Glassmaker, Mark. "Alaska Fishing." MFAlaska. Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker, 2010. Web. 11 Nov 2010. <http://www.mgfalaska.com/alaska_duck_hunting.html
Original URL: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mgfalaska.com/Graphics/duck/image001.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.mgfalaska.com/alaska_duck_hunting.html&usg=__PxOveJ6PtHCkkri-G7QqIXmH1zs=&h=431&w=324&sz=21&hl=en&start=48&sig2=6IazzryiZSnoFXL7FL3VQQ&zoom=1&tbnid=kqz3SMSeKYKJ-M:&tbnh=142&tbnw=107&ei=ZPfbTLmaD4O88gbknM2ABw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dduck%2Bhunting%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Dactive%26biw%3D1020%26bih%3D596%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=250&oei=dvDbTP7eAsWclgfDqIyrCQ&esq=3&page=4&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:48&tx=60&ty=59

Quote, paraphrase, and citation #2

"Around the turn of the century, Boykins became popular in South Carolina as a turkey-hunting dog that was able to find and flush gobblers and then sit still in a hastily constructed blind while its master tried to call the scattered birds back into shotgun range. The total range of their talents didn't become evident until many years later. Lowcountry hunters quickly discovered that their little dogs could do more than flush turkeys, and that's where the Boykins' retrieving capabilities came into play. Their small size came in handy in upland waterfowl hunting, especially when floating rivers in small watercraft such as canoes or johnboats. Try to keep a canoe upright when a 70-pound Lab retrieves, and then compare it to the disturbance that a 30-pound Boykin produces when he leaves a small boat and re-enters it moments later with a hen wood duck."
South Carolina recognized Boykin’s as a turkey hunting dog; since they could already flush out the turkeys, they figured that they could do it for the ducks also. The size comes in very handy for the Boykin’s' owners- they do not weigh as much as a lab would sitting in your boat- this is why if people use a boat on a lake or pond they would lean toward a Boykin.
This quote gave me information on why most people use a Boykin Spaniel instead of other dogs: People use them for duck hunting purposes since they are smaller and can fit more easily into a tiny boat or canoe. These small dogs were first thought of to be used only as turkey’s hunters, now they are used for more than just turkeys; they hunt ducks, rabbits, squirrels and more. In 1984, South Carolina declared this dog as their state dog.

 Kibler, Dan. "Boykin Spaniels: The Hunting Dog That Fits." Game & Fish Mag. Intermedia Outdoors, Inc., 2010. Web. 10 Nov 2010. <http://www.gameandfishmag.com/hunting/hunting-dogs/gf_aa056302a/>.

Photo, caption, and citation #2

Labs love a sense of achievement when they have done something right. The lab in this picture knows that he has done his owner proud and he is ready to receive his reward- the story behind this picture is training for the big day- They put a lot of fake duck statues around, and add one real duck to the mix; The best hunting dog is the one that can find the live duck first. Dogs train hard for this -it is just like life, the one who knows what to do gets farther in life- the dog who wins has an achievement that he is the best and that they made their men (or women) proud. They know what goes on, they know if they win, and they know if they lose; can’t you see him posing with his nose in the air for his picture of his victory duck hunt?
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://d69655.u22.hostsofamerica.com/images/Archie,%2520side%2520view%2520with%2520duck.jpg&imgrefurl=http://huntbackcountry.com/images/view/44117/Archie%2520%2520side%2520view%2520with%2520duck%2520jpg.html&usg=__labtgZXyAXO1ba5kKSY06fV1ISQ=&h=480&w=640&sz=210&hl=en&start=16&sig2=UwmJ4YXixnftAWA68A5SFQ&zoom=1&tbnid=Yn-ufr5NUs4hgM:&tbnh=139&tbnw=187&ei=pending&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlabs%2Bare%2Bthe%2Bbest%2Bfor%2Bduck%2Bhunting%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Dactive%26biw%3D1003%26bih%3D596%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=47&oei=U5_aTN-FFcaAlAel3Z30CQ&esq=7&page=2&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:16&tx=91&ty=58

Quote, paraphrase, and citation #1

"The special density and hair type of their coat that allows them to repel water, and their seemingly limitless energy enables them to quickly adapt to working in both the water and on land. They have webbed feet that propels them powerfully through water. Retriever breeds are highly trainable, with an ability to respond to training pressure without loosing interest in their job. Retrievers are problems solvers, willing to work through a situation in order to complete their task."  
This quote gives me great information for my topic; it tells me directly that a reason these dogs are used for this sport is because of their makeup. They are born with coats that repel the water, making it easy for them swim around-to get in and out as quick as possible- before the others dogs would. They are amazing animals who adapt to both the land and the water so anyone will love them. I also found that their breed is highly trainable and work strongly through any task you pass their way.
The makeup Labs have gives them many characteristics that help them move swiftly within and out of the water; which is the same way for their land legs too- they are just as good in the water- and out. This also gives their owners smooth, assurance thinking that their little hunters will train without getting a short attention span.
 "Retrievers." The Hunting Dog. The Hunting Dog, 2010. Web. 09 Nov 2010. <http://www.the-hunting-dog.com/contact-the-hunting-dog.html>.

Photo, caption and citation #1

This shows a Boykin Spaniel with a job well done; The dog sits with all the ducks he retrieved-which is a good amount if you ask me- with the help of his owner. It relates to my topic because my topic is about duck hunting, why this type of dog is one of the best ones out there, and why they are the most common.
Jim Julson Oct./Nov. 2005
The original URL: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.julsonkennel.com/images/slideshow/hunting-dog-in-field.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.julsonkennel.com/&usg=__I5qlx9ZKGIbkI-8DHT8PReVkVEI=&h=250&w=380&sz=35&hl=en&start=13&sig2=jYC2_x_lZJK2WfYzwnZy_g&zoom=1&tbnid=aOlvct6QuaJhqM:&tbnh=111&tbnw=168&ei=iU3ZTJH4NMP98Abe96mGCg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhunting%2Bdog%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Dactive%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D986%26bih%3D568%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C280&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=296&oei=f03ZTLCwL4H58AaJ6eyTCQ&esq=6&page=2&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:13&tx=80&ty=68&biw=986&bih=568

Primary links and descriptions

http://www.the-hunting-dog.com/ this site helped me find information on each hunting breed; It also gave me facts on why these certain types are used, and what kind of hunting sport they are used for. This site is very useful for my research paper because of what it lets off. Now that I found this, I now have a lot more knowledge.
http://www.pslra.org/html/whatsalab.htm when I saw this site, it filled my head with facts about the Labrador retriever; I learned that their hunting backgrounds help them to be a great family dog. This site helped me out a while for my question concerning why Labs were one of the best and most used dog for this sport.
http://www.dovehunt.com/bird_dogs/labrador_retrievers.htm when I needed to know facts and figures about labs, I found this site. It gave me about the sizes they average, the color and temperament, and qualities they have in which are successful for hunting. I also learned something new today; that the structure of a lab is what makes him a great gundog.
http://www.dovehunt.com/bird_dogs/english_springer_spaniels.htm this site is similar with the last site I used, except this one is about the spaniels. With this site I found information on the spaniels that helps make them great hunting dogs also. I love this site, because it gives me a variety of information that I need to know about these dogs types for my blog report.

Wordle #1 based on one useful site

What I want to know about my topic

Creating this blog on my topic does strike a few questions in my head. I wonder things "Why are they the best dogs for the job?" "Does it mainly have to do with the type of feet they have?" "Are they good companions for the hunter?" I want to know why they are always chosen; why when someone needs a dog for duck hunting why they go right to either a Lab or the Boykin Spaniel. I am a dog lover; I love Labs, they make a great hunter, and an awesome family dog. I would like to know if the dogs’ attitudes have a factor for their choice. “What things about this dog drive man into wanting just them?” Why are they the best out of all that is out there?...

Animoto based on search questions

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

What I Already Know

Hunters  use Labs or Boykin spaniels when they go duck hunting because of how patient and good they are; they were also given special talents that allow them to do this. Labs and Boykin spaniels are very patient, since they can sit quietly with their owner all day long without even making a sound. When duck hunting, the dog must be able to retrieve things-this is one of their key talents, without this, there would be no need for them to hunt. Duck hunting sometimes takes place near or at a pond; because of this, the dog will get down wet and dirty. This makes the dog a waterfowl hunter; he has webs between his toes that make him a swimmer. With these dogs, come certain attitudes. Some people say that there are not any bad bones in these dogs’ bodies. Others say that a hunting dog should be used for hunting, not as a family dog. I know other wise because my dog is a hunter. She is the nicest dog you could have, a grand attitude, great with kids, a best friend when you need her.

Ths Story Behind My Choice

I grew up living in the southern part of our town; some people might even call it the boondocks. Because I grew up this way, it was a natural thing for all of the men in a family to duck hunt. I noticed that all of them either used a Lab or a Boykin Spaniel as a hunting partner. So I ask, "Why do most people either use a Lab or a Boykin Spaniel when they go duck hunting?" I know people say that since a Lab is a retriever they can easily find the duck and bring it back to the hunter, but there must be more to it than that; and that is just what I want to know. I picked this question out of all of the other billion questions in the world because this is something that sparks my interest. I love to be outside and I love the experience of quietly sitting while you watch the wilderness around you. It is a great way to cope and get some time to yourself; while you enjoy a fun game. The dogs have to sit quietly, and wait with hunter, just watching the ducks fly above them. It takes a calm quiet dog; I wonder if that is a reason they choose a Lab or a Boykin Spaniel instead of all the other dogs in the world.