When the opportunity arises to dog train with one of the best, when your young dog is at the perfect age, and Peter says “go for it” it’s an easy decision to say yes. Tomorrow, two year old Goose and I will be flying Comox to Toronto, Our destination is the home and training grounds of Clay and Karen Earl, of Cold Water Gun Dogs.
Goose and I at the August 2026 Senior Hunt Test, Swamp Dog Farm, Vancouver Island
I have not flown a dog in the luggage hold before. West Jet offers one direct flight a week and we are on it. I have some anxiety over this part of the trip, but, many have done it and Goose is already a seasoned traveller and loves his crate. There is no chance of him getting on the wrong plane at Comox, I will be able to see him being loaded. Coming home from the larger Toronto Airport might be a different story but it is a direct flight too so should be okay. Fingers and paws crossed!
August 22
Well our Friday travel went off without a hitch. I have nothing but good to say with how West Jet treats their canine passengers. He had visits with the security people while his crate was screened. I was able to see the loading process, he was the last to be loaded, the crew wheeled him into a nice shade spot under the plane until it was his turn, the crew member crouched down and said hi to him before loading him. When I was on the plane an attendant came and gave me my half of the travel tab showing that he was loaded and which I would use to claim him. At Toronto airport it did not take long for him to come out on a trolly at the over size luggage spot, again the crew member was very good.
Goose waiting at the Comox Airport
August 23
We have settled in at Cold Water Gun Dogs and the learning, mostly for me has begun. Goose approves of the grounds. Yesterday was lovely weather, today I was very glad to have brought my rain gear, it was needed!
Goose drying off after his swim in the technical pond
August 24,25
So much theory learning for me and now learning begins for Goose on his bird work. This boy has so much ability when it comes to finding birds and using the wind, now to harness those skills and his drive into a teamwork approach.
Ontario field of dreams
A few photos from this week, not a lot of time for photography
Evening walks after training, I had forgotten how hot and humid Southern Ontario can be, and then there are the mosquitos! Despite all that it is a beautiful Ontario farm.
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