Welcome to the 2025 GSPCI Dog Days of Summer Field Training sessions!
GSPCI is excited to offer our nineteenth season of our Dog Days of Summer Field Training Sessions. Training Director, Christine Selep with assistance from Perry Dlugie and Sam Vesely will help you lay the foundation for a well-mannered, eager-to-learn canine companion.
Not necessarily geared only to hunting, this training program is designed to introduce and review the basic skills of the Huntsmith Foundation and The Method systems of training.
The training sessions are open to current GSPCI members. There is no registration fee, just a single donation per handler of $35 to help cover the cost of birds (contact Perry if you plan to bring more than one dog). Payments made through PayPal at 2025 DDS XIX Bird Donation.
Attendance for this program is limited. Each session builds on the skills learned at the previous one. To benefit from the instruction, we urge everyone in the New Handler Group to attend all three of the May sessions. The Intermediate Group is open to handlers who have completed a season of the New Handlers Group and meet the requirements of being able to handle their dog off-lead and stop it remotely.
The spring sessions are Saturdays May 10, May 17, and May 24
Email Perry Dlugie at perrydlu@comcast.net to register. Registration closes at noon on Wednesday, May 7.
* All sessions will be held on the East Grounds of the Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area
From I 55 exit on 241 (North River Road). Turn left on River Road and continue approximately 2 miles to the first intersection (Boathouse Road). Turn south on Boathouse Road, the East Grounds (sign marked West) parking lot is approximately ¼ mile on your left.
Sessions will be held regardless of weather.
The New Handler sessions will begin at 8:30 AM and should wrap up by 11:30.
The Intermediate Handler sessions will begin at noon.
Please contact Christine or Perry to confirm eligibility for the Intermediate Group
The Delmar Smith Command/Wonder Lead is an integral part of this training, and we expect everyone to have one for the first session. We also strongly recommend a stiff/solid core 20’ check cord and a 1” wide flat, solid leather collar. These items can be purchased separately from Gundogsupply.com or, for your convenience as a kit from Dogs Unlimited (item# 00001-70001K). A limited number of Command Leads can be purchased in advance from Perry for $35 through Venmo at @pdlugie, or by making direct payment arrangements.
A cable gang tie-out line is part of our training. Please be sure to air your dog before hooking them up to the line. If you choose not to use our line, please bring a stake-out or kennel for your dog. We ask that you not run your dogs in the field prior to the day’s training.
Recommended supplies for training sessions
Water and snacks for you and your dog Tick and mosquito repellent
Plastic bag(s) to clean up after your dog Leather or heavy cotton gloves
Christine Selep cselep@gmail.com 847-826-9492
Perry Dlugie perrydlu@comcast.net 847-417-4688
Sam Vesely firefly061@sbcglobal.net 708-205-3323