Joe: How do you train a dog so that the dog's hearing is not damaged by the sound of the shotgun?

Becky Lyons: This is very important. Your dog can lose its hearing from shotgun shooting. You try to position yourself so that your are paralell to the dog's head, so they are not injured by the blast of the gun. Also, on a daily basis of training in the field, we use a "22 pump" with blanks so that you get a "pop" and the dog is still able to mark-off the end of the gun. When you are hunting situation, you need to be aware of these factors.

Emily: What would you say the most important thing to know when shooting a bird (considering aim tactics)?

Becky Lyons: Sometimes its just instinct, as opposed to tracking and aiming. We use "fake birds", so they go up and go down. The feel of the gun also plays a factor. You know when to shoot.

Max Barnes: What kind of gun do you use?

Becky Lyons: For training, we use the Remington 870 12-gauge. When I am duck hunting for teals or dove 20-gauge beretta. During big duck season, I shoot a Browning 12-gauge b-80, which is a semi-automatic. During competition we have to shoot a 12-gauge pump. But in hunting we can use what we want. We do have people who are handicap, and we try to accommodate everyone. If the guns are approved, people can use a short-stock (or short forearm) if needed. Alot of women use these. There are exceptions the rifle rules.

Bill: How many days do you work and how many hours do you spend with your dog?

Becky Lyons: I work with my dogs monday-friday, and sometimes Saturdays if I have a client. Because we have a lot of client's dogs, its alot of training, so I am gone a major part of the day 7am till about 2 or 3 in the afternoon. The amount of time we spend with each individual dog depends on how the dog is progressing in their training. If they are learning quickly, then training is shorter. It depends on the dog.

Grant: What does your family think of this as your sport? Do they agree or disagree with this sport?

Becky Lyons: Well, when my kids were young, my mom and my dad used to say that my dogs behaved better than my children! But my kids are teenagers. My brother raised Siberian Huskeys, and my mom says that both of her children have gone to the dogs! While I was watching the competition this morning. Parents, brothers and sisters called to say how proud they were and called us "movie stars." Everyone is supportive, we enjoy it and we have become successful at it. The family is really proud of both of us.

GOGfan: Are only laborador retrievers used in the Retriever Trials contests?

Becky Lyons: No. Golden retrievers and Cheasepeake Bay retrievers are used as well. But overall, Labs are preferred. The Lab can be a better dog. Black, and Yellow labs are the main dogs of choice, however there are a few chocolate labs that do well. It all goes back into the breeding and the training of the dog.

Brian: How many dogs do you have?

Becky Lyons: I have only one now and he is retired. We have about 16 clients dogs ranging from 2 months to 6 years old.

Callie: Do the dogs know the difference between winning and losing? Can you notice any emotional differences between winning and losing?

Becky Lyons: No. They know when their performance is not good, as far finding the birds. They are smart. They don't understand that concept. Their "reward" is retrieving!

Nancy: What are your thoughts about ESPN's broadcast of the Great Outdoor Games?

Becky Lyons: This is the first one and we did not know what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised. I don't think it will deter from the sport. Everything was professionally done and we were impressed. They have sparked an interest. We have alot in common with the other competitors at the event. There is competition, but we cheer each other on. The one thing I will say, it was a long drive from Louisiana to New York. We could have flown, but when you have to take your animals and equipment, its best to drive.

Sally: How can dogs be trully sensitive to the sound of a gun?

Becky Lyons: When your dog is young, you start with little "pops" like a starter pistol, and working up to a shotgun. We use the same sound everyday and they are conditioned. So its gradual. We don't use a shotgun with a full-blast until we need to practice before a competition.

Max Barnes: When did you start shooting guns?

Becky Lyons: I have been around guns that my dad had when I was young. I started duck hunting when my kids were young. I started with a Winchester 61, 22 pump. The more you do it, the more you become comfortable using it. Because its a tool for us to teach the dogs, not just kill birds. We use the guns as a "marker" for the dogs, to help them track. This was a very good question.

Cecilia: Were you influenced through Barry to become a sporting dog handler? What sparked your interest in sporting dog handling?

Becky Lyons: Yes. With my husband's work schedule. We realized that our dogs needed daily training. Most women compete in some sports because of a family member. We started hunting together, and he had his own duck-hunting lease, and I also had mine. We still hunt together sometimes.

Becky Lyons: I know its harder on women, because this is a man-dominated game. However, there are many women who do excel at it. They duck hunt, train, and judge and become very good handlers. I am at a disadvantage because I am on only 5 foot 3 as opposed to men who are 6 foot. I have to bring my own gun with a short stock so that it fits me better. Its a different sport, and its not like working inside. I enjoy the spring and seasons with all of god's beauty. Its full-time for me, but there are alot of women who handle dogs with full time jobs, and they are good at it. The HRC is a family oriented organization, and we want everyone to succeed. If I had a question, I can call anyone in our organization and they would be more than willing to help. That's a good thing I find that its training pattern that works for the sport. Its different, its unique and its a balance for the dogs. This is just like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it, you just have to work hard at it, and most of all, enjoy it! Thank you.

Becky Lyons: Moderator: Becky is now gone. Thank you for your participation!