Welcome to the 2026 GSPCI Dog Days of Summer Field Training sessions!
GSPCI is excited to offer our twentieth season of our Dog Days of Summer Field Training Sessions. Training Director, Sam Vesely with assistance from Perry Dlugie and Christine Selep will help you lay the foundation for a well-mannered, eager-to-learn canine companion.
The training sessions are open to current GSPCI members. The registration fee is a single donation per handler of $75 to help cover the cost of the grounds and birds (contact Perry if you plan to bring more than one dog). Payments made through PayPal at 2026 Dog Days of Summer Field Training
The spring sessions are Saturdays May 9th, 16th and 23rd
Email Perry Dlugie at perrydlu@comcast.net to register. Registration closes at noon on Wednesday, May 6th.
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 Sam or Perry to confirm eligibility for the Intermediate Group
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 qualified handlers who must meet the minimum requirements of:
Completed at least one season of GSPCI DDS Field Training
Can competently handle your dog off lead in the field
Your dog will hold point through the flush
Your dog will hold through the shot without a check cord (use of a flank collar is okay)
* New this year, all sessions will be held at Feather Prairie Farm at 23335 E 3200 N in Dwight, Illinois. Just 20 minutes south of the Des Plaines SFWA, the farm is located a few miles west of I 55 from the Route 17 exit. Additional directions will be provided prior to the start of the sessions.
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
Sam Vesely firefly061@sbcglobal.net 708-205-3323
Perry Dlugie perrydlu@comcast.net 847-417-4688
Christine Selep cselep@gmail.com 847-826-9492