Hunting Dogs

[Bird_Dog]

I breed good quailty GSP pups from time to time from proven bloodlines. Many of my dogs are used in falconry and for gun hunting- even by professional quides, game wardens, and wildlife biologist. Ok, get the point my dogs hunt... if you don't like 'em I gladly take it back. This has just happened, a year old dog sold to a over control freak came back to me. We went on our first hunt (gun hunting for bobwhite quail) last weekend. The previous owner, expecting unrealistic performance over controlled the dog and gave harsh commands to the point where the dog is basically shell shocked. Amazingly, he points and honors... just don't give a command of any sorts becsue he'll freeze. One funny thing that happend repeatedly was when he pointed but refused to pick up a wounded bird. Several times he would find and point it while I'd have my other dog searching nearby... I'd look over and see him on point and use my older dog to fetch it... sort of a strange team work thing. He's got a fantistic nose on him and ultimately will make a good versatile hunter once his confidence is restored. This may be more of a statement of not over controlling your young dog than a simple question of what might be some good strategies of how to overcome his behavioral problems. Are there any good remedies for boosting a dogs confidence? :(

-- BIRD_DOG

[Goran]

Lots of play with you and game species.

[Bird_Dog]

I looked over a few training books last evening. There's seems to be some debate on the proper age to begin training. One advised to wait until the dog is a year old to start field training; where as, another suggests alot of puppy training using bird wings etc. Personally the philosphy that I've followed in the past might be described as on the job training and use an older dog as a model for the learner. The previous owner called to check up on the dog. I told him of the problems. Even though he believes he trained the dog well, he doesn't seem to realize what he as done to inhibit the dog's spirit.

[Goran]

I train and hunt with German Hunting Terriers - Jagdterriers.Training starts at 8-10 weeks old.Also, I have seen bird dogs starting at the same age.Works for me.

[Jack Merlin]

Training starts at 8-10 weeks old.

I don't believe you can generalize. Some strains (note "strain") mature early, others late. Find a good breeder and do what he does to get results.

Some strains are quite hard and it is essential to get the control in early before the mind "closes down". Others need more time.

Just an opinion.

Jack

[Varmint]

:arrow:

[Goran]

Dogs are bred for purpose.You better have a good dog for what ever purpose you need him.Selection, testing, work and selection makes good "strains".

[Bird_Dog]

I'm thinking of teaching him to play frisbee this summer. It's a great game but it does have some pitfalls when it comes to retrieving game in the field. For one it tends to hurt the steadyness to birds flushing and can make them hardmouthed. Retrieving game seems a good way to begin building his confidence.

Duck season is almost over so I'm switching to dirt hawking hopefully he won't be too confused. Base on my previous dogs it take a couple of years for them to learn gunhunting, flushing ducks and rabbits.

I must confess that my bloogline isn't pure.... I mean my dog's. There's some "elhew" bloodlines mixed in with the GSP.

-- BIRD_DOG

[North East Harris Hawker]

if you still have the dog i would advertise it for a falconer, it sounds perfect for our line of work. my gsp points and I flush! We falconers do not require a dog that retrieves but one that can locate bird/quarry in long grass and point them. each dog is an individual, rather then look at the animals abd points i would focus on the good points 8)