Gun Dog Forum

So I have a year old French Brittany that is pretty obedient, sans his incessant barking. I have exposed him to gunfire and birds without issue. He reliably points planted pigeons and chukars/pheasants on preserves. My frustration relates to wild birds. I live in Michigan and own 20 acres of propert...

Greetings All, Im looking for feed back on this issue. Took me nigh on a decade to acquire my first bird dog. I purchased a EB "French Brittany" from Clint LaFary at Sur Le Delevan. I am absolutely happy with my pup. He's 6 months old today and is becoming a phenomenal companion. I have started him ...

I'm looking to buy/build a SMALL pigeon coop, or loft as the pigeon fanciers call them. I am not looking to breed the flying rats. I'm more interested in a place that I can keep a few birds for a while ( a few months), that will not upset the wife. I have found a couple of places that have plans for...

Put deposit on a pup from Beirl Setters in Minnesota. They are Ryman/Old Hemlock style dogs. Only downside is that the breeding isn't even expected until Feb. or March. Which means the dog will be a littel young for next hunting season. So don't invest in housing quail? Pigeons are the way to go? My...

Looking for advice on preparing for new pup. Not on how to deal with the puppy, on what things to get in line for training. Necessary equipment, birds/ cages etc. Been reading about pigeons and quail. What equipment is necessary and what is optional? I have probably six months to prepare, I like to ...

Ok, decided on a setter. Was pretty sure I was going to get a Ryman/Old Hemlock dog from Beirl Kennels. That is until I saw Bob's Straight Creek Llwellins. Other than the size of the dogs I'm having a hard time discerning the differences. I like the look of the Ryman dogs better. Also, I live in Mic...

I am leaning toward a Brittany or English Setter. Does anyone have any suggestions? Looked at Decoverly and October kennels for the setters. These are HIGH priced dogs. Are they worth the money? Was considering a French Brittany, but again much higher priced than champion sired American dogs. Im loo...

What is an AA and or FC breeding? I'm not real familiar with all the "letters".

Thanks for the insight so far. My thoughts at this time are that I would get a french brittany or an english setter. Looking for a pheasant and grouse dog. Would also like suggestions for breeders and or lines. For the setters I've been looking at Decoverly and October kennels. But their dogs are fa...

I'm looking for opinions. I've been researching breeds and training. Really want to get a dog in spring, although the wife is skeptical. However, the more I read the more it seems that owning/training a dog to actually hunt is more of a lifestyle than it is an enjoyable hobby. I'm a dog owner/lover ...

Anyone have anythign to say about these dogs. The information that i can find says that these dogs are more laid back then their american counterparts. They seem like te ideal dog. Looking for opinions.

What are the two best books on training a gun dog? I'm looking for some educational reading and have found plenty of movies, but few books. Also, what are the best training DVD's?

Thanks,

MIke

Cheindog, Thanks for info. Do you keep your dogs in the house with you? How much exercise do they need for sanity? Are they like GSPs? I cannot find any information about the exercise requirements or of any health concerns associated with the breed. I read that they were like a GSP in the field and ...

Anyone out there know anything about these dogs? Everything I read says that that they are the perfect mixture of pet and hunter. But the amount of literature is limited. I'm wondering if somene who is not trying to sell these dogs has had some exposure ot them. Or if there is anyone who owns one of...

To those of you I sent a "quote", SORRY. I did not see the reply icon. Is it realistic to expect hunters/breeders to be helpful with breed selection? As far as other hunters are concerned, I really don't personally know any who hunt in my area. Most of the guys I know hunt duck and geese, in which I...

Hello all, My name is Mike Pauly. I'm 31 years old. I live in southwest michigan where I am a father, husband and police officer. As far as my interestes are concerned; I ride a Harley, stay fit, and enjoy good booze, mainly bourban and micro-brewed beer. I haven't hunted in years, but really enjoye...

You have just started what can be a very long process. I think you should find someone close to you who hunts the same birds you plan to hunt and ask to see their dogs work. If you could find five people with five different types of dogs that would be better. The individual dog matters a lot more t...

Hello, I'm looking into purchasing a gun dog. I haven't hunted since childhood. Just had a baby and would like to get back into hunting as a hobby for both my son and I. I need a dog that will hunt but is also tolerable as a pet. I live in southwest Michigan so the amount of wild birds is limited. I...