Gun Dog Forum

Some dogs are not retrievers. They never think that fetch is a fun game. They will, however bring you game when you are hunting and apparently, in a doggy brain, that isn't the same thing at all. I suggest that you keep the fetch sessions short. One or two fetches, end on a good note. If you do too...

Congrats on the DD pup; I'm on my 3 DD and just finished my newest pups VJP last weekend. I dont think you need to add any scent to a tennis ball, it'll smell like you after the first time you hold it. I tried scent on my first Dokken pheasant dummy and realized it was a waste of time those dogs ca...

I have a young drahthaar and she is progressing great with sit, here, learning her nose, etc. The only thing she’s not interested in is playing fetch or even going carrying around toys after she “catches” them. Would putting a little scent on a tennis ball be a bad move? I’m thinking it might help b...

Tease the pup yes but never catch. If a pup is going to "catch" it should be shot before hand. Different scent with blood on bird. My opinion dog should not even retrieve a dead bird without blood scent on it. Not really my idea just something Perfection Kennels is big on and when you think about t...

BigTub wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 24, 2021 7:52 am

I think it is good to let new pups chase and catch a small game bird or two BUT not more than two.

That was kind of what I was leaning towards, just to get them interested and excited but not make it a habit. Thanks

My DD is 9 weeks old and she has come along pretty quickly with growth and confidence from playing with and walking in the woods with our 3 year old lab. I think it may be time to introduce her to quail in a backyard environment but I've heard counteracting opinions. Should you deny the quail from f...

cjhills wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 21, 2021 11:03 am

disagree. pretend like you are the mother dog. jump on him hard for biting. Quick ,hard and forgotten. Do what it takes to stop biting immediately. No argument, no question, just done and understood........Cj

Good point on thinking how a mother dog or head of pack would discipline, makes sense.

I checked about a half dozen training books that I have and there was nothing specifically in any of them that addressed your spousal concerns. I do suggest that you INSIST on this ONE training practice being observed by ANYONE and everyone who interacts with your dog. Give ONE command to the dog.....

Thanks, I saw a great bit of advice on this. Correct using pressure over small smacks, good refresher on teaching your pup the right thing vs scaring them.

For example, biting hands grab their bottom mouth with a tiny pressure to get them to stop.

Agreed?

I've actually come across two pretty good articles that state some of the cardinal rules explained in a good way for household members. https://ottertailkennels.com/dont-ruin-hunting-dog/ https://www.sportdog.com/hunting-training-tips/3-ways-youre-ruining-your-gun-dog-puppy But any additional litera...

I'm looking for any books or literature that go through the top do's and don'ts when it comes to bringing up a hunting/bird dog but is written in a short read form targeted for spouses. As everyone on this forum probably knows, 99% of people who have owned dogs that they aren't training to hunt don'...

I just got a pup Drahthaar and although I’ve raised dogs throughout my life it’s been a few years since I’ve had a puppy. I’ve been learning that strict obedience should be taken slow to not risk losing hunting drive in these dogs. Is this the same approach to chewing obedience, aka chewing shoes an...