Gun Dog Forum

Headed out Saturday, might have to take a week off for the dogs. Toenails bleeding all over the place, they looked as wore out as we did!

We were just taking a breather and heard Rugers collar beeping away, hurried down before they could bust and we shot two out of the covey.

The prize


A few birds

Nice pictures.

Yeah all that mountain rock and scrabble has to be really hard on the dogs feet. I'm don't know whether booties would help - they obviously need the traction.

Good job Ruger! I had to go check your perfect pedigree pic to make sure I wasn't crazy that he only had 3 legs. I had a 3 legged non-hunting dog for a while, when I was a kid, but I'm still impressed that Ruger can get it done on that kind of ground.

Ruger is all bird dog. I never thought he would really hold up in that terrain either , I quickly changed my mind after I went hunting with him. He motors just like he had all fours.

wems2371 wrote:Good job Ruger! I had to go check your perfect pedigree pic to make sure I wasn't crazy that he only had 3 legs. I had a 3 legged non-hunting dog for a while, when I was a kid, but I'm still impressed that Ruger can get it done on that kind of ground.

He does a great job for a 9 year old 3 legged dog, I get a lot of weird looks but he gets the job done.

I think the hard crust on the snow is what wears down their toenails, usually just on the back too where they are pushing off running up the hills.

Nice pics! If you don't mind me asking how did Ruger lose his leg?

What an impressive pup!

For chukar hunting I carry a old bicycle tube in my vest with some athletic tape. If my dogs feet start to get worn out I cut a piece of rubber off, fold it over the front of the paw, and tape it on. Works great and is cheap, don't have to worry about losing one.

He fell out of the truck when he was 9 months old. He is now almost 9 years old and still going strong!


I have heard a few people using the boots and might have to give it a try.

3 legged, he almost looks like 1 leg from that pic!

brandon

Big Ol smart bump on Ruger....good lookin' dog...thanks for the pics.

Josh I have used innertubes and they work great in the early season. But get a little dusting of snow on the ground and they are like ski's. Dogs can't get any traction.
Nothing you can really do for toenails, pads just toughen them up.
Best thing is buy more dogs to rotate throughout the week

Elkhunter wrote:He fell out of the truck when he was 9 months old. He is now almost 9 years old and still going strong!


I have heard a few people using the boots and might have to give it a try.

Good for you for hanging in there with Ruger, EH. I'm glad he's worked out for you. That dog's got heart.

I know, Sadie will be in the rotation next fall! Its just Woodys back toenails that give him problems, he covers three times the ground Ruger does so I can understand why they bleed. Never had a problem yet the first of the season. Hope that holds true.

AzDoggin wrote:

Elkhunter wrote:He fell out of the truck when he was 9 months old. He is now almost 9 years old and still going strong!


I have heard a few people using the boots and might have to give it a try.

Good for you for hanging in there with Ruger, EH. I'm glad he's worked out for you. That dog's got heart.

Ditto!