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Too old?
Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 7:36 pm
by Southern_Point
Was going to send my almost 2 year old setter to a pro for 3 or 4 months to finish off as a hunting dog but also to evaluate to see if she had what it took to be competitive In NSTRA as I would like to run her in some also if he thought she could do ok. I told him she has been introduced to birds and guns, whoa's, comes to whistle, and has been hunted a few times on a preserve. The man blew me off and said she was too old he likes to get them when there 6 months to a year old. This pro trainer does not run dogs in anything but NSTRA trials. What are y'all's opinion on this is she too old or just the wrong trainer for me?
Re: Too old?
Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 7:38 pm
by cjhills
Wrong trainer..................Cj
Re: Too old?
Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 7:48 pm
by BellaSpinone
Wrong trainer...
Re: Too old?
Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 8:23 pm
by Brazosvalleyvizslas
X3... Wrong Trainer.
Re: Too old?
Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 8:29 pm
by Sharon
wrong guy
Re: Too old?
Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 8:47 pm
by Southern_Point
Thank y'all for reassuring me on that. I was trying to go with a guy that was a few hours away but will contact a more reputable trainer soon.
Re: Too old?
Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 8:57 pm
by GunDogAdventures
The first year I entered my then 3-yr old GSP in trials the Lone Star Region, she finished as 5th RU to the Regional Champ. When she started, she was just steady to flush and didn't know what honoring was because I never ran her with other dogs. So, by all means go have fun with your pup!! I've gotten just the opposite advice than you with my 8-mo old pup - "Don't pressure him by running him too early - don't burn him out." "You want him to mature more before he can learn the game." And those from guys that are consistently winning with several dogs. Call more NSTRA people and get more referrals. Good luck!
Re: Too old?
Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2015 4:15 am
by Neil
If he made his decision without seeing her he is the wrong trainer for anyone. Regardless, you need a second opinion.
Re: Too old?
Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2015 9:13 am
by Ike
Trainer I chose would not take my dog until he was over 1 yr old.....said their attention span is not long enough as a pup and for me to do my own work until he was 1 yr and then he would take it from there. Worked for me! We had a good first season on wild birds this past year.
Re: Too old?
Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2015 9:40 am
by DonF
OP. The trainer did you a favor. I didn't like to get dog's until they were a year old either.
Re: Too old?
Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2015 9:55 am
by NC Quailhunter
I am in agreement that he is the wrong guy. Find another pro and have him/her evaluate the dog.