To take the dog in training or not.

[bullseyebill]

Everyone,

Is there a minimum skill set that is required before taking your dog on a hunting trip?

We have 2 vizsla's. One is an outstanding pointing dog(Baco), the other is a work in progress(Sonja). THe discussion we are having is whether to take Sonja on our trip to SD, thus the question.

Thanks
Cindy

[mudhunter]

it depends on if the dog can stay safe and what you are hunting. Will the dog come back when called and has it been introduced to birds and gun fire?

Are you hunting wild birds, I would assume so since your heading to SD. Wild birds will train the dog better than we ever can!

Lastly are you ok with not shooting at birds the young dog bumps and dealing with the other issues of young dogs.

If yes all the questions I absolutley woulkd take the young dog! Hope this helps

[ezzy333]

I certainly would take her though I might not use her with the other dogs. But yu can't pass up the chance to do some training after the other dogs are put up. I just couldn't pass the chance for her to get some experience.

Ezzy

[Southwind]

I would agree with taking all of them. Usually, I only have 2-3 dogs that are completely broke at one time. If I am going on a weekend or three day trip, I load up the trailer with all the young dogs too. I also take a few quail with me to work the young dogs on after we get done hunting. It is also good for the young dogs to get used to riding in the dog box or trailer.

[loomisfun]

Absolutely!!!

Take the dog in question. Run her by herself and use it as a training experience with the chance to shoot some birds. I think you will be amazed by the difference in the dog you took with you versus the dog that you will bring home.

Good Luck!
Loomisfun

[Better Birddogs]

What will the dog learn if you leave it at home?

[3Britts]

Absolutely, take the pup along.
A puppy can really learn from hunting with experienced dogs and working a field with wild birds.

[romeo212000]

A chance at wild birds is the best thing you can give your dog. As long as he can run the field safely and come when called then let him go hunt by himself for a couple of hours each day you are out there. If you handle this correctly this can be the best thing for him. You have to show some restraint and if he busts birds dont shoot them. Teach him that he has to hold steady to get a bird. You do that and he will be a much better dog than when you took him.

[natetnc]

only issue i can think of is how well your experienced dog will take to the youngster stealing point or busting pointed birds. most dogs don't mind it, others do and will let the pup know about it, could be a bad experience for the pup. may want to work on some backing drills before hand or run them individually.

[romeo212000]

Thats why others including myself suggested hunting him by himself for a couple of hours.

[natetnc]

Thats why others including myself suggested hunting him by himself for a couple of hours.

i was trying to give this person a reason why it is a good idea to run a young dog by itself, not simply say, run her by herself. i didn't know it was against the rules to post the same advice more than once, did you?

[romeo212000]

No need to get snippy. For all I knew you misunderstood what others had posted in here. It's happened to me, ever happened to you???

[prairiefirepointers]

I agree with Romeo. Take pup hunting. As long as pup comes back when called, has been conditioned to the sound of gunfire, Shotgun not starter pistol, I think you're set. Make sure it's okay with your hunting party too. Everyone of us has had a young dog at one time or another. You simply can't get better training than wild birds. It also helps to work them with a seasoned dog. Take pup and have fun, besides Kansas where I am from What better place than South Dakota for pup to cut his teeth.

[wchua24]

well i think dogs should be train. this are some basic stuff that they could learn..

The Basics:

* Introduction to birds and guns
* The imprinting stages and how dogs learn
* Clicker training and the use of positive reinforcement training techniques to open
the dog's mind for training
* Obedience training and yard work
* E-collar training
* Nutrition and conditioning


The Specifics:
Pointing breeds:

* Whoa
* Holding point
* Steady to wing and shot
* Backing
* Hunting in range and control

Flushing/retrieving breeds:

* Hunting in range and control
* Patterning
* Handling running birds
* Sitting to the flush and shot

[prairiefirepointers]

[quote][/quote]well i think dogs should be train. this are some basic stuff that they could learn..

OMG.. Sounds like you need an ENGINEER! and a English Lesson! Ha ha JK

I don't know wchua24.. Are you incinuating that they learn all the aforementioned skills before stepping afield?