Training a versatile breed

[micha]

I have trained retrivers my whole life I am buying a german longhair pointer. i am not sure what to do first any suggestions

[Benny]

get a book (Delmar Smith, Bailey, etc.)
if you're impatient, get a DVD (Perfect Start, Hickox, etc.)

Study up and learn the differences and understand what its going to take for the two of you over the next several years of training.
Most of all, don't rush...research! Seems like 90% of training problems stem from the trainer, and probably not even 10% from the dog.
Good luck!

[Dennmor]

I have trained retrivers my whole life I am buying a german longhair pointer. i am not sure what to do first any suggestions

micha,
How old is the dog you're getting? Talk a bit about where you got the dog and what hopes and expectations you have for the dog.
My first bit of advise is to work on getting the dog to know and trust you. Have fun and then you can start on basic obedience. Just like any other dog.
While you do this you'll have plenty of time to formulate a strategy as to how to go about everything else.
Patience and fun. Thats where it all starts.
Love to hear more about the dog and everyone likes pictures!
dennmor

P.S. My next dog is going to be a German Longhair Pointer.

[adogslife]

How you train will depend on what your plans are. Will you train to pass breeding tests?
Exposure at an early age is better then training.

[gonehuntin']

If it's a versatile breed, it's still hard to beat the NAVHDA Green Book.

I train them much like you do a retriever, except from day one I work them on a check cord pointing birds. Other than that, I get them in the water and have them retrieving a lot of clipwings. I don't work on one thing to the exclusion of all others. I balance it. I use mine for everything from waterfowl to upland so the same things you strive for in a retriever, you strive for in these dogs.

That being said, I know nothing of the German Longhair Pointers, but to me a good dog is a good dog and with minor differences, they all train the same.

[Georgia Boy]

If your dog is from a good kennel the breeder should be able to answer your questions or point you in the right direction. You might start with NAVHDA, or if the dog is eligible I would recommend JGHV testing.

[jt807]

If it's a versatile breed, it's still hard to beat the NAVHDA Green Book.

I train them much like you do a retriever, except from day one I work them on a check cord pointing birds. Other than that, I get them in the water and have them retrieving a lot of clipwings. I don't work on one thing to the exclusion of all others. I balance it. I use mine for everything from waterfowl to upland so the same things you strive for in a retriever, you strive for in these dogs.

That being said, I know nothing of the German Longhair Pointers, but to me a good dog is a good dog and with minor differences, they all train the same.

I new nothing and bought a dog and the NAVHDA Green Book.

It is short, you can almost read through in a sitting. It covers everything. I personally didn't, and wouldn't trust soley it for the parts where you introduce your dog to birds. I don't know if I am correct in thinking this, I have just heard that you can mess a dog up if you don't do that right. But that is months down the road anyhow.

I got help from a local club member on the bird part. There is no replacement for experienced eyes. People with experience can help you when you dog is not doing what the book says it should be doing, and even before that.

THe book is a great buy though, and I would recommend it.

[Scott Linden]

From a slow learner (me) trying to help you learn faster:

1. Expose pup to water early and often
2. Socialize to other dogs and people ASAP and frequently
3. Attend some tests/trials even before you decide to enter any
4. Birds, birds, birds
5. Did I mention birds?

Good luck and send me photos for possible use on the TV show: scottlindenoutdoors@gmail.com. Everybody!

[PrairieGoat]

From a slow learner (me) trying to help you learn faster:

1. Expose pup to water early and often
2. Socialize to other dogs and people ASAP and frequently
3. Attend some tests/trials even before you decide to enter any
4. Birds, birds, birds
5. Did I mention birds?

Good luck and send me photos for possible use on the TV show: scottlindenoutdoors@gmail.com. Everybody!

This is probably some of the best, concise advice I have seen on this board!!! There is some "devil in the details" in 4 and 5, but Scott has captured the essence of getting a well-rounded (versatile) dog very well.

[Scott Linden]

From a slow learner (me) trying to help you learn faster:

1. Expose pup to water early and often
2. Socialize to other dogs and people ASAP and frequently
3. Attend some tests/trials even before you decide to enter any
4. Birds, birds, birds
5. Did I mention birds?

Good luck and send me photos for possible use on the TV show: scottlindenoutdoors@gmail.com. Everybody!

This is probably some of the best, concise advice I have seen on this board!!! There is some "devil in the details" in 4 and 5, but Scott has captured the essence of getting a well-rounded (versatile) dog very well.

Goat, you are obviously a very perceptive individual. I would share a field with you any time.

[PrairieGoat]

Well thank you sir....and likewise on the field! I only wish I had known these things early on in my "dog days" instead of having to learn about it through the "school of hard knocks"....would've made things much easier, but then it wouldn't have built as much character!!!