bringing them to the front from HB?

[jimbo&rooster]

Ive got a pair of young dogs that I am beginning to really push from horseback. One of them Is an SD FT prospect (7mo) and the other is going to be a really nice hunting dog (9mo). I have really just started to concentrate on running them from horse back over the last 2-3wks. besides needing build their speed and stamina a little bit, I am having issues with them being left and right of me more than in front of me.... I can get them to the front with a quick "this way" and they will get to the fron for a little bit (75-150yds) but within a few minutes they are left and right of me again. They will be out 100-150yds to the sides which tells me its not really a range issue.

When I run these dogs from foot they are regularly 150-200yds to the front and stay to the front for the most part.

Is there something I can do to get them to run more to the front? or is this going to be more so an issue of them just needing to adjust their speed from me walking to me riding?

Other than this minor issue I am very happy about these 2 dogs.

Thanks
Jim

[shags]

Maybe you're pushing too hard. Don't get confused between handling your pups and running them.

[jimbo&rooster]

Maybe you're pushing too hard. Don't get confused between handling your pups and running them.

Push may have been too strong of a word. I guess what I am doing is letting my dogs run and I am going for a ride. However. I do want them to stay to the front and do their thing while we are out there.

As far as handling Vs. Running. should I not expect them to stay to the front and come with me?

Not trying to sound like an "bleep" hole I really want to understand.

Jim

[shags]

No, no *bleep* it's hard to explain things through a keyboard sometimes.

Sometimes it's a maturity thing for such young pups. Like they need to get used to the you-on-horse deal

But it's not unusual to see handlers just running the dogs and not paying attention to the dogs' pace or pattern, so the dogs are behind because the handler is too far ahead, y'know? Try slowing down a bit, and see if your pups take the front for you. If so, then you know it's their pace; if they stay lateral to you, it would be more them keeping an eye on you.

It's good you can get them to the front with "this way" have you tried some singing while they are up there, so they know where you are?

[Sharon]

Very well said.

[RayGubernat]

One way to "encourage" dog to stay to the front is to change direction.

If you were running one dog and it was hanging out on your left(assuming it is not running an edge but just coursing through mixed or open cover), you might try turning your horse about 90 degrees to the right and going off in that direction. The dog should swing around to stay with you. When it does, turn the horse back to the original direction and toot the dog on with a hearty "Alllllll right". if the dog does not swing around to stay with you...that is a different problem with a different solution.

Repeat as necessary. Eventually the dog will realize that staying out front is a lot less work than running to catch up.

RayG

[birddog1968]

Also pays to think about how the wind is coming in relation to your direction, Dead into the wind seems to produce alot of side to side, taking an angled tack seems to work better, Running those big long angled tacks takes time some dogs never seem to figure out how to lay out there on the long tacks (to use a boating term)

FWIW

My Horseback experience is limited, but same kinda concept off foot or 4 wheeler.

[Brushbustin Sporting Dogs]

Jim I posted on this on the other forum.

Shags not picking on ya man but slowing down is not the answer!!!! Were training and slowing down to give them more time to waller around and or do the wrong thing. Ride faster and they will there to keep to the front!! I've watched alot of handlers in training they slow down and holler at there dogs to get them forward. It normally doesnt work very good and then when they go to a trial it surprises them that there dogs are to the side and backwards....

When we train we ride fast dogs learn quick to keep up and keep the front, atleast the smart ones do!

slowing down is not the answer speeding up is the answer, and dont use "this way" just ride...

[shags]

Well, ya gotta do what works for your dogs if they don't have the groundspeed in 'em, going faster will only leave them farther in the dust. If they're just snorking around, going faster will help if they're used to being up front, but not if they aren't. Some getting after them will get 'em moving though. My old horse hates to see a dog just fooling around, and will go after it. Pretty good training aid

[Brushbustin Sporting Dogs]

These dogs dont like being behind and will run hard to catch up when left in the dust. They dont like working that hard or atleast shouldnt and will soon learn to keep the front.

It doesnt matter how there ground speed is but if you slow down when the dog is out to the side in training you aint training your just out there. In a trial, ya there are times to slow down but in training man you gotta go!!! Training is training!

[ultracarry]

Condition them to run fast by free running off the quad or your truck. Then use the horse when they get the hang of it.

[Buckeye_V]

Carefull with the quad pushing. My dog thinks the game was to track the quad and would not know what to do without a quad track. Silly dog. Fixed that by running off horseback. It takes time and repitition and a good whistle command to get them to drive forward upon command. Toot-toot. Get! Whatever works.

[bigsugar]

If a dog can't find the front on his own and stay there he isn't worth fooling with for very long.

[Buckeye_V]

My dogs figure it out pretty quick. Being behind is no fun. The action is out front.