Flagging.......

[TheMorningRise]

I know of a dog that flags. However, it does not flag on every bird. Next time I am out with it, I will need to pay more attention to when (i.e. a bird is walking away) the dog flags. This dog, has some of the prettiest points when it is staunch (dog is trained, steady to fall). When the dog is 100% confident, she is like a statue. So, I am sure some of the flagging may be due to uncertainty on its part (i.e. when it hits the scent cone but is a ways out. I've seen her pick up scent and stop 20-25 paces from the bird). The unique thing with this do is how it handles the approach of the handler. The dog does not lose it's mind flagging when the handler approaches. If this particular dog is on point, but flagging, once the handler is in front of the dog and looking for the bird, she stiffens right up and looks good. I'm trying to figure out why she flags and when, so again, I'll have to keep a closer eye on the entire situation next time I am out with her.

Thoughts from the group on this.......

[mask]

Dogs will flag on running birds or when the scent weakens. Ask the dog to relocate and see what happens

[mnaj_springer]

How old is this dog? Maybe experience will solve this issue.

[cjhills]

Ignore for now. Let her get more confidence and experience. Dogs flag when they are not quite sure what is going on.

[Sharon]

X2

[TheMorningRise]

Appreciate the replies thus far.

Again, she is a great dog.

She turned 2 in December, so she is still fairly young.

[TheMorningRise]

Dogs will flag on running birds or when the scent weakens. Ask the dog to relocate and see what happens

I've done this (relocate) while out with them and from what I saw, she works the scent in until 100% confident. Then, she locks right up and nicely.
However, at times, it is like she is "roading" in. Perhaps she is just uncertain beyond a certain distance.

Thinking of setting some launchers when I go with them next time. Letting the dog work and as soon as I see indication of scenting, pop the bird. She stops to flush well. And I've seen her pick up scent close to 20 yards out with the right conditions.

[cjhills]

Sometimes how you approach the dog can cause it too flag. Best to come in from the side so the dog can see you. Not directly from behind........Cj

[mask]

Hey morning rise It sounds like the launchers could work in your dogs case. I would caution against over handling. Along with the launchers you may work on stopping her on first scent. Best to you and yours.

[Idylwyld]

Ive seen flagging caused by remote launchers. Planted bird had human scent on it, dog CAN smell it. I have seen 3 dogs that did not like the noise produced by launchers. Plant a bird not in a launcher, flagging cleared up.
In extreme cases of flagging one thing to try as the last resort. The exploding bird. Ive used it several times and it works.