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3yr old English Pointer. trainable?

Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 8:40 am
by dietdrpepper
We just adopted a 3 year old English Pointer. He is a little timid very clingy and submissive. He is perfect on a leash never leaving my side and adjusts to my speed. I was wondering what the best approach would be regarding training this dog. I don't know exactly what I want him to do because I'm not sure what he is capable of. Is this dog to old to train? Can I expect him to hunt or point? Am I limited because of a late start? I was hoping I could get him to whoa heel and come consistently is this reasonable. Also I want to get him to stay around me without a leash. How long should I expect this to take? Thank in advance for any help. I appreciate any feedback.

Re: 3yr old English Pointer. trainable?

Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 9:08 am
by hpvizslas
If you just adopted him, the most important thing to do is make sure he has fun and is able to build his confidence. I would not start training with him until you have developed a bond with the dog. As to the age and if he is able to be trained to hunt, it depends on his breeding. I once took in a rescue that was close to five years old. She had not been on birds since she was a pup but the breeding was there and she turned out to be a decent bird dog while we had her.

Where did you get the dog from?? Did they give you any background? Does the dog seem interested in or have any prey drive?

Jeff

Re: 3yr old English Pointer. trainable?

Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 9:21 am
by dietdrpepper
A stranger gave him to me. They said that they did not have time for the dog. So I don't have any history. As far as prey drive is concerned I'm not sure how to identify it. We went for a walk last night and came across an armadillo I showed the dog he looked at it then came and sat down next to me. Then the armadillo spooked and shot into the bushes the dogs ears perked up but he did not attempt to chase. The previous owner did say that the dog has run away and caught ducks at their local pond. He did also mention that the dog has killed birds in the yard. It seems like this dog has some sort of training just because he is so obedient but I'm ignorant in this subject so Its probably just wishful thinking.

Re: 3yr old English Pointer. trainable?

Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 12:04 pm
by Pedro
I'll quallify my response, 1st post, not a pro, just an old bird hunter w/ 3 britts...Dog needs confidence and fun. If he came from a home that "didn't have time for him", he needs your time. Needs to have fun, walks, check cord him in cover, in fields, let him experience fun and companionship without any undue preassure. When his ears and tail perk up and his posture is positive, begin with basic commands. Sounds like he has prey drive.

I rescued a 2 year old britt 10 years ago, bench blood not field, he was timid, people shy, he'd been abused. Took a lot of patience, turned into a credible bird dog. He still hunts, knocks birds every now and again, and that's ok w/ me. He doesn't respond well to ANY preasure so however broke he wants to be is what he is. A better trainer could have done more. Good of you to give him a home.

Re: 3yr old English Pointer. trainable?

Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:09 pm
by birddogger
Pedro wrote:I'll quallify my response, 1st post, not a pro, just an old bird hunter w/ 3 britts...Dog needs confidence and fun. If he came from a home that "didn't have time for him", he needs your time. Needs to have fun, walks, check cord him in cover, in fields, let him experience fun and companionship without any undue preassure. When his ears and tail perk up and his posture is positive, begin with basic commands. Sounds like he has prey drive.

I rescued a 2 year old britt 10 years ago, bench blood not field, he was timid, people shy, he'd been abused. Took a lot of patience, turned into a credible bird dog. He still hunts, knocks birds every now and again, and that's ok w/ me. He doesn't respond well to ANY preasure so however broke he wants to be is what he is. A better trainer could have done more. Good of you to give him a home.
Welcome to the forum pedro! Good post.

Charlie

Re: 3yr old English Pointer. trainable?

Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:59 pm
by ezzy333
Think of him as a 3 year old puppy and you train just like you would if he was eight weeks old. Good advice has been given and just let him spend time with you while you get him in as many situations as yu can, both in your home and walking in the field. In time you will see him start to relax and get involved with smelling and searching in the field and possibly pointing and then you can start doing some field work.

The chances he will turn out ok are real good. I have has severaldogs that had never been in a field or seen a bird at three that turned out very quickly into very good bird dogs. One of them was the dog my kids always took with them when they hunted. Bought him from a family that did nothing but show and he was a good one.

Ezzy

Re: 3yr old English Pointer. trainable?

Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 9:38 pm
by dietdrpepper
Thank you to everyone.

Re: 3yr old English Pointer. trainable?

Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2009 3:18 pm
by RayGubernat
When a pro takes a dog in for training, the first two weeks the dog will probably not leave the kennel, but rather spend their time getting acclimated to the new surroundings and becoming comfortable with them. And these are dogs that have been well socialized and had some training.

Since your dog came from a situation where they did not have time for it, you will likely be spending several weeks getting the dog to trust you and get comfortable with you and its new situation.
Pointers are typically not clingy dogs. They are actually on the independent side. So, if your dog is clinging...it is unsure and probably afraid of what is gong to happen next. As others have suggested, make friends with the dog and play with it as you would with a puppy. Bold it up and get it happy.

If you start from square one, assuming nothing...and go through all the steps as if you wee dealing with a puppy, you won't leave anything out.

That is what I would do once the dog was secure and confident in his new home.

RayG