New pup. Need help getting started

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Pointer_garb
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New pup. Need help getting started

Post by Pointer_garb » Sun Jul 28, 2013 7:39 pm

Hey guys,
I am fairly new to gun dog training. I have had gun dogs before but have never had to to train one from the ground up. Last week I purchased a German shorthair pointer as the first gun dog I will train myself. Because I am new to this I don't want to move too quickly and ruin a good pup. I have come here to learn from some more experienced trainers.
I have three main questions:
1) is there a specific training schedule/routine that you follow when you are working with your dog
2) where do I start with my new pup?
3) what is the most important thing to remember while training?

Any advice is good advice! Thanks in advance!

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Sharon
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Re: New pup. Need help getting started

Post by Sharon » Sun Jul 28, 2013 8:41 pm

How old is the pup?
3/ There is no quick method. Everything takes time ; you won't have a fully trained gun dog for at least 18 + months.
" We are more than our gender, skin color, class, sexuality or age; we are unlimited potential, and can not be defined by one label." quote A. Bartlett

Moulders Farm
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Re: New pup. Need help getting started

Post by Moulders Farm » Sun Jul 28, 2013 9:15 pm

The training starts when you bring them home , to come ,to lead, to mind , you have just become the alfa dog in it life . Make all things fun for you & puppy learn to enjoy being together but you have to be in control .You have just started to raise a new child .Go slow the puppy will tell you when it understands then move . do not forse or heary at young age .

Pointer_garb
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Re: New pup. Need help getting started

Post by Pointer_garb » Sun Jul 28, 2013 9:29 pm

He's 10 weeks old

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displaced_texan
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Re: New pup. Need help getting started

Post by displaced_texan » Sun Jul 28, 2013 10:18 pm

Pointer_garb wrote:
Any advice is good advice! Thanks in advance!
False. :D

I'm old school, I use the Denmark Smith method (The Best Way to Train Your Gun Dog, by Bill Tarant)

The important thing is to pick a system and stick with it, don't try to mix and match.

Do you have any friends/associates that have trained their own dogs before?
I have English Pointers because they don't ever grow up either...

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Bberry20
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Re: New pup. Need help getting started

Post by Bberry20 » Mon Jul 29, 2013 7:28 am

I did the same thing as you last year with my GSP pup. I would say there are alot of good training programs, the one i used was Perfect Start/Perfect Finish. Very nice program that walks you through everything with them showing how on multiple dogs. I really liked it and had great success with it especially through the gunbreaking stage. I just used it again on my 2 1/2 year old this last week and we are almost there with him. I would stress again to get whatever training program you think you like and follow it.

DoubleBarrel GunDogs
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Re: New pup. Need help getting started

Post by DoubleBarrel GunDogs » Mon Jul 29, 2013 9:05 am

Pointer_garb wrote: I have three main questions:
1) is there a specific training schedule/routine that you follow when you are working with your dog?

I use a combination of these 2 programs. www.georgehickox.com. www.huntsmith.com. However, I believe you should choose a single proven program and stick with it. A seminar is also highly recommended.

2) where do I start with my new pup?

Socialize him with people. Short, tall, big and small.

3) what is the most important thing to remember while training?
Be consistent. Never correct or reward him unless he knows why.

Congrats on the new pup.

Nate

rinker
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Re: New pup. Need help getting started

Post by rinker » Mon Jul 29, 2013 10:55 am

[Denmark Smith*]

I'm sure this was an 'auto correct', but this is still kind of funny.

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displaced_texan
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Re: New pup. Need help getting started

Post by displaced_texan » Mon Jul 29, 2013 11:16 am

rinker wrote:[Denmark Smith*]

I'm sure this was an 'auto correct', but this is still kind of funny.
I just noticed that. Obviously my tablet isn't as into bird dogs as me!

Ironically he's never read the entire book.
I have English Pointers because they don't ever grow up either...

RayGubernat
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Re: New pup. Need help getting started

Post by RayGubernat » Mon Jul 29, 2013 11:22 am

Congrats on the new pup.

there are several different "programs" and all of them will work.

I suggest that you do some research to find which one suits YOU, because if it does not suit you and your situation, it will not work for the dog either.

In the meantime, do as much playtraining and bonding as you can with the youngster. A dog that likes you will want to do stuff with you. If you are fun to be around, the dog will want to be around you. If the dog has respect for you but has no fear of you, it will accept you as its master, want to please you...and most importantly will be happy and confident about it. All those things make training the dog easier.

One of the best things I do in the yard are heel/whoa drills, after the manner of Paul Long, but using a Smith "wonder lead". I start these as early on as about four months old.
I am a big believer in making good friends with the dog, making sure the dog is, and stays, bold and confident and happy while instilling a fair amount of obedience in the yard... before getting into birdwork.

I find it goes easier and i have far fewer wrecks if I install some brakes and steering into the vehicle before I put it out onto the racetrack.

RayG

BellaSpinone
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Re: New pup. Need help getting started

Post by BellaSpinone » Mon Jul 29, 2013 12:53 pm

Perfect Start & Finish is my go to reference. I trained my 4 MH using the method.

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