Gun Dog Forum

I would appreciate it if anyone could give me some suggestions about how to correct flagging. what is odd to me if he finds a bird out in the open he will point and not flag at all. But if he finds it in thick cover he will usually flag. any suggestion will be appreciated.

How old is he? From what you say, I doubt there is a problem. I don't think he is flagging but just birddy and doesn't quite have it pinned down.

Charlie

birddogger wrote:How old is he? From what you say, I doubt there is a problem. I don't think he is flagging but just birddy and doesn't quite have it pinned down.

Charlie

I think this is likely the case as well.
If this is a young dog, it may not be real sure of itself yet,

Plus if you're talking to the dog be quiet. That'll cause flagging as quick as anything.

When he finds them in the open, can he see them? Flagging can be an indication that the dog wants to see the bird or push it to where he can see it.

You can try launchers and pop the bird on him in cover. Sometimes, depending on where he is in training, you can push him into the bird and get him to make it fly, then make a correction for the bump. Do it like a relocation.

Flagging can also indicate an inability to handle the pressure of the birdwork whether that pressure comes externally or from his own brain. Keeping your mouth shut and watching your body language will help eliminate one source; the other is harder to manage. If you can convince him that if he's still, the bird will fly, you have it made.

Good luck.

gonehuntin' wrote:...if you're talking to the dog be quiet. That'll cause flagging as quick as anything.

Odd thing is that my setter (3 yrs old) will flag a bit if we are far away from each other. As soon as he hears me singing or wooopin' he will tighten up. I believe older dog flagging is man-made. If this dog is young, I think it is due to uncertainty. JMO

PntrRookie wrote:

gonehuntin' wrote:...if you're talking to the dog be quiet. That'll cause flagging as quick as anything.

Odd thing is that my setter (3 yrs old) will flag a bit if we are far away from each other. As soon as he hears me singing or wooopin' he will tighten up. I believe older dog flagging is man-made. If this dog is young, I think it is due to uncertainty. JMO

Dogs are amazing. I'd bet he's thinking : " He's far away. I'd better wag that tail high so he knows I've got the bird." Amazing.

So many reasons for flagging. For a "young" dog, I would ignore it.

If its a young dog its probably just figuring out all the new scent and knows theres a bird there just not sure right where its at. I wouldnt worry about it too much, the more they get out on birds in thick cover the more confident the dog will get and he or she will get it. Birds birds birds is the key. JMO!