GSP bored with a pheasant wing?

[MelcherBoy]

Have any of you ever encountered something like this? I showed Gus a wing and let him sniff and mouth it for a bit (a minute or two at most). When I put the wing away, he whined and pawed at me. I thought "Great! He'll take to pheasants in the field in no time!" And I was wrong. I got him out into an area he's familiar with, produced the wing and acted excited and praised him for sniffing the wing. I threw the wing a few feet away and praised Gus when he went after it and reeled him back in saying "bring it!" the whole time. I got two reps in with this routine before Gus lost interest...I am not encouraged.

I know Gus is a bit old (he's 3) to start training but that's where we are. I am more than happy to hear your own tales of woe and even happier to hear any suggestions you all may have on how to work with this.

Much thank,

MelcherBoy

[ezzy333]

Playing with a wing has little to do with bird hunting. Many great dogs never paid any attention to a wing.

[DonF]

Three is not to old. I had a dog, GSP, in years ago that had never been out of it's kennel before. Didn't care less about bird's, not even live one's. Took him into the uail pen with me and he just sat by me and watched them for close to 45min. Finally got the better of him and he sniffed a couple. Few minutes later he tried to pick one up. Couple more min and he wanted to kill every bird in the pen. He made a good bird dog! Don't give up because of your dog's age!

[Sharon]

"When I put the wing away, he whined and pawed at me." quote

He was saying , " Get me some hard flying pigeons ; get rid of that wing!

3 is not too old

[setterpoint]

don't let that bother.. you put him on some birds I bet you will be surprised how excited he gets.. the wing thing that's a puppy thing anyway even a pup gets tired after a while

[RoostersMom]

I have had very good success with the Perfect Start DVD system (then the Perfect Finish). I find myself going back to the DVD when I have concerns - just finished watching it again for my newest pup. Also, the added value is that they sell like hotcakes on this site when you're finished with watching them. Better yet, get to a 4-day clinic in Missouri at Perfection Kennel. If you can't do those things, then join a local club with other folks working on their dogs. You'll learn a lot.

As others have said, ditch the wing. It does nothing for you - live birds are the best.

[Big bloc]

Same here with the wing. Dog look at me like I was the stupid 1. I guess she was right