doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Dog Selector Assistant

Since I've been researching to select a new dog to go along with my doubleguns, I thought I'd share something a friend gave me the other day. Funny stuff. Hopefully, the author meant it that way.

So Chuck, what is the latest on the bird dog puppy hunt?

Mike,
Lacking the necessary training skills and available training grounds, and after spending a not so insignificant amount traveling and trying "trained" dogs, I've decided to throw (more) money at it.

I finally connected with George Hickox and came to an agreement of sorts: my intent, his forcasted performance of the 3 pointers he's currently training, and a price range.

That seems to me to likely work out well.

Some unsolicited advice;

Get a GPS tracking collar. All pointing dogs seem to wander off occasionaly early in their hunting careers. If you mean you are getting English Pointers they tend wander off occasionally their entire hunting career.

Spend a couple of days with George. You can clean kennels and watch him work other dogs but that I think that will be invaluable. My first two bird dogs were English Pointers that had been trained up very well before I bought them. After a season with me their manners were horrible.

Best,

Mike

Every hunting dog requires reinforcement every day even if it's only to sit and come with hand or whistle command. It's easier for those of us who live with wide open spaces.

Chuck,

A friend of mine is one of the best english springer spaniel trainers and handlers in the country. After 25+ years of training he in convinced that there is no dog problem he can't fix if you can afford the cost. He also says that the owners need as much or more training than the dogs. And that part he was serious about. I have learned so much from him. I am on my 3rd springer and I have been very lucky to have had the training for me as well as the dog. Learn all you can yourself it saves a lot of money in the end. But go at this like everything else we can expect a detailed report with pictures of the whole process. I'll be looking forward to it. Good luck and have fun with the new pup.

Bill G.

Chuck
my eyes aren't what the use to be
any chance of a bigger pic of chart

even though i'm thinking springer it would
be nice to know how far wrong i am in advance

thanks
mark

Bill G

any words of wisdom for an ex Brittany servant/owner
1st in line for a springer?
thanks
mark

Harris,

Start slow and don't try to push things to fast. A well bread springer will do everything you want it to if you don't make mistakes. There is no rush. You can't teach a dog how to work in the field before it know's its name and will come to you when it is called and stay when you tell it to. Don't be in a rush to get it on birds. Believe me they will have no problem driving in on a bird when it is time. I sent you a PM. Good luck with the pup.

Bill G.

Chuck, Exciting time looking for a new pup. Put a blond Pointing Lab in your life. Pups in pic are 3 wks old today. 3 males left. Premier Saulk River stud on both sides. Look up Saulk River Featherstorm "Jake" GMP. Best to you in your search. Randy

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