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cwalt

MH
Posts:180

12/15/2007 12:22 AM
> I too have the problem of the dog going into the bird as I approach, at > least planted birds not wild ones. > > So there is another question. Why only the planted birds/pigeons in > traps? This is a learned behavior that derives from training with pen reared birds. While studying planted bird games at training clinics I have noticed that with pen reared birds, either planted or release trapped, handlers babble endlessly to their dogs. It's a steady chant of eeaasy boy, or whoa or some other magical incantation. The dog always wonders why the owner or handler is talking and is uncertain of what it is supposed to do. The young dog flags and is quite cautious but never quite freezes into rigidity. This confusion is basic and the dog learns that the handler will always talk (babble) when this kind of bird is scented. Not pointing becomes a rule with planted birds because of the talking. When the young dog is exposed to wild birds the handler usually realizes that the human voice will flush the bird so the handler shuts up and says nothing! The dog learns that wild bird scent is OK to point because the boss isn't talking... dog points intensely. This is the reason that dogs "trained to point" will stand or just walk in and flush a planted bird but will point wild birds with intensity. The handler's mouth has taught the behavior to the dogs. If the trainer/handler's mouth is firmly taped shut from the very beginning the dog will very quickly point any game bird with intensity. Taking out birds is a learned behavior and you taught the dog all by yourself. Cj

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