JMSGunner
Bucks County, PA
MH
Posts:756
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| 08/02/2010 8:23 AM |
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So, I'll be the first to admit I have NO clue on how to train a hunting dog. Gunner is great with obedience, sit, lay, leave it, take it, paw. But when it comes to the bird stuff I. AM. LOST!
Per some information from a coworker, I bought a pack of freeze dried pheasant wings from Cabella's and attached one to a piece of fishing line. I leave the wing on the ground and when Gunner goes up to touch it, take it away. When he stays or creeps slowly then waits he gets a good boy. And we start again. Am I doing this right or am I totally off here?
I know he loves the wings as his tail goes about 500 miles an hour in circles!
I'd like to get some pigeons but have no idea how to go about that either!
Any advice? I am going to start searching through the forum now. |
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Jackie & Gunner
Impressive Gewehr von Catskill 4/19/2010
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pixie bee
MH
Posts:3916
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| 08/02/2010 8:30 AM |
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Wings are good for a few things. If you can find so miracle way to attach them to a bumper I would do retreiving exercises to get him familiar with feathers in his mouth.
You don't have to do this more than a few days.
I would also toss them into some cover and see if he points them and at what distances. If you have issues with him grabbing them you can keep him on a leash to prevent it. I wouldony do this a few times, as well. You will also find out if he's possessive of game. If he brings them back w/o command or runs away with it.
Have fun and you will find a lot of info on this form and others. Search around. |
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"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle
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zodiakgsps
NW PA
MH
Posts:1059
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| 08/02/2010 3:26 PM |
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I only use wings for retreiving stuff with pups & not pointing. I don't want them pointing by sight or pointing body parts, I always intro my babes to live birds, quail to start. Pigeons in a pinch, but I am VERY careful to hold bird tightly when showing little pups so it doesn't flap and scare them.
Lots of bird dog clubs in PA, look one up by you & see if they hold training sessions, or find a pro by you who would do individual sessions with you & pup to get you started off on the right foot & good luck with your pup!!!!
Per getting pigeons, look for bird auctions by you, find a farmer that may let you put out a few pigeon traps (available thru GD Supply or you can make them, very simple) or again, contact a local training club & ask. You can also Google gamebird breeders & find one by you, tons in PA. |
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DesertRoseKennel
MH
Posts:1033
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| 08/02/2010 4:13 PM |
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For pigeons, I post a "want to buy pigeons" on craigslist ad and typically get MANY responses. Last guy drove 60 of them up to me for 2 bucks a piece. Not bad...
Jean |
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"Our dogs are bred to be champion hunters who sleep on the bed"
www.desertrosekennel.com |
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Almost Heaven GSP
Springfield, WV
MH
Posts:725
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| 08/02/2010 8:02 PM |
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How old? What would you like to accomplish with the dog? Some more info might allow us to help more.
JMO, but ditch the wings and get real birds or find a local club to you.
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Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.
Bruce Shaffer
Almost Heaven GSP's
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JMSGunner
Bucks County, PA
MH
Posts:756
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| 08/03/2010 6:15 AM |
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He's 15 weeks right now. We'd like to have a hunting companion, not necessarily a dog we want to test - not sure if we'd really be into that - but who knows anything could happen. We live about a mile from some PA State Game Lands and are more then willing to do anything we can to get Gunner out there doing what he was born to do! He already has pointed some birds and had pointed when Chris took him out in the game lands so he is definetly showing an interest.
Thanks to those who have given some info so far, much appreciated! |
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Jackie & Gunner
Impressive Gewehr von Catskill 4/19/2010
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rockspring
maryland
Posts:60
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| 08/03/2010 6:22 AM |
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I work with a great training group at Mason Dixon Outfitters. They are in northern Md right on the Pa/Md border. I can give you more info if you're interested. Our next session is Aug14 . |
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JMSGunner
Bucks County, PA
MH
Posts:756
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| 08/03/2010 6:33 AM |
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| Rockspring, that would be great! |
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Jackie & Gunner
Impressive Gewehr von Catskill 4/19/2010
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rockspring
maryland
Posts:60
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| 08/03/2010 6:55 AM |
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They also host the Ronnie Smith Seminar's in the spring which are reaaly great training experiences. Come watch us the 14th if you can and of course bring your dog. |
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Almost Heaven GSP
Springfield, WV
MH
Posts:725
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| 08/03/2010 7:32 AM |
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| Kim and Jim Lewis at Mason Dixon are good friends and great folks! They will get you started in the right direction. |
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Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.
Bruce Shaffer
Almost Heaven GSP's
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JMSGunner
Bucks County, PA
MH
Posts:756
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| 08/03/2010 8:05 AM |
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Well we decided to make the drive up to the mountain house next weekend and head over to Catskill Pheasantry and get a informational and educational training session with the breeder/trainer. That way I can work with the information you all gave me and be able to watch one of his dogs in the field, too! Maybe i'll even get a round of skeet shooting in and a trip to Rickett's Glen  |
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Jackie & Gunner
Impressive Gewehr von Catskill 4/19/2010
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pixie bee
MH
Posts:3916
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| 08/03/2010 8:55 AM |
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If you go to Durham, Greene county I can meet you and give you and evaluation.
Francine
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"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle
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