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Subject: What age to take dog to trainer?

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Chris n Ky User is Offline

Posts:6

12/07/2009 5:22 PM
I have a 14 wk old GSP. I plan on hunting this dog on grouse,quail, etc. There is a good reputable trainer in my area but I am wondering what age is best to start. Understand I don't have money to waste so I want the most bang for the buck. I don't want to take him while he's too young but would like to get a jump start also. Just looking for advice. Thanks.

Texas Belle User is Online

Austin, TX

MH
Posts:6941

12/07/2009 6:20 PM
Be patient. Let your puppy grow up and have some fun. I didn't take my boy to a trainer until he was a year old. In the meantime work of obedience and focus.

Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna) Yellow Rose GSPs "A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato

singltrak

Las Cruces, NM

MH
Posts:1071

12/07/2009 7:10 PM
I would suggest you speak with the trainer. At 14 weeks, yes he's still a baby brain but not too young to go out and meet some of his future buddies-in-training. If you do work with him, make it fun...teach heel, here and whoa...just the basics to start with...But, first of all talk to your prospective trainer and see what he recommends. Phyllis and the Singltrak Furtribe www.singltrakshorthairs.net/

Look to the Past, Breed for the Future

Chris n Ky User is Offline

Posts:6

12/07/2009 9:12 PM
Thanks. I did talk to the trainer and he gave his suggestions which I respect. He is all for me bringing him to him but this is how he makes his living. I wouldn't expect him to tell me to wait. My problem is I work long hours and have very little time to spend training my dog. It is especially bad during the winter months as it is dark when I leave for work and dark when I return. I am playing with him in the house during evenings and weekends when I get home as much as possible. I don't want to waste my money at too young an age but I don't want to neglect my pups training at this age if it is critical to his development. Thanks.

snips

n.ga.

MH
Posts:413

12/07/2009 9:57 PM
We take pups here for starting at 6-7 months. They are mature enough to handle the situation, IMO. But, we only "start" them at that point. They are exposed to birds, started with blanks, handling in the field, ect. It is a 4 wk program here, they then go home til around a yr old then get them back for formal training.

brenda

pixie bee

MH
Posts:4123

12/08/2009 8:10 AM
Next season will be his first season and he will still be very much a puppy. If you are able to take him into the woods and fields thru winter and spring then you will be well on your way to starting a grouse dog. Work on enhancing cooperation,learn the dog's natural range,work on some obedience - here,whoa and some retrieving - fun retreives for now then a more formal hold training and intro a cap gun if you have one. The trainer will not be doing much more with your pup - maybe get him on some controlled birds but you still have time for that. Learning about your dog is something you don't want to miss. Like snips said, maturity is important. Francine

"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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