Dog Questions..."Updated"

GameChaserFid · 05-11-2012, 07:31 AM

I have been looking at some differenty breeds. Mainly the GSP's and GWP's. From what I've read they are both top notch. So I have some questions:

1). Is ones willingness to learn better than the other? Is one more stubborn than the other?

2). Are they okay by themselves? Or do they need another dog to be with them?

3). What good breeders would be recommended for both breeds?

4). I've looked some online but can't seem to find anything as far as prices for these dogs or other ones.

5). I've read that these breeds are very active (I figured they were) but just how active is that? How much exercise a day is sufficient?

6). How difficult are they to train for a newbie with these breeds? I've never hunted with dogs like this but would love to try.

7). With the short coat of the GSP, just how much cold can they tolerate?

That is it for now as to some questions I might have.

Some other breeds were the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and the Pudelpointer. As well as Chocolate Labs.

I've read up on all breeds but would like to hear directly from those of you who have these dogs. Pro's and Con's.

Thanks,

Stephen.

DogZilla15 · 05-11-2012, 07:43 AM

Ha ha..... I think the stuff done hit the fan....

I'm busy now, gotta take dog to the vet to get 20 inches of stitches taken out.

"I'll be back"....and I was wondering what I was going to do today..... Ha ha....

freediver111 · 05-11-2012, 07:53 AM

I won't comment much on GWP's since I have never had one for myself, but I have hunted over a few and they were excellent pointers and retrievers.
I have 2 GSP's and here's what I can say about them:

-They have quit a bit of energy. You would be well advised to ensure they get walks in the morning and in the evening, or at least have lots of room to roam and be outside a bunch. I run mine a bunch, take them for plenty of walks, and I'll run them behind the ATV to burn off extra energy. If they sit in the house without much activity for more than a day or two, you will get some hyper and pent up dogs that will lead to some frustration.

-They are great hunting dogs, and my dogs are very good retrievers, but they don't like the cold as much. They're fine when we're in the uplands and walking around, but they would not do as well in a cold duck blind sitting still for hours without a coat/vest/ or some type of shelter. I know some guys have GSP's that will retrieve ducks in the water, but my dogs are more fickle about water retrieves and are not as keen on it (especially if it's cold out!).

-My dogs are also my best friends. They love to curl up on the couch. They also want to ride around in the truck wherever I go.

-Prices vary, but expect a pup to cost around $1K. You can get them for a little less, a little more, etc....but a good reputable breeder with excellent genetics will cost you a bit.

-I ended up taking my pup to a professional trainer only because in my attempts to train my pup myself I enlisted the help of a so called "trainer". He royally screwed my pup up in two sessions and I tried to fix it, but in the end I needed a pro to help me out. Cost me twice the price of the dog, but in the end I have an excellent dog that I love to hunt over so it was all worth it.
Think of it this way and it's been said many times here: The initial cost of buying a pup is the cheapest part of this process.

Good luck and let us know!
Dogzilla will chim in I'm sure with the ugly dog report!

Sunnygx · 05-11-2012, 08:07 AM

1) I think they are about the same.

2) They will be just fine by themselves, but free roam of the house may never be an option because they do get bored. Mine stay in crates when I am not home.

3) pm me

4) $600-$1200 but price will not always reflect quality

5) I would say at least a half hour to an hour a day of heavy exercise. I have gotten away with less but I am sure some guys do more. Just make sure they are in shape before you hunt them all day.

6) Not super difficult, but I recommend help from a pro or a mentor. They DO NOT train themselves and if a breeder tells you they do, walk away.

7) With a neoprene vest quite a bit and if they are moving a lot they need nothing. I put a little heater in the boat for the really cold days. And dry him off between retrieves helps. Also snacks help keep his core warm. Bonus to the short coat and tail they hold less water and you stay drier, if you catch my drift.

I think a wire will be slightly calmer than a short hair and also run a little shorter in the field, but only slightly don't think either of them will just lay in the corner all day.
A wire should be able to handle a little more cold. Make sure you buy from proven lines either way and if you want a dog that duck hunts too make sure the line you are buying from are proven water retrievers.

leadeyedbugger · 05-11-2012, 08:12 AM

I see that your in central oregon. I have both as well as a britt. If you want to come out to my house and check some dogs out then your more then welcome to.....I'll be available this evening or tomorrow.
As to your questions.....

#1 - As a general rule they are pretty equal, individual dogs and breedings make more of a difference...
#2 - More of a exposure and training issue, but yes both are fine as only dogs.
#3 - To answer this question, i would want to know what kind of hunting you are going to be doing, how much you think you are going to hunt, are you open to testing your dog etc...more info needed.
#4 - Price will vary from about $400-$1200, depends on "type" within the breed, lineage of the breeding, which registry etc...Kinda comes back to what you plan on doing with your dog.
#5 - This also varies between lineage,breeding,type and individual. Half an hr at least daily isn't a bad starting point, but some dogs are very content to lounge around when not working...others are consistantly bouncing off the walls....
#6 - This ties into #3,4 and 5. It depends on what kind of hunting that you are going to be doing, how much hunting, what level of training you are looking to acomplish, do you have the time to devote to the training....breeding also plays a role as to the temperment of the dog to take training.
#7 - I wouldn't be super worried about air temp cold if the dog is dry...if you are thinking about ducks then its a different

Griffons and pudelpointer are great choices as well. Throwing a lab in the mix is fine also but a lab is completely different then the other breeds mentioned. You might want to decide if you want a pointing breed or flushing type breed first.
Again if you would like i can show you a shorthair and a ugly dog. The shorthair is older, semi retired, the wirehair is just over a year old so just starting her formal training, but it will give you a bit of a idea at least.

Michael

sprocket3 · 05-11-2012, 08:35 AM

I am working with my first gun dog a GWP. I went with this specific breeder trying to get a dog that is a little lower energy than some of the other dogs. Since she spends a ton of time as a house pet and I don't have time to run her hard every day. My biggest complaint with the GWP is the amount of time I have spent pulling those seeds out of her beard.

Besides that she is a great dog in the field and house. Though I think she is a little less busy in the field than some of the highly driven GSP I have seen.

Sunnygx · 05-11-2012, 09:11 AM

Feel free to come out to the walking field trial at boyce corral in madras this weekend. There will be pointers of all shapes and sizes to see work and great folks to talk to about dogs.
Pm me if you need directions.

Really watching dogs work or hunting over them is the best way to decide.

leadeyedbugger · 05-11-2012, 09:14 AM

are you gonna be there this weekend sunny? I live 5 minutes away so maybe i'll stop by.

Sunnygx · 05-11-2012, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leadeyedbugger

are you gonna be there this weekend sunny? I live 5 minutes away so maybe i'll stop by.

Yes, come say hi.

freediver111 · 05-11-2012, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunnygx

Yes, come say hi.

I know I said I was going to try and make it out there this weekend but that plan went bust!
Have fun and let me know how it went for you!

DogZilla15 · 05-11-2012, 11:04 AM

Lots of good info here. I'll ad my cent and half just because you asked.

Some will repeat what's already been said, some won't.

Please understand, my approach is strictly from a hunting dog position and shouldn't be taken any other way.

Breeders: This is a slippery slope. Probably where folks make their biggest mistake especially when venturing into the hunting dog world for the first time.

One of the most valuable assets obtainable when selecting a breeder is a solid recommendation from someone who's been around the block and isn't new to the hunting dog world. A person doesn't have to go about this alone and those who try are setting themselves up for a disaster that doesn't need to happen. An honest evaluation of the source is of the utmost importance. Does this person really know dogs or just like to talk about them? Does this person have the experience I can trust?
Get several opinions. If they're all the same, you're on the right track.

Don't let someone tell "you" what "you" need/want. Let the breeder describe the type of dog they breed without you revealing the type of dog you're looking for. If they know what you want, the unethical breeder may simply tell you that's what they breed in order to make a quick sale. Be very careful about your interview of the breeder so you aren't taken advantage of.

If you can, take a good look at the sire and dam. Do they represent the type of dog you'd like to own? Correct temperament, size, color, coat, drive/desire, the whole package. If not, keep looking. The ethical breeder will be honest about their dogs. If they can't provide you with what you're looking for, they'll know someone who does and won't hesitate to mention them. If you can't make physical contact with the dogs and the breeder, make sure your recommendations are solid.

Don't buy dogs out of the newspaper or other media advertising. Don't confuse a planned breeding announcement for an actual ad for pups. They are different. In "many/most" cases, good litters are sold before the female has been bred. Sometimes buyers back out at the last minute and a pup suddenly becomes available. Take these opportunities for what they are, the pot of gold you've been waiting for. You've got to be ready to act when this happens as any hesitation may cost you the dog of a lifetime.

Your breeder search should begin long before you're ready for a pup, don't wait till the last minute. Be willing to sit on a pup list for up to six months or a year. Many wait longer.

Some breeders insist on picking your pup for you and this shouldn't become an issue. They have been with the pups since day one and you need to trust them. They all have different ways of doing business so let their knowledge be your guide.

GameChaserFid · 05-11-2012, 12:59 PM

Everyone, thank you for information you have given me so far. I appreciate it.

Leadeye-I'd like to come out sometime, I'm pretty busy this weekend though.

I would like to head to the field trials although I work all weekend and doubt I'd have time.

I'm wondering how difficult it is to train a bird dog for someone who has never done it? I'd be willing to take it to someone to have it trained if it was more than I could handle. But I would like to try.

leadeyedbugger · 05-11-2012, 01:06 PM

It is easier to train a bird dog when you have a well bred bird dog. Having said that it does take time...and probably help....there is a local pointing dog club and quite a few of us that train together.....That makes it easier.

47guy · 05-11-2012, 01:17 PM

I have limited experience, having got my first GWP one year ago, but here's my two cents on GWP.

Mine is a go-getter, hunting machine. Great range in the field, not too close and 'usually' not too far out either. The dog lives to hunt... that's what breeding will get for you (among other things).

He can be calm in the house, depending on the amount of exercise he's had. He doesn't depend on an hour free-run everyday, but it sure doesn't hurt anything. More important I think is just spending time with him, teaching and refreshing commands, basic obedience, etc. That will calm him down also. I use a clicker (operant conditioning) for most yard work commands and parlor tricks.

Great disposition and family dog. Likes to curl up on the couch with me, just like the other poster. These dogs definitely have an on/off switch when it comes to hunting and then being in the house.

I'd say mine is fairly easy to train. He learns some stuff really easy, other stuff not so much (like heeling!). I'm taking mine to a Pro this summer to get his college degree. You can train a dog yourself, but definitely get help from a pro or dog club. Get ONE program and stick with it!

Good luck, you will not be disappointed with a GWP or GSP. Have fun!!

DogZilla15 · 05-11-2012, 01:18 PM

Which Breed:

Most all the versatiles are pretty much the same when we speak of the top dogs. Solid temperament, plenty of drive/desire, easy to live with. They must have that much talked about on/off switch which is what solid temperament is all about. If we can't live with the dog, field performance is meaningless. I can't stress temperament enough and good dogs all have it. It isn't exclusive to one breed or another.

Dogs on the edge, timid on one side, holy terrors on the other, are where problems occurr. We want dogs right down the middle. All breeds contain these variations. Saying one particular breed has an advantage over another is bogus as nothing is written in stone. Good dogs are good dogs.....

Most of us pick a breed based on looks. There is absolutly nothing wrong with this. Good dogs are where you find them, not what they look like. If we're not killing all the birds we want, we have the wrong dog, not the wrong breed. This is provided the dog has a reasonable owner.

About the only measurable difference between the breeds is range. This is probably the only trait that doesn't mean a whole lot. Enough is enough. More might be better, might not. Don't get hung up on it. We need to always consider the nose as an invisible extention of the dog's range. A dog need not cover ground to actually hunt it. Good dogs are hunting at least 200 yards or more beyond the end of their nose in open country with good scenting conditions. Range is all about our comfort zone, what makes us happy. Some folks need to adjust their comfort zone and just let the dog hunt. A dog that continually leaves birds in the field undiscovered, more than likely has problems other than range. A dog that continually flushes birds way out there, has problems other than range.

So far, all this range stuff I talked about is BS. Our comfort zone might be a product of our physical limits. I'm getting older, I need to be aware of my imagined or real physical limits. There's not a lot of room for adjusting my comfort zone. Maybe you've got a bum knee or something else and in the same boat. Which breed you pick can make a difference. For a healthy person, it makes no difference what so ever.

Don't let old wives tales have an influence on your breed of choice. Most of that old crap is just crap. We can't keep believing all pointers are run offs, DD's are fighters, setters won't fetch a duck, GSP's are scatterbrains, WPG's are boot polishers. Good and bad can be found where ever we look.

Let the search begin.

Lucky Guy · 05-11-2012, 02:35 PM

I have my first gsp now, couple years old and here's what I can comment on:

Mine does way better with company, dog or people doesn't much matter. Leaving him alone is not the best plan. Big holes appear in the ground, shoes disappear, etc.

I have a setter too and the gsp is much more active. It's 3 years younger but even so he's a higher energy dog. Mine are out free running a minimum of 1.5 hours a day. Even so Duke still brings me my shoe at least a couple more times a day ("Let's go!") Somebody mentioned mental activity level - the gsp is one curious guy, always thinking and you're not always gonna like his ideas but it gives them great personalities. The GWP's I've been around haven't shown me that, not better or worse, just what you like.

Just on the coats alone the gwp is going to be better in cold conditions. My setter is a lot more cold-tolerant than the shorthair. Long as the shorthair's running he's ok but he gets cold quick if you stop for long in real cold conditions.

Do you have cats at your house? Might point away from a wirehair if so. They are hard on cats.

I wouldn't rush into it, it's already getting late for a young pup for this coming season. One option would be to hunt next season behind as many different dogs as you can and see what you like. Lots of chances with people on ifish.

Good luck with it!

DogZilla15 · 05-11-2012, 02:57 PM

Stephen: I'll address your questions one by one to help clear up any confusion or make it worse, you decide. Be aware I'm just as full of hot air as anyone else.

1) This is all about the individual dog, not the breed. If I really had to pick one over the other, the GWP wins every time. My gut tells me they bring more to the table as far as mental stability and natural desire to hunt and put game on the table. I have more experience with GWP's than GSP's and this may cloud my judgement. I hear far more complaints about the lack of mental stability in GSP's than GWP's by a large margin. This is a breeder thing more than a breed thing simply because there's more GSP breeders than GWP breeders. A higher percentage of GWP breeders are hunters and this may make a difference.

2) I think just about all dogs are better off with a companion when left alone at home. In the field, a young dog needs to learn bird savy and this is best accomplished by hunting alone or mostly alone the first couple of years.

3) Can't help you with GSP's. We do have some good GWP breeders in this neck of the woods. Kelly Jobes, in Baker City, Bone Point Kennel, makes some good dogs. Don't know where his breeding program is at the moment as he retired one of his gals and I haven't asked in a while. Jeff Funke, Three Devils Wirehairs, in Meridain, Idaho, is in my opinion the top wirehair breeder in N. America. He's a hard core Chukar hunter and his dogs demonstrate that. He's as serious about what he does as anyone can be. I don't know what Ray Calkins, Cascade Wirehairs, is doing these days but worth looking into. Kelly told they are good, solid hunting dogs. That's good enough for me.

4) Price. You aren't concerned with that.

5) The exercise your dog requires is sort of an individual thing. You won't know till you bring it home. This is something you'd want to talk to the breeder about as they know more about their dogs than anyone.

6) There isn't anything your dog will need as far as training that you can't do yourself. The only thing you might want to farm out is Force Fetch. Your pup won't need a whole lot until after that first season of hunting. If you start on the basics as soon as the pup comes home from the breeder, you'll be on the right path. Obedience, which includes a conditioned fetch and some steadiness work during the hunting season, will make a pretty nice dog. The first year, time in the field chasing wild birds is the best teacher of all. No amount of training is a substitute for this.

7) Cold tolerance is also another one of those individual dog things. Conditioning has a big impact. The GWP might be tougher mentally and has a better coat for sure. I know guys with outstanding duck fetching GSP's but few live in cold climates or hunt them when it's really chilly.

8) WPG: Think of them as a small DD with better temperament and better nose. If nose power could be measured, they'd be the top breed, none better. Their range on average is less than a GWP or GSP but this again, like so many other things, is and individual dog trait. I wouldn't expect them to hunt Chukars beyond 300 yards but certainly over 100. They are the easiest to train of all the versatiles and don't take a lot of pressure. If you hammer 'em, they'll shut down. If you bore them with repitition they'll shut down. Once they get it, leave 'em alone. Training them is more about giving praise for a job well done than forcing compliance. They don't stink naturally but love a good flop in something ripe. They don't shed much. They don't handle heat well but it'll never be too cold. When you GSP won't get out of the truck, the WPG will think it's in heaven.

PP: For someone who wants to hunt waterfowl and upland, the PP will handle the cold better simply because they are very tough mentally. They don't fold under pressure but may become stubborn. They don't have a mean bone in their body and like the Griff, make a very poor watchdog. They love everybody. Their range can be a bit more than a Griff. I don't think they shed much and they don't stink. The GSP isn't known to be odor free.

9) The Labrador isn't part of this discussion.

GameChaserFid · 05-11-2012, 03:06 PM

Lucky Guy-

Thanks for the info, it's appreciated. We don't have a cat. I am in not a hurry to hunt over one anytime soon. I would like to spend some time around others dogs though to see how they are.

I was wondering how long the hair on a GWP is supposed to be? Our neighbor has one and it has awful long hair. From what I read it is supposed to be 1-2 inches in length but his hair is a bit longer. He sure is a pretty boy though and has a pretty good temperament. This might seem like a stupid question but can you give them haircuts? I would think they get groomed!

Thanks again guys.

DogZilla15 · 05-11-2012, 03:18 PM

Clipping a wirehair, any wirehair, is forbidden. There is a process called stripping that is used. Time consuming but doesn't ruin the coat like clipping.

GameChaserFid · 05-11-2012, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DogZilla15

Clipping a wirehair, any wirehair, is forbidden. There is a process called stripping that is used. Time consuming but doesn't ruin the coat like clipping.

That is interesting. I will look it up. I have noticed some pictures online and the wirehairs I've seen looks like it has a coat that is shorter. Could just be the way the picture was though?

DogZilla15 · 05-11-2012, 03:45 PM

There is a tremendous variation in coats with all the wirehair breeds. From wooly sheep to GSP slick. Somewhere in the middle is where they ought to be.

GameChaserFid · 05-11-2012, 03:49 PM

Dogzilla,

Thanks a lot. I sure as heck would love to get a GWP. We will see though. I'd like to learn as much about them as I can though. And I'm also not the only one in the house that is making that decision!

The neighbors dog was just over and he is something else. He is cute and very well behaved. Never jumped up one time. When I asked the owners daughters if the dog had any formal training they said nope. Not he didn't listen to every thing like "laydown" but he was just a good boy. Makes me want one pretty bad!

47guy · 05-11-2012, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GameChaserFid

Lucky Guy-

Thanks for the info, it's appreciated. We don't have a cat. I am in not a hurry to hunt over one anytime soon. I would like to spend some time around others dogs though to see how they are.

I was wondering how long the hair on a GWP is supposed to be? Our neighbor has one and it has awful long hair. From what I read it is supposed to be 1-2 inches in length but his hair is a bit longer. He sure is a pretty boy though and has a pretty good temperament. This might seem like a stupid question but can you give them haircuts? I would think they get groomed!

Thanks again guys.

You can maybe see it in my Avatar photo - my GWP has a very slick coat. I also hear that Dr Ray Calkins at Cascade kennel has some GWPs with pretty slick coats as well. My dog's coat is pretty thin - don't think he'd make much of a cold water retreiver. Couple dogs in his litter had real shaggy coats, couple had slick ones. go figure... He does fine in cold weather, just don't think cold water would be good.

Al

47sgs · 05-12-2012, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leadeyedbugger

It is easier to train a bird dog when you have a well bred bird dog. Having said that it does take time...and probably help....there is a local pointing dog club and quite a few of us that train together.....That makes it easier.

Where does the local pointing club meet, and what is the club called ? I have 3 English Setters I train, hunt and trial, and it would be fun to train with other people and dogs. Occasionally, I go over to the valley to participate with the Green Valley club.

Regarding the original questions in the post, when looking for a breeder, it's hard to know where to find the best dogs suited for your needs if you don't have experience looking. A really good source is the people at field trials. They consistently are looking for the best bird dogs, and while you may get conflicting input on who's the best breeder, all will point you to good dogs. Above all, don't buy a pup out of the paper just because the owner says both parents are good hunters.

leadeyedbugger · 05-12-2012, 07:14 AM

The central oregon wirehaired pointer club is open to ALL pointing breeds. We are actually holding our spring hunt test at boyce corrals this next weekend, that would be a great time to come out and meet some local dog people, see alot of different breeds, meet some people to train with etc. It is a AKC group so it is a AKC hunt test, but there are alot of people who do not have AKC dogs who are members such as myself, there are navdha people and VDD people in the club as well.
Boyce corrals is by madras kinda out behind haystack reservoir in the grasslands.

leadeyedbugger · 05-12-2012, 07:28 AM

For wirehairs/drahthaars the coat should be fairly short, dense, harsh haired coat, dog should have a visible full beard. There is alot of variation in alot of the wirehaired breeds when it comes to coats.......
People that lean more towards the strickly upland or field trial dogs favor wirehairs that are a little smaller boned, little shorter,less dense haired, and lighter colored. A product of wanting a dog to run hard and big for a long time, easier to see in cover, does a little better in warmer weather etc.
People that breed for more dual purpose, all purpose type wirehairs find them closer to the original breed standard. Both dogs will hunt fine......
You will probably find more variation in dogs in both GWP's and GSP's then any other breeds of pointing dogs....

I think that it is a good idea to take your time, do alot of research, get out and see the dogs, hunt over different dogs etc....

I will also add that any good breeding should produce a dog that has the right skills hard wired into the dna of the dog to make a good hunting dog. One thing that people forget about often times that makes a huge difference, especially to someone who is new to hunting dogs is mental stability and cooperation in the dogs. This is huge, especially for newer owners. You want a dog that has the proverbial on/off switch, a good that takes to training well, a dog that picks up obediance well, a dog that wants to please and work with. Personally i believe that breeding has alot to do with this......

GameChaserFid · 05-12-2012, 03:19 PM

Guy's I appreciate all the info you've been generous to offer! I've been schooled and I'd rather get info from the horses mouth than reading from some site like wikipedia.

I have more and more research that I will continue to do. My eye seems to be stuck on GWP's. Not to say I would rule out anything else though. I'm in no hurry but would like to educate myself as much as I can before hand.

Thanks you for the PM's as well guys. I'd love to see some dogs hunt sometime or just work at all.

Leadeye. Hopefully we can meet up sometime and I can see yours. Thanks again everyone and keep the information coming!

Stephen

DogZilla15 · 05-12-2012, 03:52 PM

Here's a sample to dream about..... Doesn't get any better lookin' than this fellow.

killemall · 05-12-2012, 04:35 PM

Female version!!Photo12211541_2.jpg

GameChaserFid · 05-12-2012, 08:10 PM

Good looking friends you two have there!

I don't know what it is about those dogs but the first time I saw one (maybe a month ago) it was love at first sight! He was such a happy boy and very well behaved.

Saw him again yesterday and he let me rub his belly for a little while! I know they would be great family dogs and a pleasure to hunt with!

Thanks again.

Rustyoar · 05-13-2012, 06:51 AM

I love the looks of these...

Maverick Maxcat · 05-13-2012, 08:36 AM

I have an excellent GSP right now, had a GWP that was even better. Both are great upland breeds, must be well trained and conditioned to be of the most benefit to the hunter. I don't do any trials, just hunt 100+ days a year for anything that flies. That being the case, I prefer the Wirehair. In general they seem to be more attuned to the hunter, although it's individualistic. They also tolerate cold MUCH better when not moving. I always clipped my Wirehair in the summers. She would run much cooler early season, had no trouble growing her coat out as the season progressed. You want to be sure and get a "hard" coated dog, otherwise it will be a burr magnet. Not good.

One last thought. I did the puppy thing a couple times, never again. I have way too much going on to be able to devote the daily time required to train a dog now. Mine spends a couple months a year in someone else's care as it is when I'm out of town! If you buy a fully trained, finished dog you know exactly what you have. No physical ailments, gun shyness, puppy antics, not to mention 2 years of feeding and vet care before they're really performing, and professional training fees if needed. I was extraordinarily lucky, got the dog I have now for free off CL. The owner wanted him to go to a good home where he would be hunted a lot. I would expect to spend $2500-5000 for a 2-3 year old dog with about 8 years of good hunting in front of it.

GameChaserFid · 05-30-2012, 09:29 AM

Update.....

We ended up getting a new puppy. Nobody other than myself wanted a wirehair. I was pretty much thinking the girls were going to get what they wanted and I was fine with that because down the road I was going to get a bird dog. Well, we found some lab puppies in Madras and the price was right and the dogs were pretty cute. He is now 7 weeks old and is a yellow lab name Gunnar. Trying to kennel train him has been taxing and many night I am up every hour or two. And then have to be back up for work at 4:30. But last night he slept the whole night and never got up once!

So I have worked with him some on just simple commands but I am looking for a good source of info on how to train them for hunting. I don't know where to start at all. Any info would be great. Here is a cell phone pic, hopefully it is viewable. I appreciate everyones help. Although he isn't the wirehair I wanted he is a great little boy and everyone loves him.

llama77 · 05-31-2012, 06:25 AM

Congrats on the pup!

Ill get back with more later, but try and find a local ret club over there and see if you can hook up with someone. Will get you started in teh right direction.

Sunnygx · 05-31-2012, 06:50 AM

Best of luck to you on your new pup. I am not a retriever trainer so I will leave you to the expert's because it is a whole different process.

Labsforme · 05-31-2012, 04:20 PM

Congratulations. The fun is just beginning.Sound Beginnings by Jackie Mertens is very good to start puppies off with.Another are Hillman's programs.Follow up with Lardy, Smart Works, or Fowl Dogs programs.Some programs seem like they are geared toward field trials but the concepts work well for a reliable hunting companion.

Jeff Gruber

baltz526 · 05-31-2012, 07:12 PM

You know how i train my dogs, I take them hunting. The rest of the year they get spoiled and fat. I always have a companion dog at home for my hunting dog. You hunt them 4-5 months a year, That leaves 7-8months each year they need more attention. A companion dog gets it done. If you get an upland dog as a companion for the lab, Get one that fits your hunting style. I'm a slow close in hunter, I have a weimaraner/shorthair that i keep fat, so i can keep up with him. Others have wide ranging pointers, GSP GWP, setters. You have to cover a lot of ground to keep up with them. Always pick a dog you can hunt in your comfort range.