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Thanks for all the information. I know a lab would have been a better solution for duck hunting but my wife is not a fan of them. We both evxercise daily and plan to include the pup as well. As well we are both teachers and work within minutes of home so can come midday and let him out. We plan on crate training early on. Is this a necessity? Thanks again.
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Crate training a puppy is the best way to go. The GSP is primarily a pointing breed. You really should consider pursuing that if you get one. Go to a hunt test and watch them work, you will be hooked.
I don't know why this has turned into a breed discussion.
GSPs are fantastic family dogs and passionate hunters. However, they have their needs and you better make sure you have plenty of time to sufficiently exercise your new dog!! 30min on-leash walk 2x per day do NOT count as physical exercise.
Crate training is a good thing, no doubt - what is not good is locking your dog up in one for long. If a dog chews stuff in the house, a crate is not the solution; it's just a band-aid fix that will result in more issues down the road. Make sure you provide plenty of physical, mental and social stimulation.
I don't think it's a breed discussion, just a couple of well meaning suggestions for someone who may wish to hunt waterfowl.
I guess I read the OP differently; kind of the breed and breeder are already finalized.Quote:
Originally Posted by krakadawn
if the question comes down to deciding between a lab and a pointer for the sole purpose of waterfowl hunting, the answer is kind of obvious. however, we all know that there is more involved in making a decision like this, especially when it comes to a 'family member'.
either way, I agree that a complete mismatch wouldn't be a good start...
November puppies, time wise fit well into competitions age etc but they can be a handful. So regardless of the breed, consider how busy you both will be at that time of year.
Will there be regular time for all the puppy experiences that are required?
Short, cold days make for difficult training and burning energy etc.
We currently have a 4 month old(amongst others) who has had a great start, early water introduction, crate training, been on the truck for a week etc, and lots of retrieving along with developing basics like sit, here. Has amazingly strong swimming skills already. The point here is summer may well be a better time for you(considering your job) to develop those initial skills and develop a 'family' fit.
Regardless find some local people who train whatever your choice is....new friends with like interests will pay off immensely.
Good luck!
Thanks again. Initially we were hoping for a spring litter but that didn't happen. We do have the time to put into the pup but just looking for basic info. Thanks again.
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I live close to you and have pigeons. Bring him over when you get him and we can do a bird/gun introduction. I also have several working dogs and we can work on proper socialization. Around 10 to 20 weeks is the imprinting stage in puppies and there are certain things that should be done in that period in order to end up with a well adjusted and well rounded dog. I also have Huntsmith puppy development dvd's you can borrow which are very helpful in developing proper behaviour patterns in a puppy.
Here's a good book
How to help gundogs train themselves by J Bailey
Takes you through the first year of the dog's life.
Thanks. I will take a look at it.Quote:
Originally Posted by vom Dufenshmirtz