My new pup

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Originally Posted by zoli 16ga.

Yup...always nice to fantasize about your mutt being a super hunter off the bat. I have no illusions though, lots of work to be done when I get back from Idaho..... and the next couple years! I have seen vids of guys trying to start their pups.....glad I chose this route. A little investment now, will pay off in the long run, I think. He'll be quite use to gun fire etc, and basic whoa, a couple of big steps to try to complete living in the city and working full time.

Some debate over self training v.s what I'm doing, so I'll keep everyone posted, as an example of this route. May help someone make a decision in the future(?)

He will have a crap load of grouse (100 or so presentations) to practice on before hunting season starts. I'll just get my covies warmed up to his presence....just a taste of things to come for the opener!


Don.

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I started my pup also with a pro trainer and just got her back a couple of weeks ago. Well worth the investment and now I do the rest of training. She is tens months old and an awesome little bird dog with no bad habits. Whistle trained, quarters beautifully and retrieves to hand.

Nice pictures of your pup zoli !

May update on puppy training....in case others may be interested in the breed or view on puppy training by a pro v.s doing it yourself.

From my trainer -


May update for Chase:

Chase is growing into a hunting dog. He is a strong confident pup and is absolutely bird crazy.

Basic obedience:
Obedience and lead training on track.

Crate training:
Loads up in the training truck crate with enthusiasm.

Water:
Chase is a good swimmer and is self entering the water for retrieval of dead birds and bumpers. He loves the water and retrieves and swims very well for his age.

Retrieve:
Very enthusiastic, even with bumpers.

Bird work/fieldwork:
Chase is working the field very enthusiastic for his age. He is using his nose the track scent and find dead birds in cover. Started whistle training and directional control in the field.

Gun work:
Still making lots of load sounds. I will gradually increase the level of noise and will make the bird/gun association late this month.

Socialization:
Introducing Chase to parks, boat launches, new fields, new bodies of water, and new people.


The trainer has sent some videos and it looks like my pups having a bunch of fun, while learning the ropes. It's cool to see how he slowly introduces new aspects of training, without the pup knowing he's being trained. About seven more weeks to go.


Don.

Now that's an excellent trainer- written reports and videos. Can't ask for more than that. Very glad its happening for you and your dog.

Incredible results in a short period of time awesome.

Well, my little guy was doing very well holding points, and seems quite natural at being very staunch when holding a bird. Water retrieves were also going very well.

BUT....the little numbskull picked up a treble hook at his training lake, yes a treble hook...leader, cork and all, and swallowed it whole! Quick action by the trainer and emergency surgery saved the day!

He's doing well, but will have a week or two off from running the fields and water till he heals up. Tough little bugger though!


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shucks! speedy recovery to him. The same thing happened to a friend of mine.
I hate fish hooks :(

Wow that's scary ! All the best and you should train him to retrieve fish instead not the hook.:)

Hope he makes a full recovery, sorry to hear about that!

Thanks, he's doing quite well, as shown in the middle pic. Trainer will stick with obediance training for the next week or so. I should be able to pick him up as scheduled, but may delay it as he wants to be able to complete his entire training schedule for me.


D.