To the OP: do a YouTube search for 'self training the hunting retriever.'
You're welcome.
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To the OP: do a YouTube search for 'self training the hunting retriever.'
You're welcome.
Question? Statement? not sure I follow sambo what you are getting at.
Thanks Wayne, I have watched all of those videos now over the past month, they are definitely handy and I will be referring back to them in the near future.
Great insight Ugo, thank you for the post!
You are most welcome Sir. I tell you what I tell all my customers that are shopping around. If you end up happy, so am I, whatever your final decision. I practically half-own a very high performance Springer. She is relentless, classy, has an amazing work ethic and just puts a huge smile on my face whenever I hunt her. She is DEADLY on pheasants!! Would I take her late season waterfowling? Not in this lifetime!
Why? Because she can't?
No! Because I care too much for her and she would not hesitate to give her life for a retrieve! Her coat can't provide the protection you need for that sport...period.
I had a chocolate Lab here that was incredible, and it broke my heart to part with him but I can hardly do the dog I already have now justice because I am so busy. It just wasn't fair to hang on to the Lab just because "I wanted to"!
My setter "Emma" has been the most amazing dog I have ever had the pleasure of sharing this earth with, and I have had some dandies! She was a game competitor and is a dream-dog on wild birds either up north or on the prairies. BUT, she (setter) isn't for you in my honest opinion. I still wish I could have kept that Lab. He was not only incredible in the field but such a loving companion - sizable, but gentle yet really tough when the going got tough. His new owner takes him EVERYWHERE and as such, I am content with having done the right thing, even if the thought still saddens me.
Be careful though Wesman41. You can info-overload and I will find holes in THE finest dog you end up with, if I want to be ridiculous. Some of the Lab-wise people here in this forum have forgotten more than some folk know about Labs, including the author of said comment. They are knowledgeable, sincere, candid, and will make a HUGE difference in supporting a decision that involves them in any way. That in itself is PRICELESS! Others truly mean well but just don't have the experience or at least the "right kind" of utile experience. Your job - a tough one - is to know/sort the difference. I have faith in you.
All the best Sir!
Ugo
Rare Breeds are rare for a reason...............
Get yourself a LAB!
I can speak about the NSDTR: Like many of the retrievers, they are great family pets and are very trainable for hunting and other venues (obedience, agility, Search and rescue, hunt tests). I have been hunting with my boy for the last three years (both geese and ducks). But not all NSDTR are created equal.
They do require training if you want a good hunting dog and you will need to do your homework to look at lineage and proven parents. Sue Kish (Foxgrovekennels.com) and her sister Diane Loiseau (now under: Redzonetollers.com) have both produce some great working dogs over the years. If you are willing to make the $ and time investements, they can be a real joy.
F
Disclaimer: Sue is my Sister in-law