7 month old Brittany

Hey folks. Anyone know much about "training" a pointer. I have a Brittany. He's an awesome dog. I've never taught him to point but he does it all the time to the sparrows and robins in my neighborhood. Seemingly instinctively. It's actually really cool to see. I looked into having him professionally trained when I first got him but it costs a fortune. My kids need to go to college, not the dog. Anyone have any books or links they can recommend for bird dog training, specifically pointing? Chances are that I'd only take him hunting a 2 or 3 times per year but it would still be cool to have a bird dog. Without pro training he'll never be a great bird dog, but I'm sure I'd still get more birds than not having him at all. He's not too old to start is he? Any suggestions would be awesome.

Toronto NAVHDA chapter seems to be pretty active these days, having training days etc - join them.
If you're not willing to put $$ into the dog and are willing to accept he will be what he will be - don't sweat it and go hunting with him,
however be prepared that your dog might frustrate you by scaring game off or not finding anything.

Contact the Brittany Spaniel Club of Ontario. You may be able to get in on some training days and get advice from very experienced Brittany owners. In the end you may find a couple weeks with a Pro trainer was a bargain though.

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Originally Posted by Karl Marques

Hey folks. Anyone know much about "training" a pointer. I have a Brittany. He's an awesome dog. I've never taught him to point but he does it all the time to the sparrows and robins in my neighborhood. Seemingly instinctively. It's actually really cool to see. I looked into having him professionally trained when I first got him but it costs a fortune. My kids need to go to college, not the dog. Anyone have any books or links they can recommend for bird dog training, specifically pointing? Chances are that I'd only take him hunting a 2 or 3 times per year but it would still be cool to have a bird dog. Without pro training he'll never be a great bird dog, but I'm sure I'd still get more birds than not having him at all. He's not too old to start is he? Any suggestions would be awesome.

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There a few on here that know about training a bird dog. :)

Recommend you order , study and read "Training with Mo"

http://www.gundogsupply.com/training-with-mo.html or Amazon may have it.

If he has the desire for birds or if it can be awakened then it's not too late.

Glad to help anytime.

I spoke to one trainer that gave me a discounted quote on the count of who I got the dog from. It was still way too high for me. I don't even want to know what the full price was. Hunting for me is a hobby that I will do a few times per year, not a full fledged passion that I dedicate a ton of time to. Making it a full out passion would put my marriage in check.

Yes but your Brittany will always be excited to see you and never hold a grudge. Just saying.

Pay the money get him trained it is worth every penny.

Teach him the basic commands any dog should know. I suggest an ecollar - it's hard to stop a dog in the bush that jumps a rabbit or a deer and heads for the next county. Consider getting a beeper combo.

If he's already pointing, you're halfway there. My dog was not professionally trained and she's everything I need in a hunting dog. She listens, she knows she's part of a team and she'll hold point for 5 minutes if necessary. Exposure to wild birds is the very best practise. They will teach your dog that he can't push them. You should be in good shape for this season. My pup was 8 months old when she got her first ESG (evil southern grouse).

Let the fun begin - enjoy!!!!

PM with where you live and there may be some options for you to consider to get some help in training this youngster yourself.

You've came to the right place. Tons of helpful people here. He's just a pup, you have tons of time! Get out with some folks and read everything you can - you'll get hooked.