Shortening Up a Big Running Bird dog

I get asked this question a lot. As I've never had to shorten up a dog , my help in answering that question is very limited. I'd like to learn more, so throwing this out for discussion.

for the walking hunter:

What I think I know:

Using an e collar for that purpose is not a good idea ,as you may be correcting the dog when he is on scent etc , which you don't want to do.

Wiser to buy a breed / breeding that suits a closer working style then you don't have to ......................

Some say as long as the dog holds the point until you get there, it doesn't matter how big he runs.


Teaching the dog to turn on command/whistle is the answer.

What works for me is to have the dog respond to my commands. What works for me is a dog that hunts close and will range further when allowed. From a pup I like the dog working close to me. As they mature the range of coverage is increased however they have to know when I call they respond to my command. Never had an issue with the e collar producing a negative response. You should be able to tell the difference between searching and getting "birdy" by the body language. For me if I don't have that contact they have gone to far. Some have said I micro managed the dog but it works for us.

I bought a well bred Brittany. No problem either way. ............:ninja:

My Springer works within close range. But i would like to know if she decides to venture off further what to do .

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Originally Posted by yellow dog

My Springer works within close range. But i would like to know if she decides to venture off further what to do .

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Given that your springer responds to your commands back, over, heel, yada yad. Thing is dogs will be dogs and even the best trained may get tempted to go on their own. That's why I like running with the E collar. If for what ever reason they get it in their head to wander off or just plain ignore your direction than your able to correct that behavior. Honestly rarely use it however when its needed it can be a life saver. For example had an occasion with a young dog came across a porcupine despite being well trained the erg to investigate something new was too much for her was able to halt her before she made contact without that e collar that would of been a serious encounter and saved her a lot of grief.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

Given that your springer responds to your commands back, over, heel, yada yad. Thing is dogs will be dogs and even the best trained may get tempted to go on their own. That's why I like running with the E collar. If for what ever reason they get it in their head to wander off or just plain ignore your direction than your able to correct that behavior. Honestly rarely use it however when its needed it can be a life saver. For example had an occasion with a young dog came across a porcupine despite being well trained the erg to investigate something new was too much for her was able to halt her before she made contact without that e collar that would of been a serious encounter and saved her a lot of grief.

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Yes my Springer does wear an e collar because early on in her training she took off on my pro trainer after a pheasant. She now see's an e collar and becomes all business and no play.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by yellow dog

My Springer works within close range. But i would like to know if she decides to venture off further what to do .

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by yellow dog

Yes my Springer does wear an e collar because early on in her training she took off on my pro trainer after a pheasant. She now see's an e collar and becomes all business and no play.

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Great so at this stage if she wanders off would be great to have the vibration feature sometimes that's all that's need to refocus at least that's what worked for me.

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Originally Posted by yellow dog

My Springer works within close range. But i would like to know if she decides to venture off further what to do .

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I don't think this will be an issue for you as even a "big running" springer will still always be in sight. The turn and stop whistle are the key.

Yes and that is what i do Cass.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

Great so at this stage if she wanders off would be great to have the vibration feature sometimes that's all that's need to refocus at least that's what worked for me.

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It also has the vibration feature as well.