Lab is pause pointing

[ninepointer]

I've noticed that my lab (now 6 years old) is pause-pointing more than she used to. The majority are still charging flushes, but perhaps 1 in 5 is a pause-point. I don't compete with my dog and its a trait that I neither discourage or encourage. Just wondering if this sort of evolution in a lab's hunting style is common?

[jim]

I used to own a , that pointed like a Britt, her whole life. Of course I never discouraged it.

[Bo D]

Two of my dogs use to do the same thing, only seemed to happen when the bird was holding tight and not a runner. Like you never encouraged it nor tried to break them of the habit. What would give it away way was their tail, it started to go 90 plus miles an hr prior to locking up, then going in and busting the bird... On more than one occasion the bird was caught in mid air when it started to flush...

[Dakota Creek]

only seemed to happen when the bird was holding tight and not a runner …… what would give it away way was their tail, it started to go 90 plus miles an hr prior to locking up, then going in and busting the bird... On more than one occasion the bird was caught in mid air when it started to flush...

Yup! :-)

[Cass]

Flash pointing is common across many breeds of dogs. Pointers have been bred for it, spaniels are bred to minimize it. As a non competitive, average hunter it is probably somewhat helpful as it gives you a second to get ready. I don't know if I'd call it evolution... it's just a natural trait.

[thunderbelly]

pointing is just the pause before the attack, wolves do it, GSPs do it. Some dogs have been selectively bred to enhance this pause. If you like this trait in your dog, you can train for it very easily. Like some have said, the point, gives you time to prepare for the shot. A huge benefit when taking first timers out.

[Thymallus]

Most of the labs I have seen that hunt upland daily seem to get birdy and then hang up or flash point. I think it is just a result of seeing hundreds of upland birds rather than age or breeding per se. The blood line for the labs I am most familiar with were all from strong duck retriever lines.

[brisuther]

My lab will point if the bird holds. It is great to give you a bit of time to be ready for the shot

[singlemalt]

I have had five working Labs over the years. All were trained as waterfowl dogs and were not from "pointing lab" breeding. They have all pointed to varying degrees. Some just a flash pause as you describe but two really locked up, including my current red female who is now 10. She will really hold the point for 30 -45 seconds (maybe even longer if I encouraged it). I did nothing to train this but don't discourage it. She and the other dog I had which pointed both pointed more and longer each season as they aged. I don't think it is because they learned it resulted in more retrieves. I am by nature and experience a spaniel guy and shoot much better when the flush comes quickly. I always seem to miss when I have too much time get ready and overthink things.