Hunt close

[finsfurfeathers]

For my needs prefer to have the dog work close, what most would call a boot licker. So my training "method" focused associating birds can be found close to me. Used "back" or "come here" in the field but think switching it up to "hunt close" may be better.

[Sharon]

Very fun video. Thanks.
Of course as I participated in trials, I wanted my dogs to get out there and hold that bird until I get there; one of many things that would impress a judge.

[finsfurfeathers]

Very fun video. Thanks.
Of course as I participated in trials, I wanted my dogs to get out there and hold that bird until I get there; one of many things that would impress a judge.

Yea that's why trailing never appealed to me. (not that its a thing round here anymore) I run the dogs to impress me not someone else.

[sabmgb]

very impressive video. I use TOO FAR to keep my girl close, but I have a flusher so need her to be at the perfect range to shoot.

[finsfurfeathers]

very impressive video. I use TOO FAR to keep my girl close, but I have a flusher so need her to be at the perfect range to shoot.

By all accounts I should be a flusher guy. Love the close work, with more handler/dog action but raised a stand and stare dog lover and probably die one.

[Bo D]

I use to hunt over a lab and always used a whistle if he started to range out to far. Blew it once and he'd stop and look back... I'd blow the whistle 5-6 times real quick and he'd work back towards me. Once he got use to the drill he started working in close the majority of the time and again if he ranged out I'd whistle him back in.

But like you mentioned they all were handling dogs.... Was just wondering if any of you guys that own and hunt a pointer have ever tried training the dog to a whistle.

[ninepointer]

Between “here” or “come”, “fetch” and “whoa”, there are already a lot of overlapping behaviours that we are asking a pup to learn and discern. As an amateur I’d be concerned about unintended consequences to fundamental commands.

Looks like a great feature to train into one’s dog, but one that can be layered on later after the fundamentals are solid.

[BDH]

I have always planted birds near me with a horizon finder dog. They learn that the birds are near you, want to work with you and they learn to know where you are while hunting.

[finsfurfeathers]

I have always planted birds near me with a horizon finder dog. They learn that the birds are near you, want to work with you and they learn to know where you are while hunting.

That's how I start off however as they get their confidence and legs naturally they'll range further and further out finding more and more birds. That's where I reel them in with a "back" or "here". Thinking "hunt close" may feel less of a recall.

[krakadawn]

A good point about when subsequent skills are taught. Get the basics in before moving on.
I hunt my retrievers and all are field trial dogs so basics and handling skills are well imbedded . Biggest issue I see with dogs hunting upland is the lack of basics resulting in semi out of control dogs...by the way this is not exclusive to other venues of hunting. The example I would use is to see retrievers in constant motion when shooting is going on-a lot of this by guides and their tapes of hunting. Retrievers need to be steady...not almost steady....but steady!