Proper puppy start...

[Cass]

In the goose field the bigger dog would help no offence ment Cass.

None taken

[Blackwolf]

Labs, GSP, Spaniels are all great breeds, with different temperaments with each breed and individual dog. But with all breeds, the best always starts with a dog who loves the master, so once again I would say building a strong bond between you two. Good luck, sometimes dogs are similar to toddlers, other times they are wise as they come.

[krakadawn]

I am getting a GSP for the first time in my life.
Hunting mostly geese and rabbits,very little upland and would like to start training early with the pup.
i know obedience comes first, would like to teach retreive, steadines and not to break while waterfowl hunting.
any advice is more than welcome and of course no advice is bad advice for novice like me...

Drastic
Congratulations on getting a dog, that's a big step some people seem to be unable to take. A smart comment about an expectation on your part....that your dog be steady. Most people I have seen in public marshes, lake shorelines do not have steady dogs. They must watch some of our current hunting shows that show dogs on the move with birds falling and others being shot while the dog is running/swimming....simply unacceptable.

Google Mike lardy, Handjem Knls. You will find a nice order of 'operations' if you will to teach the basics. By the way, Basics are basic regardless of the dog you have. His growth scheme in teaching the basics is fundamental in the retriever world and works nicely for other breeds....ask Cass and how it worked for his Spaniel. Try to stay with it as best you can, you will end up with a dog you are comfortable with and proud of......just like bringing up kids.

[Ugo]

Wow...I guess it's just me, and perhaps Sharon. I get it - you prefer geese and bunnies. Then again, I don't get it. Why a GSP? Why not a Lab or spaniel, or "versatile pointing breed"?
As I stated before, I had a customer that swore his best grouse dog ever was a German Sheppard. I believe him. So, perhaps you can make your GSP a decent early season goose dog and a bunny dog too. Virtually anything is possible.
Krakadawn, I was wondering what you meant by "that's a big step some people seem to be unable to take.." ? I suggest that not making the decision is far better than making the wrong one....not that it applies in this case, but in general. Getting the wrong dog can be a 12-15 year mistake!

[crackerd]

Ugo, thinking from his puppy pic avatar the OP's plans for a "GSP" are for a "versatile pointing breed" - a shorthair (GSP). Also known as an HPR (hunt-point-retrieve) breed across the pond - thus with the retrieve(r) emphasis, he might also want to grab Cherylon Loveland's "Retriever Puppy Training: The Right Start for Hunting."

MG

PS Cass, when did you get a black and tan cocker? - sure sneaked that one in on us, eh?

[Drastic711]

Thank you all for advices on this one.
Reason i choose GSP are more just than my hunting needs of versatile dog. My uncle back home brought one from Germany for hunting and it was one of the best hunting dogs around. I just love them. Beside many times spent waching them work on bunnies in Europe and fact that they dont go far away like my cousin beagles. Once he let them loose it like he dont have dogs anymore, spent more time waiting and looking for them than hunting.
I occasionally hunt birds too and now I might start to hunt little more. Also like GSP because they are very versatile dog for all around hunting needs.
All respect for other breeds and dog owners but now i already choose this one like someone in the posts notice, puppy on my avatar is the GSP i'll get and will be ready to rehome around end of April.
What would i like to know is exactly like the name of my thread says; how to properly start with puppy once bring him home.
House broken, basic obedience commands and not miss first steps of hunting practice start while maybe taking too much time for obedience or vice versa. That kind of stuff is important to find out and hopefully as the time goes i might have some pics to share with you guys here.
Thank you all and dont discourage me on this one. I hope i did not pick a wrong breed as some comments might sound to me.
Reason i did not pick retreivers or lab(even though black lab is beautiful dog IMO) is because i thought they are 95% retreivers and 5% for anything else where GSP is much more versatile and somehow more all around dog that I have mentioned before.

[krakadawn]

Ugo, I just meant that for some folks making any commitment to get a dog and get started is a big step. Could be because of their life style ,where they live etc.I understand what you are saying about the 12-15 yr mistake.

Drastic, I did not try to persuade you to consider any other breed because your decision is your decision. However, when you say labs are 95% retrievers, need to do some more exploring/research as they are indeed capable of many other skills depending on the training provided. They can point, flush ,track ,shed hunt just as examples.

Good luck.

[Cass]

PS Cass, when did you get a black and tan cocker? - sure sneaked that one in on us, eh?

Lol no not mine. No room for any more dogs. One of Jim's.

[Ugo]

Krakadawn, I have to agree. I know from experience that Labs can be THE most versatile dogs - waterfowl, upland, bunnies, and more. I've worked with enough of them to know - although not even remotely as many as you.
Drastic, you have to get the dog YOU want. That said, I have more customers that end up with a breed that their father, Uncle, neighbor, etc. had, because they retain fond memories of their childhood. Again, if you're happy, that's all that matters. If you had asked me, I wouldn't have suggested a GSP - that's just me. That doesn't mean this GSP won't be the best dog you ever own.
All the best with your pup!

[Cass]

Well said Ugo!