forum or subforum for gun dogs ?
- Thread starter burnt_servo
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Great! So what should I start with for training 5m.o. German wirehaired pointer puppy? She knows basic commands and not gun shy anymore, but gets distracted so I am still afraid of letting her off leash in the woods (lots of coyotes , black bears and some cougars here).
the spank
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Oh sure!! Pick on Pookie!! Just because you have no sense of style doesn't mean Lester doesn't?!!!
Hunting dogs need to be in the habit of check backs. This keeps you in touch while hunting. Pups want to please you although they can find some very strange ways of doing this. If your pup likes to wander and does not perform regular check backs this needs to be addressed. Find an area the pup is not familiar with and which has lots of trails in different directions. When pup decides to take take a different path hide on the little devil. When pup decides to hook up with you again make him look hard for you. It should frighten him and he will try a lot harder not lose connection with you. This procedure will probably have to be done a few times. Patience is the key here. If the pup wanders, when he shows up the worst thing you can do is get choked even though you probably are. Good luck.
Thanks a bunch, but what should be the owner's proper reaction?
You are happy to see him. There is lots of discussion on discipline by trainers which comes through when you read the various training books/methods. I know the little devils move on pretty quick. They do not dwell, basically catching them in the act is the time for discipline in their time frame, not yours. It is a very short window for effective discipline. Pup is bred to hunt, now you want him to hunt with you. That is the step, once established, that makes for the best hunting partner you will ever have. Always finish any train session on a positive note, meaning do something he will invariably do well. Then reward pup and tell him/her how awesome they are. Learn to read your pup, when he starts to tire move on, no new tricks today. Patience and repetition.
I should add you are happy because he is coming to you. If you show anger (they read body language better than verbal in many ways) it will confuse them because they are coming and you are angry. They do not put the fact they went for a romp as pertinent to that particular moment. There will be different opinions on this.
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Perhaps the easiest command is come. Pups want to come when they see you anyway. Use the whistle ( I use 2 blasts for come) when he is coming anyway, won't take long for pup to figure it out. Plan for success is the term the books use. What that means in practical terms is put the dog in a situation where his next move is very predictable. e.g: there is a fence line at which point he has to turn left. Give him a left turn signal as he gets to that point. Instant success.
In its most simplified form, sandwich a single long whistle between your current "stop" command i.e. "stop" "tweeeeeet" "stop". Having said, you would are far more likely to have any meaning success by following one of the many training programs available through the local dog club, DVD, books, etc.
Went on a quick search and cannot find my dog books. Too much on the go right now. There are many books and some interesting stuff on youtube. Pick a book appropriate to your type of dog. Pointer or flusher and stick to it. The various books do not always agree although the basics are the same. e.g. using a wing and pole to teach pup to whoa. Some pros say absolutely not, others swear by it. Whistle commands are something that can be effective especially in heavy cover where hand commands are not practical. Make sure you have the basics down before proceeding to whistle commands.
