bird training

jkoehler · Post by **jkoehler** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 10:20 am

O.k. guys this weekend I planned to get some quail and work with my dog for the first time with real birds. He is 4 month old and I was planning on taking my bird release and work on finding, pointing, and holding birds for the flush. I also planned on taking a quail and tying string and card board to a leg and work the dog. Any suggestions? Right track? One more thing do I use a check cord or just turn the pup loose to see what he gots?

Post by **ezzy333** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 11:35 am

At 4 months I would not do any training but rather let the pup find the birds and chase if he wants. I wouldn't even worry about him pointing. If you want an enthused independant dog you have to first develop prey drive. The way to do that is to make finding and chasing a bird the most exciting thing the pup can ever do. Once he gets it then you can start reeling him in and teaching what you need to. That maybe several months away yet or even longer.

Ezzy

snips · Post by **snips** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:25 pm

ditto that!

Hotpepper · Post by **Hotpepper** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 3:49 pm

All fun and chase is fine at 4 months. If you can keep him from getting one in his mouth is the ticket at this point.

Wild birds will make a puppy be so GOOOOOOD, he will lear to point them all by himself.

It is just so important that he not catch one, hard to fix that problem. Basic obedience and knowing who his daddy is will help you a lot down the road.

Just remember, "Rome was not built in a day!!!"

Pepper

Post by **kninebirddog** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 4:23 pm

Ditto on the bump and chase game at 4 months and first time...should he catch a bird...don't make an issue of it and If he does come to you reward him for having the bird in his mouth before asking for it...this will help prevent the keep away game in the future.
Do not though let the pup continue catching birds...that is where you can create a problem...
once the pup has better wheels under him then it is time to go more controlled in little fun sessions point and flush games and lots of rewards..alway leave the pup wanting more

have fun and keep it simple

jkoehler · Post by **jkoehler** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 6:24 pm

so should I clip the wings on the quial or put the card board on the feet or just let the birds go wild and not worry about using them again?

Post by **kninebirddog** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 7:00 pm

Just put the bird down..do not do any thing that will hinder the flight...You want the bird to fly well....so the pup really can't catch it if possible

jkoehler · Post by **jkoehler** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 4:44 pm

Well I bought four quail for the weekend while I am out at my parents farm. First bird I made dizzy and planted. Nose was in air and he caught wind and found it. Quail didn't really get up very well so I went and got a different bird. just through that one up and he went and chased it down found it and the bird flew off and he followed it and eventually found it again and kicked it up and found it again. this time he caught it and brought it back to me. Next day I took the 3rd and he followed it down kicked it up and followed it and then got about 5' from the bird and locked up! It was very nice, I kicked it up for him and he chased it back down again and kicked the bird up. Going to go out again this evening for one for go around with two more birds left.

Casper · Post by **Casper** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 6:34 pm

FWIW, Best keep pup on a check cord! He has already caught one dont want it happening again for better results in training later on. If you want to work the same bird a couple times use the wind and after the bird has been found and put up lead pup off away from the direction of flight. This way you can encourage pup to continue hunting and not chasing. Make a small circle to get wind favorable again and work back to the bird.

Post by **ezzy333** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:16 pm

Right on Casper. You took the words right out of my mouyh.

Ezzy

tfbirddog2 · Post by **tfbirddog2** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 9:57 am

Glad all went well and you started with quail first I think they a the best training tool and switch flipper compared to buying a pheasant and wasting money. I have just seen more pups have the chain pulled and lights come on when introduced to live quail.Plus they are not as noisie as a rooster when the get up an startle the pups.Glad your training has started good hope the pups ready for fall.

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