3 1/2 years old, Is it too late

msparks · Post by **msparks** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 7:52 pm

My GSP will be 4 in November. I was wondering if it's too late to train her to be a bird dog?

I'm not looking for National Champion or anything, would just like to watch her do her thing in real life.

She's a decent retriver with a ball and an dummy.

She will Whoa okay but I've never had her on "real" birds, so I don't know.

Willow is my best friend (really my only friend) and I just like to spend time with her. She's a house dog, so I was just wondering.

Casper · Post by **Casper** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 8:01 pm

It is never to late.

Things may go slower than a young dog but if you build a prey drive your dog should come around.

A Professional trainer could be a valuable quick start if you can afford it. That or get one to help you get on the right start.

snips · Post by **snips** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 8:51 pm

The best approach would be get some Real birds and start her just as she were a pup. Plant then lighty out in a field and let her bump and chase them. See if she likes it....

billy · Post by **billy** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 8:53 pm

I'm curently training a 5 year old GSP to be green broke for Gun Dog Stakes this fall. It has been hard work & not an easy road. I was fortunate not to be a tasty treat this summer on the force break table. Whew!

I am learning it takes a little more planning to train an older dog than a year old pup. The older dog scents & follows 4 wheeler tracks, my body scent, looks for launchers etc.

The training birds have to be released in a field & time to spread scent ! I give the birds about ten- fifteen minutes prior to working the dog. It takes being more creative to achieve results.

Best Regards,

Post by **Greg Jennings** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 6:46 am

Someone said "Dog's can't read a calendar".

Just start at the beginning and follow through to the end. Let the dog tell you when it's time to go from stage to stage.

No matter what, you'll be doing things with your dog, what it was bred to do and that is a very fulfilling thing for both of you.

Best,