launcher question

Addict · Post by **Addict** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 1:06 am

I have a couple of young pups that I would like to steady up. I have been working them on pigeons and firing a blank gun when they chase for over a month now. Neither one of them is bothered at all by the sound.

I am wondering if I should wait to steady them up until after they are broke to a 12 guage?

Here is what they are doing. They will both point about half the time steady especially after the first bird. They still like to creep in sometimes and they will give chase when the bird is flushed.

Do I want to start using a launcher to help with the creeping or wait for the reasons stated above? They are pointing a good distance away from the birds.

Post by **Greg Jennings** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 4:36 am

Everything depends on how old they are. I really don't think one should begin staunching a pup till they're 12-14 months old.

Before that, there isn't much that you can do right but there is much that can go wrong.

Best,

Post by **Ayres** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 10:51 am

I started Justus under 6 months on the launchers. The trainer I've been going to has started her shorthairs at around 4 months.

The only difference is that I (and the trainer) started with the launchers before adding in the blank gun. I don't think it's necessary to acclimate the dog to a 12ga. before proceeding with the launchers. If it's doing ok with a blank already, then the pop of the launcher most likely won't phase it.

Just read the dog and when it catches scent. Take proper precautions to not let it get on top of the launcher or even close enough to get flipped by the opening! Let it get closer and pinpoint where the bird is but if it points, and then moves a foot, let that bird fly. This will become a passive way of teaching the dog that if it points, then creeps, the bird flies. Eventually it will teach itself to not creep otherwise the bird is gone.

TAK · Post by **TAK** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 11:53 am

I free Sunday! That is an invite!

snips · Post by **snips** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 12:12 pm

I gotta agree with Greg here. All you are doing at this point is bringing out your pups drive and natural ability, no pressure stuff. When I have pup this far I may even pull them off birds until they are mature enough to take the training. Easy enough to start getting into bad habits from this point on. With fall coming up it would be great to run him on some wild birds before steadying him up.

snips · Post by **snips** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 12:16 pm

I gotta agree with Greg here. All you are doing at this point is bringing out your pups drive and natural ability, no pressure stuff. When I have pup this far I may even pull them off birds until they are mature enough to take the training. Easy enough to start getting into bad habits from this point on. With fall coming up it would be great to run him on some wild birds before steadying him up.

Addict · Post by **Addict** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 12:41 pm

Thanks Tak for the invite. We just rolled into town today after going to jackson. I won't be able to make it today. I will have to try and make it out there another day.

For those of you that think they are too young what do I do about this hunting season? Do I just let them bust birds and not worry about staunchness until next year? Do I still harvest the birds if they don't point this first season?

Jinx found about 7-8 wild pheasants a couple of days ago. He held a point on most of them. He has a great nose and usually is the quickest to catch wind of anything. I was unable to get real close to flush them though. I would get about twenty feet away before they would fly, very wild. He was very proud of himself as was I!

snips · Post by **snips** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 2:23 pm

Yes, I would not worry about it. Go have fun with your pup, and shoot only the birds he holds point on. I think it would put undo ressure on him to be ready for this hunting season, then you would feel pressure for him to be doing it right thru hunting. He would gain the experience without the pressure. JMO

TAK · Post by **TAK** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 10:09 pm

snips wrote:Yes, I would not worry about it. Go have fun with your pup, and shoot only the birds he holds point on. I think it would put undo ressure on him to be ready for this hunting season, then you would feel pressure for him to be doing it right thru hunting. He would gain the experience without the pressure. JMO

I agree!