Gun Dog Forum

I have an 8 month old gsp and am interested in training him to hunt
roughed grouse. I live in the Upper peninsula of michigan so there isn't many pheasant to hunt. Anyway, right now I am just taking him for walks in the woods with me, as it is grouse season now. However, it seems like he is smelling the ground more than the air and he seems to be getting on deer scent and running. He comes back without any problem, so far, but is there any way to break him of this. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I know I have a lot of training to do with him, but right now I just want to get him used to the woods and commands. He has been introduced to gun shots and is fine.

thanks,

greenhorn rschram

You might start running him in an e-collar. I would only correct what you see. I would wait until you see a deer come out in front of him, don`t say anything, just hit the hottest button. Do not hit him on scent alone, as you have no way of knowing what scent he may be getting excited over.

I second snips. That is what I have done. Wait until the dog is in full chase, then use the hottest setting.

Mine was "bitten" by two cows, one deer and a jackrabbit in ND last year. She does not chase them anymore.

I'll third that. It is the safest way to be sure you are correcting the dog properly.

Bruce