Tips for Handling Dog from Horseback

[RichK]

Any tips for handing a pup from horseback the first few times?

[shags]

First thing, make a big effort to have him introduced to horses; put him on a lead and let him sniff a couple in the parking area.
Secondly, use a well broke dog horse if you can, so you can concentrate on your pup and not have to work too jard to get the horse around.

Then, ideally, you can do a little practice run with you mounted. Not always possible, I know. If you can't, find some one to hold the pup on lead while you mount up, and walk the dog along to the breakaway for you. Talk to the pup,so he knows where your voice is coming from. Guaranteed, he'll be looking for you and NOT expecting to have to look up to find you
Let someone else break him away, and you just do your usual whistle, verbals, or whatever. Don't be surprised if your pup is confused. He'll get used to it sooner or later.

Other than that, just handle like always. As time goes by and you run more HB braces, your dog will learn to cue off your horse ( stopped, turned this way or that, etc). If you have the opportunity to flush, or fire over your dog ( some clubs allow gunfire over puppies, it should be in the premium) have someone hold the horse for you so it doesn't head back to camp. That same person might hang on to your dog while you remount, and release him when you're ready.

Good luck!
High tails and happy trialing!

Are you by any chance going to the shorthair trial at the brittany grounds in Polk, Pa?

[RichK]

First thing, make a big effort to have him introduced to horses; put him on a lead and let him sniff a couple in the parking area.
Secondly, use a well broke dog horse if you can, so you can concentrate on your pup and not have to work too jard to get the horse around.

Then, ideally, you can do a little practice run with you mounted. Not always possible, I know. If you can't, find some one to hold the pup on lead while you mount up, and walk the dog along to the breakaway for you. Talk to the pup,so he knows where your voice is coming from. Guaranteed, he'll be looking for you and NOT expecting to have to look up to find you
Let someone else break him away, and you just do your usual whistle, verbals, or whatever. Don't be surprised if your pup is confused. He'll get used to it sooner or later.

Other than that, just handle like always. As time goes by and you run more HB braces, your dog will learn to cue off your horse ( stopped, turned this way or that, etc). If you have the opportunity to flush, or fire over your dog ( some clubs allow gunfire over puppies, it should be in the premium) have someone hold the horse for you so it doesn't head back to camp. That same person might hang on to your dog while you remount, and release him when you're ready.

Good luck!
High tails and happy trialing!

Are you by any chance going to the shorthair trial at the brittany grounds in Polk, Pa?

Yes, I will be running the dual hunt test at Oakridge tomorrow and then running in Open Puppy on Sunday. I'm new to the field trial scene and figure this fall would be a great time to attend as many as possible and learn from experience.

[shags]

Lots of good people at that trial!

Have a great time!