Wild birds for training

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ruffbritt4
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Wild birds for training

Post by ruffbritt4 » Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:34 pm

We will be getting another puppy in the spring and I have been thinking about the training. The one thing I feel I didn't do was get my pup on enough wild birds at a younger age. I focused more on pen raised birds. This year, my dogs second season, we went to maine. It was amazing to see how much he improved over the week. I simply let the birds teach him. I only shot when he pointed and allowed me to flush. We were even able to bag a few grouse and woodcock over his points. With a younger pup do you prefer to use birds in a launcher, or let the wild birds teach the dog? Thanks

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natel24
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Re: Wild birds for training

Post by natel24 » Thu Nov 20, 2014 9:19 pm

I'm no expert but my answer would be both. Things taught while training transfer to the field, but there is no replacement for "in game" experience.

Although bad habits can creep up rather fast while hunting if not corrected.
natel24
"My dogs not perfect, but i'm not a perfect shot either."
"I'd rather go hunting without a gun than without my dog."

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ezzy333
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Re: Wild birds for training

Post by ezzy333 » Thu Nov 20, 2014 10:13 pm

Sounds to me you have done it just about right. train with pen raised and let the birds teach it from then on.

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Sharon
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Re: Wild birds for training

Post by Sharon » Fri Nov 21, 2014 3:07 pm

Some of us have no choice - not many wild birds here.
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Pepper
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Re: Wild birds for training

Post by Pepper » Fri Nov 21, 2014 9:39 pm

What I have learned from this site is exposure. :)

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Re: Wild birds for training

Post by Pepper » Fri Nov 21, 2014 10:11 pm

Just to add also...Recall and mouth habits can be controlled by me when the time comes. When I get a hunter comes to me and sezs your dog did a great point and stood its ground, I am doing something right. He was almost amaze on her age. :) I do not want to set her back. This is her playground and I let her indulge.

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