Pointer Pups Learning to Hunt
Pointer Pups Learning to Hunt
The new pointer pups from our UK imports are 12 weeks old now. All are enjoying their field exposure. They're learning all the necessary associations (that exciting smell is a bird, scent flows downwind, etc.) that will make them good predators. They are beginning to understand the scent cone and the difference between air scent and ground scent. It's neat to see them change their hunting strategy from pursuit (chasing) to ambush (pointing). I've showed them that chasing always loses while natural pointing and steadiness is always rewarded by getting the bird in their mouth. There is no pressure, obedience or commands. Choices they make are either successful or unsuccessful. Once they've tried various options and lost, they begin to repeat what has been successful.
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Re: Pointer Pups Learning to Hunt
Beautiful! There is nothing better than to observe young pups during these first experiences in the field! It's amazing how they exhibit complete focus and learn very quickly when free from command and control. Owners do this with their little pups at first, and then - despite the obvious success - do a 180 and direct the pups development thru obedience rather than discovery.