New pup... new trainer... no birds

rnbiii · Post by **rnbiii** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 12:57 pm

I will be getting my first GSP pup in a few weeks. She will also be the first gun dog that I've attempted to train. I know that it's good to get them on live birds at an early age. I live in NW Georgia and there aren't a lot of wild birds around. My question is this: what is the best/most effective way to expose her to birds and how should they be introduced?

gr_elliott · Post by **gr_elliott** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 1:24 pm

welcome, congrats on the pup, you guys will have many happy years togther.

i woud say first thing to do is train yourself before you start trying to train the dog. Read as many books and watch as many videos as you can. Seems like the most commen book that gets thrown out on here is the Delmer Smith book The Best Way to Train Your Bird Dog. As far as videos go, perfection kennels Perfect Start seems to also get thrown out on here a lot.

I have been following the perfection kennels videos and they are very easy for a beginner to follow.

AceofSpades41 · Post by **AceofSpades41** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 1:53 pm

nbiii,

Congrats on the pup and welcome to the forum

SettersRus · Post by **SettersRus** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 3:55 pm

Congrats on the new pup. just remember keep your cool with him. Study books and videos and ask lots of questions on this forum. Remember there are many ways to train a gun dog you have to study and decide which method works for you.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Lab Man · Post by **Lab Man** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 4:35 pm

You have received some good advice on the books and dvd's. I have the Perfection dvd's and Delmar Smith's book and another good book is The Bird Dog Training Manual by Dave Walker. I am planning on running a special on this site for members of free shipping on all books and dvd's on training pointing dogs. I will extend this to you early if you e-mail me at mark@coonriverkennels.com

Gun Dog Sponsor: Member discounts e-mail me at mark@coonriverkennels.com for details.

lvrgsp · Post by **lvrgsp** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 4:49 pm

It's a puppy remember have fun let them find and chase birds, there is also a very well established trainer/breeder in your neck of the woods in Brend Roe of walnuthill kennels.

FWIW,
Chip

Ruffshooter · Post by **Ruffshooter** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 4:51 pm

Congrats on the new pup. All good advice here. Pick one method from a reputable trainer and stick to it. Some time we have a tendancy to get confused by to much info. This forum will help you get over issues.

When I travel down your way for NSTRA events I have run into woodcock on occasion during this time of year. I suspect if you head east and talk to some folks you will find some birds. Woodcock are great for a pup.

Good luck.

Don · Post by **Don** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 6:02 pm

Your puppy ain't gonna know come here from sic'm for quite awhile. What he needs is to get out and be exposed to thing's. Bushes, tree's, everything. He need's to investigate the world and have thing's to chase. "bleep" birds and butterflys work well. He won't care. You have time befor you need anything resembling a real bird. Your pup won't care if it chases a scrub jay or a bob white, only you do! Once you introduce a bird that you want, it'll develope a purpose and that purpose will be your bird. And it will most likely quit chasing "bleep" birds and buterflies soon there after.

The most important thing to do now is what everyone is saying, train yourself.

Post by **Greg Jennings** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 6:44 pm

Rick and Brenda live in LaFayette near you. http://www.walnuthillgsps.us/ .

I remember them and others mentioning buying birds within a reasonable drive from you.

Best regards,

zaire · Post by **zaire** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 9:25 pm

Someone probably has already mentioned this but go to the checkcord and look up the article honeyrun wrote on bird intro - I believe it was on the checkcord. Maybe someone on this site can point you in the direction.

Casper · Post by **Casper** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 9:50 pm

IMO I would contact Brenda and Rick and have them help you wiht the bird intro. Nothign beats hands on instruction from some very knowledgable folks.

FWIW

snips · Post by **snips** » Wed Mar 07, 2007 11:05 pm

I am trying to remember, but I thought you were getting a pup from the Razorhaven x Logan litter? I might have you confused, if so it will be a birddog. We should have some birds to help you when the time comes if you want to hollar at us.

rnbiii · Post by **rnbiii** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 8:13 am

You're right about the litter Brenda, that's me. My wife and I actually came up with Grant and met you and Rick once. I'll remember you guys when the time comes.

As everyone is saying, I'm just trying to get myself ready for when the pup comes, so I won't mess up a pup that has such great potential. I wish I could afford some help from a trainer, but that's not really an option for me. So, I'm learning as much as I can with lots of help from all you guys.

Thanks!!

snips · Post by **snips** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 8:22 am

Sounds great. When that guy is around 12 weeks give us a shout and we will show him what a bird is! I don't do much of anything but a little come, and some play retrieving. Socialize him good and have fun.