Picking up a new pup this weekend...

Straightarrow · 06-09-2006, 04:45 AM

I'm getting an English Setter pup this weekend. I've been bird hunting with my beagles for years, and have decided to try a breed bred specifically for the job. I had a setter many years ago and loved the disposition, though it was never much of a hunter.

Can anyone recommend a good book on training a pointing breed? On doing a quick search, I've notice there are quite a few options out there and many were printed a long time ago. I'd like to get a book where the author's techniques are highly respected by guys who hunt (I'll never trial the dog).

Thanks,

Mite · 06-09-2006, 08:24 AM

The Bill Tarrant/Delmar Smith method has been popular for ages.Alot of trainers use methods developed or based upon Smith's.Another book that is a quick read is Paul Long's book. It leaves alot out but you'll get the gist of birddog training. Good luck. You'll find that a well bred setter is fun to watch in the field. I remember my first setter. When she pointed, everyone was afraid of flushing the bird so everyone just stood around looking at each other. Then it was always up to me to take the cautious step by step. Fun times.

tailcrackin · 06-09-2006, 11:08 AM

The biggest thing that I can honestly say is to be patient, and sessions short, There are alot of tricks, to starting, and whole lot of simple stuff for the retrieve stuff to if need be. My phone, e-mail, and dooris always open, and we or I will help make you a mighty fine K9. THANKS, Jonesy
Dave Jones Jonesy's Gun Dogs, Berea, Ky
I train and or fix all breed bird dogs and retrievers. Cya, JONESY

Straightarrow · 06-09-2006, 01:11 PM

I've trained lots of dogs, just not lots of pointing bird dogs. The first several months, I planned to do light obedience training and try to expose the dog to all the birds I can. I doubt I would attemp any serious training until the dog is past the puppy stage - maybe a bit before a year old.

I want the books so I can be prepared in advance of what equipment I'll need and at what age I can expect them to perform a particular task.

Thanks,

tailcrackin · 06-09-2006, 02:27 PM

The dogs will tell you, books wont, books will give an idea of what to present next, but the dog will tell you if its ready for something new....to mix in with the old.

huntnma · 06-10-2006, 06:58 AM

cant wait for the pics

Straightarrow · 06-12-2006, 06:01 AM

Quote:

The dogs will tell you, books wont, books will give an idea of what to present next, but the dog will tell you if its ready for something new....to mix in with the old.

Books are good for giving guidelines. For instance, my pup can't tell me when the best time to introduce a pup to a "wing on a pole", or how long to play that game. Books written by professionals, can give guidelines that will enable a person to know what to look for before proceeding to the next step and what that step should be.

huntnma, I'll have to post a photo or two. It's a beautiful pup and shows a lot of promise already. I took it into the field after having it for only one day. It was confident, bold and active (maybe too active). It was unafraid to lose contact with me (not sure if that a good sign at 9 weeks of age). It's unafraid of loud noises, and is already using it's nose a lot. It seems to have a lot of traits that I would guess would make for a good bird dog.

The last setter pup I had was pretty mellow, even as a pup. This one is the most active, full of energy dog I have ever seen. I've owned more than 30 dogs, so that's saying a bit. Not exactly what I was expecting from a setter pup.