I would have to wholeheartedly disagree with the comment that no good bird dog has come from a shelter. Mine was a shelter dog originally. He came from a breeder and was sold to an older man who had to give him up because he was "too hyper". I got him and had some problems for the first few months. He was completely timid and wouldn't train well nor show any signs of bird interest. I had a problem on my hands, as he was also gunshy, to an extreme. I had a problem house training him and hated the dog for the first 4 months to tell you the truth.

After the first 6 months, he overcame his problems. Through time and effort, he is now an aggressive, born hunter, who points well, stays close(for the most part), and is not gunshy in the least. He is housetrained extremely well and can stay indoors for up to 12 hours by himself without a problem. Most importantly, however, he knows me as his best friend and lives and breathes for me. This is true because he knows that I saved him and that I'm his one true friend.

Iknow that dogs hold those who treat them well in highest esteem. If you take a dog from a shelter and give him a home, a new life, and put the effort into his delicate training, I believe any dog can come out of their shell and be a hunter.

I was told by a dog trainer that my dog couldn't be trained. He was petrified of every noise, wouldn't eat, and you could see all his ribs. I am happy to have proved her wrong and accomplished a real challenge. Furthermore, I feel my dog is a better dog because of his past. He is still timid around certain people but is not fearful, so to speak. I would call it cautious. He will allow anyone to touch him with absolutely no problem(even 2 year olds). I think that his nature is more perfect that way than if he simply showed eagerness towards everything.

Shelter dogs simply take time. They are not lost causes!!!