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Old 09-03-2008 | 02:33 PM
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mustad
Typical Buck
 
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: New England
Default RE: New Puppy and first time trainer

The first thing I would try to do, given that she comes from such a mix, is to determine whether she points or not. A GSP is a pointing dog while a true lab is a flushing dog. Depending on what instinct your pup has will determine how you will hunt upland game with her. Either way, you will still be able to hunt rabbits with her. It probably won't be as efficient as a team of beagles, but you'll still have fun.

If she points, join a NAVHDA chapter. You won't be able to test her as she's a mix, but it doesn't seem like that would be a priority for you. However, by joining a chapter, you will be able to get some very good advice for training; take part in training days where you will see other people doing the same things you are trying to to; and probably make some friends.

If she doesn't point, there are a ton of books and videos and clubs that you could take part in.

When she gets about 6 months, I would buy Smartfetch by Evan Graham (I think that's his name... doce would know for sure). It is a good step by step into the elements of obedience needed as well as force fetching the dog. This will be vital if you're going to hunt waterfowl.

Good luck and good looking pup. You may have a new breed in your hands called the Flushing German Shorthair Pointer. I wonder if this is one of those "other" pups from a litter of pointing labs.
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