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Old 10-02-2004 | 03:36 PM
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Jackson_q
Spike
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 73
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From: Scranton PA USA
Default RE: training a pup/bloodtrailing/seperation anx

You've got quite a bit going on there.First thing is take one step at a time.

The anxiety is something you'll probably have to deal with.I have a 5 yr old Pointer that has it rather bad.Hes not that upset when we leave,hes crated in the house,but when we come home WOW, soon as we pull up you can hear him howling as if someone lit his tail on fire.If its extreme to the point you think it needs medication,theres stuff out there that will help sedate him,but I'd avoid it unless it was extreme and consult your vet.

As for you hunting.Again 1 step at a time.Have you tested the dogs pointing instinct?.This can be easily done by just tying a wing to a string and the other end of the string to a old fishing pole or long stick.Just flip the wing in front of the dog until it starts to stop and point it.Then you move onto 'live' birds.

Fecthing I like to start in a controlled area,like a hallway.Toss your fetch toy or dummie and while the dogs going for it take a few short steps towards the dog,this puts you infront of the dog when he turns around so theres no escape and he has no choice but to give it up.

Bloodtrialing for deer is something I dont have any experience with so I'm sorry I have no insight there.

Keep in mind you want to work at one phase of training at a time,dont mix it up,stay with 1 phase until the dog has learned it well enough before you move onto the next phase.Also pups have a short attention span so training drills should be kept short,10-15 min once or twice a day is fine and stop once the dog shows its getting bored and always end on a positive note and remember Praise is extremely important for a job well done.

I can help more indepth with bird work and fetching drills but suggest looking into a NAVHDA club if you have one nearby.These are great clubs that train on a regular basis with experienced dog owners and trainers and cover all aspects of trainging a versatile dog..Good luck,If you'd like me to go into more details on birdwork,fieldwork and general birdhunting I'd be glad to answer any questions you have.Take care,Jackson..
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