A setter is a versatile dog.. When you are ready AR, come out to ludington and we can shoot ducks! PS.. I have retrievers! (not the pointing kind) !!

If a setter is a versatile dog then I wish someone told my dog about it. Sit quietly in a blind? Perhaps with drugs. Blood track a deer? Maybe if you tied a cookie to it. Retrieve? She'd look at me like, "you want me to put that in my mouth?!"

Ha that's funny!

Mite - That was your job. 75% of the setters tested last year in NAVHDA Prized in either NA or UT and even one passed the Invitational. The guy who passed his dog is a friend of mine. He took two dogs (both Setters) to the Invitational. One had to be pulled from the test for health reasons and the other one passed.

Bottom line, NAVHDA would be an excellent resource for the guy asking this question for training support.

It is noted in the early Irish setters to be natural retrievers in the field as well as waterfowling. Though I do not waterfowl hunt mine will retrieve naturally but doesn't carry the birds in the usual manner.
I have no idea on how to force fetch so I have no reseason to learn with natural retrieving skills of it's own. I have thrown sticks out in the water for it to retrieve though. I also see that if you run your dog fairly hard it will sit still for you. Once learned of waterfowling I think it would do OK in the blind as well.

And I strongly agree with mustad also as I have (with the help of chapters) trained many of my own dogs. Right now have a 3 yr old to which I let mature and is now ready. While I mainly trained basic obedience for the past 3 yrs and yes did hunt her - she has progressed to a maturity level I felt she was ready for some more intense training.

I after all am just a hunter who requires good manners from my dogs. Could care less about titles or other doggy games.

In the matter of 3 weeks we havewell on her way withher steadiness program, (Steady to flush, wing, shot and fall) got a good handle on her duck search capabilites as she is expanding each time sent and is now trained to deliver anything to hand quietly with confidence and enthusiasim.

JW

AR 34 eight point,
I don't even know of a trainer that uses such tactics, even the worst in our community has more sense than that. Dog Training is not rocket-science although, it does require dedication and common sense. I would help but, I am an ass (remember)
Good Luck

Ludington.... I may do that... My plans for opener are to be in Oscoda with my son. Thats not too far from there.

I see you agree with me..
I expected your rude reply, I can not see how your words would help anyone on the board. You prove every post how much of a jerk you are to anyone that has an opinion. I am sure if you agree with someone you would post negitivly because you did not post first.
I have not read one post from you where you explained anything, Only belittling others opinions.

I wont go any farther with this, I will skip all your posts. You know what I think of you.

Sorry fellas, I am new to this forum..

One a good note, after 6 days of this training, in my yard, in town, she is picking up the burlap bumper with the wings and bringing back to hand... the past 5 days all she wanted to do was lick the thing. I am going out Tues. to get here on more live birds. I was concerned when she would not pick up the wings, but would all the other things I threw. I have 3/4 of an acre and within 30 sec. she is finding the bumper anywhere in the yard. She is excited when I kennel her now, she knows she is going out to find the bird. She runs the yard like she should looking for the bird. After 6 days I think she is improving more than the last 7 month I have had her. I feel the live birds will be the thing that keeps her interested. I know she has it in her, I just need to make it happen..

I have read the 10 min. training book cover to cover and quite a few videos, I always feel that I missed a lot of opportunity not having her the first 5 months. With a little help and guidence, I feel this is going well.

My Setter is laid back... I think I will have a hard time keeping here awake in the blind!!