is it to late to train
 

I have always wanted a bird dog, so I finnaly got one (a Brittany) with every intention of having a new hunting buddy, shortly after getting her I was in an accident, the accident left me paralized.that was almost a year ago. my brit is now going on two and I have made a full 100% recovery. we started traing around 3 months old then i had the accident so unable to work with her she was now just my best friend and companion, well like i said I am 100% recoverd and i still want to start traing her again is it to late to start? she has great hunting lines, champion lines, pre pedigre. I really want to hunt with her what should I do? any info would be greatly appreciated.

RE: is it to late to train
 

No it is not too late but it will certainly be a different type of training-I have found with an older dog you generally have to break bad habits as a part of the process. This will require you to be very consistent in establishing the new behaviors you want to instill. I also have found that Graham is very helpful reading for getting help on this type of training.

Welcome back to the fold on being able to hunt-glad your recovery was complete.

RE: is it to late to train
 

it can be done,just a little harder and take more time.hope it works out for you.
You have already learned it takes time,so you know what it will take.

congrats. on getting back to 100%.glade you are back.

RE: is it to late to train
 

it's great you can get out again. your dog is fine. some trainers feel the "real" hunt training should not start until a pup is 1 year old. of course most say to get an early start but these are opinions, not fact. i have trained hunting dogs that are 1+ years old at starting. as long as the dog has the basic obedience training by then, it works out fine. the key will be to get the dogs on birds as soon as possible so it's brain can start the scent and "birdiness" program. it's breeding can than kick in and the dog should take to the training. i do think a dog needs to be on birds a good amount by the time it is in it's "teen" years (about 2).

so get out and use your legs and hunting buddy at some preseves and game farms this spring and summer. once the dog has gotten a good taste of the hunt, and the genetics kick in, you will be sarting with a pup that already has bonded with you and wants to please you. the kinks (bad habits) will appear as you train and you will spend plenty of time trying to work them out. but remeber, you have had some awesome bonding time with your dog.

one possible negative though. my dad was laid up similar to you for about 6-8 months after his pup was only a few months old. the pup laid in bed with him the entire time. they have since had a bond that can't be broken, period. the unfortunate side is that the dog never learned that my dad was the boss, not just a buddy. so the dog does not listen to him very well. in his situation, he was unable to discipline the pup, so she dosen't feel she need to listen to him now. and i did the training on the dog from start to finish. she obeys me in the field when the 2 of us hunt together. but as long as you have been giving your dogs the "good" and the "bad" dog commands, you should be fine.

remember, your dog wants to please you, and your dog wants to hunt. so get out there and enjoy it. you have had a year without, that means you need to do it 2x's as much this year!;)

RE: is it to late to train
 

well just to keep you fine people posted on me and corona,, we went out today to this plase that I know hold phesant's, well we get there and right off the bat she takes off so she gets about 100yrds away and we all know that is just to far,, she stops turns around runs back to me to make a long story short for the next five or so hours she stayed right around 30yrds in front of me, now keep in mind she hasent been in the field for over a year, and the training i did do with her she was only three months to about five month old when I was forced to not be able to work with her anylonger, ok so she sented a bird found it pointed and then held her spot till I got right next to her and then told her to find it and she flushed it like we've been doing it for years, she did that consistently on over fifteen birds, I was so proud today, and it makes me think that she was just waiting for the day when her and I would venture back into the field so she could show me that she never for got what we learned together as her master, friend,companion and teacher, I have finnaly realized that not only have I been teaching her but she has actualy been teaching me, I have always loved and respected my dog but today was the day she opened my eyes and i realize that she is and always be my best friend..

RE: is it to late to train
 

that is great!!!! glad to here it. now enjoy.:)

RE: is it to late to train
 

that's awesome. i am glad you made a recovery. i am a physical therapy student and i love to hear things like that!

RE: is it to late to train
 

Sounds great. My experience has been about the same as yours. I have taken several Britts that were house pets that were up to 4 years old and they have hunted well with a little effort and opportunity.

One thing I think you should do is don't ask the dog to flush the bird. She will decide she doesn't need to wait for you and will flush them herself. You should always walk in front on her points and flush the bird while she is steady on point.

Ezzy

RE: is it to late to train
 

That's what I like about brits, they can remember from one year to the other and at two she is just about ready to mature in a good hunter anyways.

Under a year you just make it hard on yourself and the dog if you overtrain them. They are puppies and supposed to have fun. From 1 -2 they start to be reliable and get serious.

Congratulations on a good hunting buddy. She is only going to get better.



Dot is 18 month old, was started by her old owner at 12 months old and hasn't received any training inbetween.

RE: is it to late to train
 

You could still pri train but it might me a little more challenging