Good enough to start picking up?

[Longy0710]

I have a dog out on its first season this year and due to one thing and another she is my only dog picking up. She is 18months and well trained. As said above, dont send your dog for retreives that can be hand picked (this helps instill steadiness). I pick up 1-2 days per week and then make sure I concentrate heavily on steadiness and handling drills during the week. I have no problems sending her for runners but I have a lot of trust in this dog (plus im there to do a job!). Just make sure the keeper knows your limitations as not all would want to see you passing up runners as after all thats the main job for a picker up.

 

Just my 2p worth. Adding a spaniel to my team next week. Abit wild to be shot over but will be perfect for "raking" whilst i use my lab for the longer more difficult birds. Thats the plan anyway.

 

Longy

Edited November 22, 2013 by Longy0710

[chris o]

The main thing you must make sure is your dog stops and sits on the whistle everytime with out fault and follows hand signals and is not afraid to pick feather and bring it to hand dont worry if it doesnt sit when delivering the bird to you and most importantly remember to give plenty of praise and encouragment.

But only send the dog on to some easy retrieves first let it get some confidence before sending it into any cover for downd birds.

And dont worry what others think most people on a shoot are rather understanding and will more often if your struggling help or give you advice.

[rossymcg]

I have one that always has the lead on during the drives otherwise she'd be off, it is also the same one send for the long way back runners and it is the one that never comes back with nothing, unless there is nothing left to come back with.

my mate has a bitch like this. he'll send her out and she doesnt come back unless she has something. works her little heart out but always chomping at the bit