Browning Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 I have a 7 month old GSP dog who's coming on well....so far. He's very steady to voice/hand/whistle, I've introduced him to the dummy and he'll pick up and bring it to hand sometimes, usually the first and second time I send him for it (I'm currently only sending him a max of 10 yards) but then seems to lose interest. He'll sit and stay OK, and when I send him off he'll go to the dummy, sniff at it and then come back to me without it. So at the moment I'm just letting him do one or two retrieves and then putting the dummy away and moving on. Has anyone had this problem with a pup and does anyone have any advice on how to encourage him to pick up more than just the once or twice ? (This has been going on for about 2 weeks now). Any help genuinely appreciated. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiercel Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 At that age the maximum amount of retrives i would give the dog is 2 its better to do 2 well. The reason the dog is not picking the dummy up is that at the moment its all a game and he is getting bored. Stick at 2 for the next couple of months and the dog will tell you when he wants to progress. This is just my opinion but NTTF our resident unpaid dog adviser and canine agony aunt will tell you the best way to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Browning Posted February 3, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 Thanks for that Tiercel, I appreciate your advice and I'll certainly follow it and stick to 2 retrieves for the next couple of months. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new to the flock Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 I agree with TC it is best to do 2 well, instead of more poorly. I also agree that if you are doing formal retrieves keep it to 2. If he will retrieve a bumper or ball while out for a walk in the field, than toss one or two every 10 to 15 minutes in a fun manner. This means no waiting for the bumper to land before chasing it, no sitting him before throwing the bumper, just plain fun...chase the bumper pick it up and bring it back. This brings another point to mind. When he picks it up and has started to bring it back do not just stand there, jog backwards telling him hes a good boy this will help to build drive into his retrieves. Praise plays a very important part in the developement of a young pointer. They are very people orientated, and can be set back if you use a harsh or stern voice, so remember to keep things upbeat and above all FUN. BY the way very nice looking pup...reminds me of one that past away 4 years ago, Misty Hollows Dry Powder.. call name Prince...hunted over him till he was in his 12th year, A very good dog that never retrieved till he was 18 months. Remember Keep it FUN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Browning Posted February 4, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 Thanks for your advice NTTF, I will certainly take it and ease up on his retrieves. I'm glad you like him, he took a lot of finding ! Although this is my third pointer, he's the first one that I've brought on totally on my own, with a view to hunting with him, so any advice is appreciated. Do you have a view on an age to start steadying to gunshot ? Luckily around here is all arable land and there are loads of gas guns around, so he's more or less exposed to those all the time, although they are always at least 1 field away. He shows no fear or surprise at all when he's being excercised with the bird scarers around. All the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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