can any breed of dog be trained to become a gun dog

[russ91]

well as the title says

[dustyfox]

A ****zsu is good for picking up

 

Can Most dogs be trained to be a gun dog?

 

Do you mean.

[russ91]

ye thats what i mean

[Quist]

Most dogs can be trained but some are easier to train than others and can be taken to a higher standard.

The best Labs can be trained up to Guide dogs and Labs and Sheepdogs can be awesome but if you are thinking of training a chihauhau to flush birds or retrieve, it might be easier and less painful to just beat your head against the wall

[russ91]

right chears mate

[tiercel]

Russ,

 

That is a very good question.

All dogs are descended from the Wolf, so we are led to believe. If we accept that? Then it follows, that all dogs have hunting genes that may be dormant within the dog, but are there non-the less.

 

Dogs have been around humans in one shape of from since humans have been on the earth. It has been an alliance that so far has benefited man the most. Man by selective breeding has given us the variety of dogs that is available today. From the minute chihauhau, (SP) to the majestic Great Dane they all share a common ancestry.

 

The first hunting dog that I owned was a Boxer, no finesse just an out and out killer. She killed a fox at 6 months old and never looked back. If she raised a rabbit, basically it was dead, either it would go to ground and be ferreted or she would run it till she caught it. But the hunting instinct was brought out in her. ( to be honest today I would have shot her, as nothing was safe from her cattle , Sheep, Horses even, she would have a go at them all) a total liability. But to a 13-year-old boy a great dog with a "bit of a problem".

 

So I think that the answer to you question is NO.... most dogs will hunt but a lot do not have the ability to be trained as gun dogs. There are a number of reasons why but mostly it is because the dog has been bred for a specific purpose and that purpose does not include being a gundog.

 

TC

[bob300w]

Russ,

 

That is a very good question.

All dogs are descended from the Wolf, so we are led to believe. If we accept that? Then it follows, that all dogs have hunting genes that may be dormant within the dog, but are there non-the less.

 

Dogs have been around humans in one shape of from since humans have been on the earth. It has been an alliance that so far has benefited man the most. Man by selective breeding has given us the variety of dogs that is available today. From the minute chihauhau, (SP) to the majestic Great Dane they all share a common ancestry.

 

The first hunting dog that I owned was a Boxer, no finesse just an out and out killer. She killed a fox at 6 months old and never looked back. If she raised a rabbit, basically it was dead, either it would go to ground and be ferreted or she would run it till she caught it. But the hunting instinct was brought out in her. ( to be honest today I would have shot her, as nothing was safe from her cattle , Sheep, Horses even, she would have a go at them all) a total liability. But to a 13-year-old boy a great dog with a "bit of a problem".

 

So I think that the answer to you question is NO.... most dogs will hunt but a lot do not have the ability to be trained as gun dogs. There are a number of reasons why but mostly it is because the dog has been bred for a specific purpose and that purpose does not include being a gundog.

 

TC

[lurcherboy]

As much as it pains me, he speaks the truth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LB

[casts_by_fly]

as above, with the caveat that each dog is an individual. There will always be an exception to the rule and you'll find a doberman or boxer that is very game-y. Probably at the same rate of occurance you'll find a working line cocker or lab that doesn't hunt. However, even if that lab doesn't have a nose for game it will still be a lab which most of the time means it will be very bidable and willing to please. Any dog that is willing to please can be trained to do a job.

 

Thanks,

Rick