07/05/2026
Pointers = Bird dogs.
They love to hunt, point, flush and retrieve game.
If a dog is gentically bred for something ie: hunting game, then walking past these and not wanting to chase them is super hard for them.
Some dogs have a higher prey drive than others. But believe me, Thor has a high prey drive, for Birds in particular.
I have no doubt in my mind - if he was off a lead he would not have chased them. Yes he stopped and looked at them, but he had great control, was still engaged with me and didnt pull towards them.
Theres a huge difference between looking and being alert to looking at something and wanting to run off and chase.
If your dog is pulling to get to them on a lead, then they should not be off a lead as its pretty guaranteed they will chase if they are off a lead.
If your dog is pulling to get to something whilst on a lead they arent ready to be off a lead as chances are they arent going to listen to you and will instantly go in to chase mode when they see something of interest.
Ps. Thor had to be on a lead as we were on the golf course and its their rule for dogs to be on a lead.
If you need any help - give me a shout 🥰