02/21/2021
Amen!
Don't Spoil You Bird Dog????
If I heard it once, I heard it a hundred times..."Don’t spoil your bird dog, or it won’t hunt for you."
A good, well-bred hunting dog can sit on the couch and watch T.V. with you, then go out and wholeheartedly hunt grouse, woodcock, pheasant, quail, etc. the next morning without missing a beat. The switch that is flipped from couch potato to bird hunter is a fast-acting one! While there can be disagreements on these points, I’ve certainly seen my share of bird dogs that live in a house and hunt just as hard as any kennel dog. That’s not to say that there aren’t some bird dogs that make better kennel dogs than house dogs. But I think it’s largely a matter of the individual dog’s personality.
Ruining your hunting companion is simply by doing nothing!!!
When dogs are young, they learn quickly and soak up lots of information about the world in which they live. The only way you can spoil a dog is to not be consistant in your commands and training. It is important that your hunting partner listens and is obedient both in the home and outside the home.
Traditional hunting breeds can also make great family dogs, because they tend to be intelligent, sociable, and loyal. The payoff is a bond that makes the dogs want to perform even better for us than if we didn’t spend that time together. They live to please. They can have fun with someone, take treats from someone, but the person that trains the dog and commands his respect, will also command most of his love, affection, and loyalty. Canines thrive on structure and consistency. Let's not forget that 90% of that dogs life isn't hunting and should be spent as a companion and live as part of the family. So whether you have a bird dog, a pedigreed dog, or a mutt, remember.... they all WANT and NEED your LOVE.
Share your thoughts?
