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mike hunter
 Dec 8, 07 - 4:31 PM |
starting older dogs
I have an 18 month old ep. When he was 4 to 6 months I was able to work with him and he did well, but I haven't been able to work with him since. Now my work has slowed and am able to resume. When we go out he runs through his birds like he's not using his nose. I don't have releasers so I've been using carded pigeons. When he puts them in the air I pop the cord and stop him. My question is will he start using his nose like he used to? Can he make up the lost time? He has a lot of elhew in his pedigree, and a lot of desire. Thanks Mike |
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Brad Higgins
Dec 9th, 2007 - 9:53 PM |
Re: starting older dogs
Hello Mike. Sounds like a nice pup. I have some questions. When he was a pup, was he allowed to bump and chase birds? Was he allowed to catch any? Are your using good, wild acting pigeons that flush when pressured by the dog? When working the pigeons, are they flushing naturally before he gets to them or are you slowing him down, restraining him with the checkcord? When working carded pigeons, are you taking him in where he can scent or see the pigeons or are you doing more "stop-to-flush" training? When I'm working a young pup, the first thing I want him to know is that he has power over the bird. That's why we start out by letting young pups bump and chase, even catch a couple of birds. Then, we're ready to start steadying them using carded pigeons or releasers. While we're working them on carded pigeons or releasers we teach them a stand command. From reading your post, it sounds like you may be doing too many pointing drills. The secret to carded pigeons or releasers is to do two or three (or more) stop-to-flushes for every bird you let your dog scent. It sounds simple but it really gets them understanding to be careful around birds. Here is how we start. We release a pigeon and work it from upwind, no scent. I like the cover to be just high enough so the dog can't see the pigeon. When the pigeon flushes, we simply stop the dog (stop-to-flush). If he scents a bird, we don't slow him down or stop him before the bird flushes. The bird flushing, and at the same time, being stopped by the checkcord are his cue to stand. He is familiar with this because you have been practicing his stand command between carded pigeons. Won't take but a few birds and he'll be pointing with style. As far as making up for lost time, don't worry. I've seen dogs that were put up for a couple of years that turned out just fine. Keep in mind why a dog points. It's the pause before the pounce. All you need to do with your pup is give him a reason to point again. Brad Higgins |
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