Thoughts on Training Dogs

Sammy helping a friend enjoy a cold one
Sammy helping a friend enjoy a cold one

I think we  all can agree that dogs are Man’s best friend.For those of us that spend a a lot of time with working dogs this unique  relationship between man and beast holds true.They sense your mood and when push comes to shove they  are quick to perform.In a weird sense they become an extension of you.Dogs are smarter than most people think,sure they can’t do math but they are exteremly intuitive, they can pick up on a person’s “vibe” and either establish a relationship or stay away ,for dogs it all about feeling safe.I once guided a hunter in Saskatchewan that my Dogs did not like and either did I for that matter.I had Roxy on the ground who back in the day was an excellent Bird Dog,she would go on point wait for the client  asshole to get close then bump the birds,the hunter became angry, of course she kept it up.It did not register with him what was going on but it did with me as Roxy worked hard for everyone and everyone enjoyed her fun loving personality ..this guy didn’t,he refused to interact with the pack and paid the price.

Tish and Martha doing some hilltop chilling with clients.
Tish and Martha doing some hilltop chilling with clients.

Over the course of time I have mellowed out on my training,yes I want the dog to be obedient,I also understand that the dog needs to respect you as the pack leader this is done by gaining the trust of a dog not by beating the crap out of it.Rewarding the dog for doing thing right is the key and if you are not getting your point across to a dog then start over and try a more relaxed approach.

Tank a Brittany Puppy is a retrieving fool -playing a fun game of fetch with young dogs  goes a long way.
Tank a Brittany Puppy is a retrieving fool – proof that playing a fun game of fetch with young dogs goes a long way.

I think for to many people forget that a Dog’s purpose in life is to please it’s owner,if a dog is doing something wrong in the field usually it is because it does not know what the owner wants,not because it wants to purposly run around and screw up.

Loulou and Dixie chilling by the truck
Loulou and Dixie cooling down  by the truck

Every Dog is different,just because Spike was pointing Birds at 3 months does not mean Rover is going to be the same,so  be patient repetition and exposure are the key.

Dixie
Dixie waiting her turn.

 

Spot and Dixie -Pointing a Covey of Mearns Quail.
Spot and Dixie -Pointing a Covey of Mearns Quail.

I often run young dogs with my older dogs, as the young dogs  learns from the older Dog’s behavour.I often do this even when guiding I just keep to young dog or puppy on a check cord  so they get lots of backing practice and when they do find birds they are under control.

Squeaky  a female Brittany Puppy and her mother Lucy tag team on a covey of Gambels Quail
Squeaky a female Brittany Puppy and her mother Lucy tag team on a covey of Gambels Quail

My Labrador  Josie is proof that taking a mellow approach and some time  is key.We knew she had the correct breeding for what I needed but despite her  being wired “Hot” she is a soft dog and very excited to be  out in the field.At first I could not get on the same page as her,then over time I was able  to channel her energy into  what I wanted  things changed and she has proven to be a more than welcome addition to our string.

Josie retrieves a Mallard
Josie our Black Lab retrieves a Mallard

The morrow of the story is to take your time,and let your dog develop at it’s own pace you will have a better dog because of it.