Dog Training - Tips for Selecting Game Dogs...

Proper training begins even before the pup is born. While it's not always possible to buy a pup from champions, selecting the right breed and temperament is imperative.

Selecting a pup starts with choosing the dam and sire, whenever you can. The pup's parents ought be energetic, wide awake and open to training and preferably gaming dogs themselves.

But even the best of parents have offspring that differ in personality. Some pups just don't possess the attentiveness or attitude to be working dogs. No amount of training can triumph over that obstacle.

You'll also want to zero in on what you propose to use the dog for. Flushing dogs continue close to the hunter, commonly within a few dozen yards. Spaniels are usually seen in this role.

Pointing dogs take on the mission of finding birds, then holding a point until the hunter catches up to flush them. Most pointers will also be trained to retrieve downed birds.

True retrievers discover downed birds and, as the name suggests, retrieve them. Occasionally that entails moving through thick, tall brush. At other times, your canine partner will swim out in water you would find too cold and fetch a bird.

When you've found a pup from a breed that fits the bill, it will take some months to judge whether it can be thoroughly trained. Intelligence and a eagerness to learn are imperative, but they're not enough. It should also be capable to take instructions and not become side tracked easily. Most puppies are active and easily distracted at first. It will take time to find out whether that energy can be directed to accommodate your goals.

When you've determined you have a good candidate - healthy, good staying power, responsive to commands, keen to please - real training can commence.

The elementary commands taught to any dog are done first, of course. They'll all be necessary out in the brush or woods, just as they are at home. Sit (or hup), stay, leave it, drop, down and a number of specific behaviors will all be used.

Supplementary to those elementary tasks, a pointer will need to be taught self-restraint. It should locate and point, not flush game early. A retriever should locate, retrieve and then release the game. Those that insist on retaining game, or put up a fight, flunk the test.

Training will have to be carried out for at least an hour every day, usually two in separate one-hour sessions.

For those who haven't the time, know-how or interest 'started' dogs can be purchased, but at a cost. A 'started' dog is one bought slightly older and already trained up to a point.

What point that is will vary extensively. Don't be shy about asking for details of the training regimen. 'Started' dogs cost two or three times what's already a more costly pup, $2,000 is not uncommon. You want to make certain you're getting your money's worth.

In either case, you'll need to carry on a patient, time-consuming training routine if you want the dog to serve its intended objective.

back to Dog Training Obedience