Bird dogs

[Montana'eer]

I love being involved with NAVHDA- you get exposure to all kinds of cool breeds. Münsterländers, braque du bourbonnais, grifs, wirehairs man I can't name them all. Each breed has their unique characteristics. I visited with Bridget (the Viszla gal/trainer) opening week- we were camped at the hot springs across from her house. She loves Viszla's only because she rescued one and that got her into hunting and training. She also has a few GSP's..

We shared our notes and thoughts on different breeds- and her opinions were pretty insightful. We're thinking about getting another dog as my two older GSP's are going to need to slow down a bit. Not sure which breed yet- I may actually get a Boynkin Spaniel for close and thick work.

Ah decisions, decisions..

 

[dciron]

I love being involved with NAVHDA- you get exposure to all kinds of cool breeds. Münsterländers, braque du bourbonnais, grifs, wirehairs man I can't name them all. Each breed has their unique characteristics. I visited with Bridget (the Viszla gal/trainer) opening week- we were camped at the hot springs across from her house. She loves Viszla's only because she rescued one and that got her into hunting and training. She also has a few GSP's..

We shared our notes and thoughts on different breeds- and her opinions were pretty insightful. We're thinking about getting another dog as my two older GSP's are going to need to slow down a bit. Not sure which breed yet- I may actually get a Boynkin Spaniel for close and thick work.

Ah decisions, decisions..

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

 

[wasskeet]

Great to see and hear about some of the lesser known breeds. Most around here have English pointers, setters or Labradors.

 

[idcwby]

Got out on the last day and had some success.

 

[macdad]

We guys iam still waiting on my pup. The week I was suppose to go puck up the breeder called and sent pictures of exray the pup got his foot hung up in the kennel and broke his leg. So she gave me a fist pick of the litter on an litter being born in February and hopefully pick up in April. Should be different color pups but still an field bred english cocker spaniel.

 

[MTGunner]

Long time Labrador hunter. Currently have a 6 year old female lab that weighs in at below 50#. She comes from hunting stock, not show stock. Best upland bird dog that has ever owned me. She started pointing at around 2 years old having been exposed to other pointing dogs. We spend our winters in SW New Mexico and hunt desert quail from Dec. to mid Feb. My little girl has accounted for numerous quail hunt these past 6 years. She is called upon by other hunting friends to retrieve downed birds due to her never quit attitude. She is hands down the best upland dog. Have ever had.

 

[dciron]

Long time Labrador hunter. Currently have a 6 year old female lab that weighs in at below 50#. She comes from hunting stock, not show stock. Best upland bird dog that has ever owned me. She started pointing at around 2 years old having been exposed to other pointing dogs. We spend our winters in SW New Mexico and hunt desert quail from Dec. to mid Feb. My little girl has accounted for numerous quail hunt these past 6 years. She is called upon by other hunting friends to retrieve downed birds due to her never quit attitude. She is hands down the best upland dog. Have ever had.

We had a very similar experience with a hunting lab. Great drive, she was relentless, and fantastic off switch around the house. I have always wanted a pointing breed and the Pudelpointer seems to be "lab like" when it comes to the off switch and that little bit of goofiness. I am still holding out on a PP at this point.

 

[Montana'eer]

My GSP's have off switches in the house (unless I rile them). As soon as they go out it's like pulling a cord- GONE!

 

[Country Bumpkin]

We had a very similar experience with a hunting lab. Great drive, she was relentless, and fantastic off switch around the house. I have always wanted a pointing breed and the Pudelpointer seems to be "lab like" when it comes to the off switch and that little bit of goofiness. I am still holding out on a PP at this point.

I know we have talked about it a little, but If you stay in front of Bob with Cedarwood, you can get yourself to the TOP of his list in short order.

 

[dciron]

MTGunner you really made me think things over. So I reached out to Shawn Dustin @ Dustin Retrievers, who we got our last Lab pup from, and as luck would have it he had two pups that people with deposits backed out on, so I am getting a another lab. Our last girl was so great as a hunter and family dog why not get another. So thank you for taking the time to write about your lab. I am hoping to pick my new guy up this weekend.

 

[MTGunner]

dciron, with hope your new lab pup will be a great overall hunter. You are correct about them having an off switch. When I put the hunting collar on her she has that over whelming desire to hunt. At home you hardly know she is around. Very docile, calm and loving. She does get excited to go in the car, but once in the back seat she lays down and again very quiet and calm.
I am far from what one would claim to be a dog trainer albeit I have had many hunting dogs. My method is bonding, spend lots of days afield, play lots of hunting games to affirm their confidence. Belle started pointing on her own. When she began to honor other points I was truly astounded. Chalk this up to just being a good lab.
Good luck and enjoy your new puppy. MTG

 

[Montana'eer]

My son home from school for Christmas break-

When hunting the truck camper was their kennel, lol.

 

[MTGunner]

I love it. They are family. MTG

 

[dciron]

dciron, with hope your new lab pup will be a great overall hunter. You are correct about them having an off switch. When I put the hunting collar on her she has that over whelming desire to hunt. At home you hardly know she is around. Very docile, calm and loving. She does get excited to go in the car, but once in the back seat she lays down and again very quiet and calm.
I am far from what one would claim to be a dog trainer albeit I have had many hunting dogs. My method is bonding, spend lots of days afield, play lots of hunting games to affirm their confidence. Belle started pointing on her own. When she began to honor other points I was truly astounded. Chalk this up to just being a good lab.
Good luck and enjoy your new puppy. MTG

MTG Thank you for the well wishes, the commentary, and the pictures. I was scheduled to drive to Montana tonight to pick up the pup on Sat but the snow keeps piling up this weekend so I am having to hold off until next weekend. I am looking forward to getting him here.