Opinions On My Situation

[Blackbadger 0]

Hi im new to the forum and was wondering if anyone could give me some guidance on my situation with regards to a gun dog.

 

Ive have recently become a member of a local shoot since finally getting a gun of my own and have been beating for the past couple of years. I have been interested in getting a dog (to work) for some time now and an opportunity has come up and wondered what everyone thinks, whether a good idea or bad?

 

A family friend who has a 4 year old lab who is a pet but from what i have been told is keen and constantly looking for game, flushing birds and showing all good signs. Since i am unable to get a pup of my own due to work i have been offered to take the dog out as much as i like and train. Also they are more than happy for me to take the dog beating providing i train him.

 

However being new to gun dog training i wondered whether or not it is a good decision took take this offer on or am i wasting my time with regards to his age? I'd like to use the dog for flushing and retrieving in the beating line.

 

I have always owned terriers and am capable of basic training but with regards to gun dogs i am new to the subject, i have been doing research for some time and gathered books and info on the subject also talking to shoot members.

 

Any info would be very much appreciated,

 

Thanks

[greenshank1 407]

Hi Blackbadger

 

Your friends dog is worth a try. You have a few months till beating season so plenty time to check it out and see if it's trainable and suitable for joining the beating line.

 

Is the dog ok with gunshot ? And you will need to explain to your friend and the dogs owner what beating involves and that the dog could get injured during a days beating.

 

If it works ,You can get experience training a gundog , the dog gets additional exercise , training and work and your friends get their dog back happy and tired.

 

Let's us know how you get on.

[air gun ant 1,666]

Nothing to lose mate, if it doesnt work out just dont take it and let it carry on being a pet.

[Blackbadger 0]

Thanks for your input guys, much appreciated! Will keep you posted on how its goes.

[Lloyd90 509]

I'd ring about and buy something like a trialling reject or a part trained lab off someone who is over dogged , you'll have far enjoyment and a gradual learning curve as the dog will have all the basic done, that's what i'd do anyway, fours years is a long time to pick up bad habits and if it's not even got basic training it could be a problem, find out if it's gun shy, stock trained, sound around other dogs, good with kids/people all very important especially if you're going beating which is a fun day out for most.Atb whatever you do , Joe

 

Joe knows the score. Fella I had my lab pup off has a mint fully trained lab that was never going to win so sold it off for the price of a pup, If I'd have known I'd of waited about the extra few months lol!

 

Its a bloody pain and a huge annoyance spending hours teaching the dog something like steadiness or retrieving only for someone else to take em out and ruin all the hard work but letting the dog run wild! Trust me my family totally did my nut in and now I don't work my lab and springer cos they're not steady when needed.

 

The wankers ruined it for em as now they spend 99% of the time sat in the house and going on shite little walks with the family. This to them is fine but going out 2-3 times a day and spending rest of day in kennel is apparently cruel to be left on their own

Any dog I'd be spending hours training etc no other wanker be touching from now on!

 

And any dog can flush the odd bird out on a walk, its not having em fecking off after it into the next county that's the trick lol

[Blackbadger 0]

Thanks for the replies, i went to see the dog and it didnt turn out to be much cop, food driven and like some have said, the issue i can see is taking it out training and then being lost due to the owners ways. Especially when the recall is "whats this" and is presented with a treat for coming back.

 

I'll keep my eye out for anyone who has a part trained dog or needs a hand with being overdogged.

 

Thanks again for everyones input , much appreciated.

[sussex 5,777]

I'd ring about and buy something like a trialling reject or a part trained lab off someone who is over dogged , you'll have far enjoyment and a gradual learning curve as the dog will have all the basic done, that's what i'd do anyway, fours years is a long time to pick up bad habits and if it's not even got basic training it could be a problem, find out if it's gun shy, stock trained, sound around other dogs, good with kids/people all very important especially if you're going beating which is a fun day out for most.Atb whatever you do , Joe

Spot on ..plus to much beating can make hard work if you intend to shoot over your own dog ..

[greenshank1 407]

Thanks for the replies, i went to see the dog and it didnt turn out to be much cop, food driven and like some have said, the issue i can see is taking it out training and then being lost due to the owners ways. Especially when the recall is "whats this" and is presented with a treat for coming back.

I'll keep my eye out for anyone who has a part trained dog or needs a hand with being overdogged.

Thanks again for everyones input , much appreciated.

Good call mate , take your time you don't need to rush in . Speak to the other beaters and pickers up and the keeper on your local shoot and explain your situation and what you are looking for and something suitable will turn up.

Check out UK gun dog site as it has pups and trained dogs for sale as well as contact details of breeders and trainers.