Training Books / Material Advice
Hi everyone
Well it has been a tough start to 2021. Christmas Eve we found a tumour under the tongue of Murphy our springer/lab cross. We attempted everything we could but there was no way to save him and he quickly went from a specimen to gone within two months (feb 24). The void in the family (and the house) is huge.
All of that said we are talking about what comes next and really want to start off right with a versatile hunting companion and family member when we do decide it's time. So I am hoping to get a bit of help from the community here...can you recommend books or videos to read around starting out right for a hunting dog?
We are debating a Drahthaar vs lab vs Britt vs.... so happily take thoughts on this as well.
If nothing else maybe a bit of research and memories will ease the pain as well.
Look forward to anything you have to offer...thanks in advance for the advice
Re: Training Books / Material Advice
You might want to add wirehaired pointing griffons (griffs) and Pudelpointers to your list as good examples of versatile dogs. I had a couple of britts before and they were both excellent upland bids, especially pheasants, but they don't make as good a waterfowl dog as any of the others mentioned because they don't handle icy cold water in the extreme temperatures of winter very well ,,,,especially if there are long waits in between flights of ducks.
The others like the DDs, WPGs, GWPs, and Pudelpointers do because they have a double coat. They still need to wear a neoprene jacket but they are all willing to break ice when sent on their retrieves. All of these dogs track fur (lost deer, etc.) very well, too, and love to hunt sheds if you're in to that sort of activity.
If you decide on a versatile as opposed to a lab an excellent DVD series, while pricy, is Jon Hann's Perfect Start to Finish series.
Re: Training Books / Material Advice
Sound Beginnings by Jackie Mertens is a good starting DVD for a pup.
For the hunter both Chris Akins (Duck Dogs) and Rick Stawski (Fowl Dawgs) have series of training DVDs taking you from basics thru to advanced skills depending on how far you want to take your training.
Re: Training Books / Material Advice
I second looking into griffons and PP. I can attest that Griffs make fantastic family dogs as well.
if your into podcast at all the “Gundog it yourself” is a good one as well as the “the hunting dog podcast” by Ron boehme is a great one he also is starting a upland institute courses.
Re: Training Books / Material Advice
Sorry for your loss bennya. We are going through the same crisis right now. Lost Timber on Tuesday to Hemangiosarcoma.
We will not even consider another breed. Our next pup must be another Drahthaar. Once you have one... you will know why.
Re: Training Books / Material Advice
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bennya
Hi everyone
Well it has been a tough start to 2021. Christmas Eve we found a tumour under the tongue of Murphy our springer/lab cross. We attempted everything we could but there was no way to save him and he quickly went from a specimen to gone within two months (feb 24). The void in the family (and the house) is huge.
All of that said we are talking about what comes next and really want to start off right with a versatile hunting companion and family member when we do decide it's time. So I am hoping to get a bit of help from the community here...can you recommend books or videos to read around starting out right for a hunting dog?
We are debating a Drahthaar vs lab vs Britt vs.... so happily take thoughts on this as well.
If nothing else maybe a bit of research and memories will ease the pain as well.
Look forward to anything you have to offer...thanks in advance for the advice
NAVHDA is the testing organization for versatile hunting dogs in North America. Note that this doesn't include dogs in the European testing system. Nor does it include Labs or any other flushing dog breeds.
But, you can search and compare the test results of all ckc/akc versatile breeds tested within a specified time period. If you are a member you will receive their newsletter with annual summaries of test results for each breed.
Check it out here
https://www.navhda.org/search-test-results/
Re: Training Books / Material Advice
If you are thinking of getting a Deutsch Drahthaar you might want to join DD WV Canada.If you are a member we will help you train your dog and arrange training days.
Rainer
Re: Training Books / Material Advice
Labs are the most versatile dogs on the planet and have over a 100 years of breeding desirable traits behind them and are also fairly affordable. Im sorry to hear about the loss of your dog and hope you find a good new one!.
As far getting started with education, Join a local retriever club. There is nothing like hands on info from people who have been doing it for decades and train competitively. Bill Hillmans training a retriever puppy is a good place to start for info.
Re: Training Books / Material Advice
Quote:
Originally Posted by
lorneparker1
Labs are the most versatile dogs on the planet and have over a 100 years of breeding desirable traits behind them and are also fairly affordable. Im sorry to hear about the loss of your dog and hope you find a good new one!.
As far getting started with education, Join a local retriever club. There is nothing like hands on info from people who have been doing it for decades and train competitively. Bill Hillmans training a retriever puppy is a good place to start for info.
My daughter and her family just picked up their chocolate lab puppy this morning. To get one with a strong hunting background and the size they wanted they've been on a breeder's waiting list since last July. Named her "Skeena". Let the fun begin!
Re: Training Books / Material Advice
Thanks everyone! Really appreciate the support.