Training Books / Material Advice

[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

[mastercaster]

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.

[Dakota Creek]

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.

[HMR]

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.

[elch jager]

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.

[huntingfamily]

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/

[jagen mit DDrs]

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

[Shashlik]

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

Hi, I just got 9 weeks old DD pup and would like to get help training this little guy. When you say to join DD WV Canada and you would be able to help, how exactly would this work? I couldn't find any local groups or clubs. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Alex

[huntingfamily]

Hi, I just got 9 weeks old DD pup and would like to get help training this little guy. When you say to join DD WV Canada and you would be able to help, how exactly would this work? I couldn't find any local groups or clubs. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Alex

Here you go Alex,
https://www.ddcanada.ca/why-join
Welcome aboard!

[phearless]

Hello Shashlik.
DD WV Canada puts training days together.
I am in Merritt and have traveled to Valemount for training.
Everyone involved wants you and your dog to be successful and bring out all of your dogs potential.
I have made friends who know things I dont and vice versa. Through phone calls and various messaging platforms we have helped each other through training areas we have had issues with.

www.vdd-canada.ca

Fred