A different stupid question

[sgt.maj]

I am also new to hunting and will be new to owning a hunting dog. I grew up with dogs, my first being a golden retriever so am familiar with actually having one as a pet. But I would like to find out what the best dog for my needs will be. First it needs to be a family dog. Second I would like to hunt bird. Third, I would like a dog that I can take deer and moose hunting. Is there a dog that will fit all those requirements? I gather a retriever will do the first couple, but can you train them to track and point? Any advice from you guys would be greatly appreciated. I would ideally like to get another Golden for sentimental reasons i quess but am open to anthing. Also is there any web sites that offer training advice?


Thanks

[Fred]

Not that I am any sort of authority on dorgs but I think you might be wanting a GSP. Oh and welcome to Marc's place! Fred

[Islandeer]

Welcome to the site, try goggling Mike Lardy training tips, or goggle up national retreiver club.

[sgt.maj]

The German Pointer looks interesting fred. Do you own one? If any one here owns one I would like to hear more about them. I would rather here from a current owner than info from web sites that are trying to sell them.

[bsa30-06]

sgt.maj, try ruger#1 he has a couple i think he might have pics of them in his gallery.

[ruger#1]

Sgt. these are both gsps and they both like the water. the liver colored one has treed two bears and the other one is still learning. they have short hair and not to much of a smell. they are also fun to watch in the field. the liver wont back down from bears and she is built like a rock. good with kids and they both sleep with a cat. they will stand in front of the fish aquarium, and watch the fish. i like them and they are a mid size dog, liver is 55lbs,and the other is 47lbs, but every dog is different , and its what you want,not what every one else wants you to have. if you get a dog get one that is already trained, or is a puppy and can be trained. the one that has flecks was a year old when i got here, and i had to break her of alot of bad habits, these dogs like to run, so i recommend a shock collar if they get to far away, after a while all you have to do is tone them and they come back. Mark

[ruger#1]

heres what i meen about cat and dog

[DieselDog]

I have two german shorthairs . They are exellent hunters and great family pets. They are good with kids. Like ruger#1 says gsp's run and run, and run...

[lip_ripper00]

I have a gsp crossed with a dalmation. No black, looks like a liver and white dalmy, hates water loves my kids, cats questionable probley my fault. NOTHING moves around my neibourhood with out him knowing

[Sasquatch]

I have a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Great dog with a lot of hunt in him. He points, retrieves, loves the water and is a wonderful pet. I'm going to start his tracking lessons this spring.

I don't think you can go wrong with a GSP though and I've met more than a couple of Lab owners who think the world of their dogs, with good reason.

My feeling is that finding a breeder who hunts his dogs and understands what you are looking for is very helpful in getting started correctly, regardless of what breed you choose.

Good luck!