Lagotto Romagnolo (Italian water dog)

Has anyone hunted birds with a Lagotto? They are a fairly rare breed here but have a fine reputation in Europe (and the UK). The Lagotto is an ancient breed. In some of my research, both the Labrador and the Poodle descend from it. They were used a lot in the Romagna region of north east Italy when extensive marshlands existed prior to 19th century drainage. They would accompany waterfowl hunters in shallow draft vessels and needed to be neither too big nor too small - the Goldilocks size - but robust enough to retrieve game from conditions of sometimes dense foliage.

do they respond when owners drop firearm and run????

There are breeders in Chch one of whoms hubby hints over them

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Originally Posted by Boxton

There are breeders in Chch one of whoms hubby hints over them

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Mine has a very strong self-hunting drive that I've yet to harness properly. She's seven years old now but still keen to learn and I intend to take her upland pheasant hunting, probably on a longish leash initially. She wasn't one of those dogs that naturally retrieve things thrown away, but learnt to do that.

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Originally Posted by NoMis

Mine has a very strong self-hunting drive that I've yet to harness properly. She's seven years old now but still keen to learn and I intend to take her upland pheasant hunting, probably on a longish leash initially. She wasn't one of those dogs that naturally retrieve things thrown away, but learnt to do that.

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If not under control at 7 years of age don't think it will ever happen.

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Originally Posted by tetawa

If not under control at 7 years of age don't think it will ever happen.

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When you say not under control, do you mean that she should cease and desist immediately from pursuing a bird when I command her? For instance, I have her on a long 30metre lead at the beach and have trained her to return when commanded without pulling on the lead; which she largely obeys. But, the lead is still there because I'm not fully confident that she won't swim off to Rangitoto from Kohi Beach. I also have a partner, however, who encourages her wild side and will not fully co-operate with my more disciplined approach. This doesn't help the dog (or me).

fully under control means just that..... comes when told,sits when told. the owner of those two wolf hounds in Ozzie possibly thought they were largely obeying too......by 6 months old the long line should be a training aid...not a necessity to ensure they behave.

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Originally Posted by Micky Duck

fully under control means just that..... comes when told,sits when told. the owner of those two wolf hounds in Ozzie possibly thought they were largely obeying too......by 6 months old the long line should be a training aid...not a necessity to ensure they behave.

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I'll need to improve my training regime with the next one. :thumbsup: