Thread: Deer dog?

Originally Posted by Tussock

What really makes it all worth while, is that for me, I have beginners keenness back. It's all new and if you have realistic expectations, it's highly rewarding.

I agree and thats what I reckon will make it all the better for me and hunting. Its the same with my bow its like going back to the start all over again. I mean its good being able to stay cool and calm now when you see a good deer in the bush or across a valley but I miss that adrenaline surge and the burning in my stomach and bow hunting brings that back so I'm sure having a dog will too.

The other thing is, hunting is all that I do, I only put it aside when I'm spending time with the missus, and its such a loners thing to do (at least around here theres not many people to hunt with) which I dont mind because I dont really need any company other than the bush and my gun but I'd love to have a mate to share it all with and for a bit of compant so thats why I really want a dog.

And your probably not far wrong TAHR, I've shot off an email to sambarman and thats what I'm pretty set on but the missus just hates the wirehairs and thats what made me consider otherwise mostly. The only thing I've heard negative of both breeds is that GSP can be whiny and needy and wirehairs can be aloof and not great towards strangers. but again its probably all in the raising of them

That's good advice I reckon... except the bit about Ruff... dodgy character that

I've never met Sambarman myself but people I know and respect here in NZ speak highly of him so you're probably on the right track there.

I have a 2.5yr old GWP. His dad was a Drathaar and his mum a GWP used for deer and thar down south - neither are from what many would consider proven working lines.

Aside from all of Tahr's advice the best piece of advice I can give you is - there's no need to go it alone eh. I have been lucky enough to get along side people that know dogs (through local gundog club) and more importantly know GWP's. I thought I had an unruly headcase on my hands; in reality I do have my hands full with him but that's probably says more about me as a handler than him as a dog!

The reality is he's a 2.5yr old male GWP with his nuts in. He tests me every day; has a strong hunt and prey drive; wicked nose and more energy than I know what to do with. Some days he's the ducks nuts, others I want to put him in a hole in the ground.

I've probably got more things wrong that right and that's probably been the biggest lesson. I hate being wrong!

Tahr is dead right - don't rush things. I did and have spent the last 6 months laying a new foundation. They're a dog that doesn't hit thier straps till 4-5 years old.

GWP's aren't a dog that suffers fools mate - they'll happily take the reins and run the show if you let them... and if you try and stop them with a heavy (unreasonbale) hand they will flip you the bird and run it anyway.

Keep things simple (see basic training) and consistent; be the boss; put them on game and they will work thier ass off for you.

People are only strangers the first time he meets them. After that he couldn't care less if they come or go - unless they're going with me... without him.

He's awesome with our 20 month old daughter... that might mean something to your missus

We knocked our first legit deer over before xmas and he has his first P&S trial at the end of Feb.

Originally Posted by Jackp.

I agree and thats what I reckon will make it all the better for me and hunting. Its the same with my bow its like going back to the start all over again. I mean its good being able to stay cool and calm now when you see a good deer in the bush or across a valley but I miss that adrenaline surge and the burning in my stomach and bow hunting brings that back so I'm sure having a dog will too.

The other thing is, hunting is all that I do, I only put it aside when I'm spending time with the missus, and its such a loners thing to do (at least around here theres not many people to hunt with) which I dont mind because I dont really need any company other than the bush and my gun but I'd love to have a mate to share it all with and for a bit of compant so thats why I really want a dog.

And your probably not far wrong TAHR, I've shot off an email to sambarman and thats what I'm pretty set on but the missus just hates the wirehairs and thats what made me consider otherwise mostly. The only thing I've heard negative of both breeds is that GSP can be whiny and needy and wirehairs can be aloof and not great towards strangers. but again its probably all in the raising of them

Aloofness in the GWP is a historical trait, as is man-sharpness. Dont mess with it.