Thread: new to hunting dogs

Originally Posted by tac a1

One question. Why did you have the dog on a lead?? one thing that I have learnt in my time training dogs is that you must have absolute control over your dog before you go hunting. Ie he works in front of you by about 2 metres ( not on a lead) . you follow his indications. You must have a solid 'hold' or 'down' command and he must hold that no matter what happens. Ie if the deer breaks, you fire etc.

Its a lot of work getting a dog up to a good standard. Lots of hours. I was lucky to have some advice by a really good trainer when I started. Lots of things he sorted for me with a different perspective.

Hopefully your dog is quite willing. Those german mutts can be quite the handful to get under control sometimes. I had a vizsla. Huge prey drive, slightly loopy. Almost uncontrollable if he didn't get exercise every day. loyal and a great house dog.

Shot a deer over him my first time in the bush.

iv only had him for 4 weeks, so we have been working on a long leash up till now. i understand he has a high drive, we walk 10km a day. hes a duck lover but i dont punish him for it just pause until they fly away. in this insatnce he has done well was just asking if i should let him be or follow his instinct. i didnt have a rifle handy when he pointed the spiker which is my fault eniterly.