Thread: Time commitment in training/having a deer indicator dog

I go as far as suggesting if you are looking at using a versatile/HPR breed on deer, train it as a bird dog first. The obedience and steadiness that comes with bird dog training is of much merit to a deer dog, and after it has a bit of age on it and it settles down, it will be prime for deer, having developed a proper bond with you, be properly obedient under high distraction, and stand game. That and the obvious advantage of having a more useful dog.

However as you are new to deer hunting, I would agree with your suggestion of holding off on getting a dog for deer just yet. Get some more animals under the belt, as you need to reliably be able to put deer in front of this dog. Secondly, go out with someone who has a top indicator dog, and see if it really is for you.

Time frame? There is none. In my experience, the more you put into them, the better they get. Then one day, they're gone. Enjoy your time with them and use that time wisely!