Not enough range

If it is a young dog they will expand their range as they get older and more confident. Beware, there seems to be a certain range a dog is comfortable with. If after a season or two, if the 30-45 yard range doesn't float you boat, you may need a dog with genes which scream speed! At that point, you now have the problem of speed without control, but we'll leave that to the next topic! In general, males will usually have a bigger comfortable range than bitches, most quail hunters had a bitch "singles" dog, precise carpet sweeper, deadly retriever, and another covey dog, not interested in singles, goes way out to find and hold coveys, some would even avoid scattered singles, and cruise on for the excitement of the big flush, a lot of times they don't even want to retrieve. Find and point, if you shoot it pick it up yourself! One suggestion is hunt with a larger ranging dog, to get the most of what there is. Peer group pressure, is a marvelous thing!
 
What breed?

What is close range in your terms and what do you hope them to range at?

Agreed that a young dog will usually extend their range as they mature.
 
He is a 2 year old GWP, last hunt season he ranged around 30 yards. This spring I had been leading him into planted birds to work in steadiness. Now when he runs he's only moving out about 15 yards. I think he still expecting me to lead him to the birds. He only has 1 season in the field so far.
 
I believe if you stop leading him to planted birds, he will naturally range further out. The prey drive and comfort level will balance out. As most will say, the dog teaches himself about birds. He'll go 'til he finds some. Be careful about using the hot collar these days, he's just becoming a grown-up.

Gonna be fun.
 
mckinzie75 said:
I think he still expecting me to lead him to the birds.
Click to expand...

You answered your own question. He is totally relying on you and he's thinking as long as I stay close to you, I will find birds.

Nothing wrong with using planted birds for steadying up a dog, just don't lead him up to the bird all the time. Plant them out a 100 yards or even more if you have the room and make him use his nose to find them. Obviously you will want to use the wind in his favor, but eventually he will learn to trust his nose and when he does he should naturally start ranging out. The point being "let him find the bird" without you directing him.
 
I have two GWP's and have owned several prior, they are naturally a closer working dog, though fifteen yards is too close. They will gain confidence with time, but what Ive found is let them hunt with more experienced hounds, they will learn the ropes by hunting with them. I personally like mine to range about thirty to maybe 50 yards out, not any further if you do any late season bird hunting at all. Every wirehair ive owned has had pretty good range and casted beautifully back and forth, I have seldom taken credit when others have seen my dogs work, most of it is natural god given ability!
 
Thats how some get their dogs to work closer. They make them believe that you magically made a bird appear. He thinks your the magic man.
 
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