Pace Question?

[VA_BooneDog]

After seeing my pointer mix rescue pup go nuts over pheasant wings my curiosity got the best of me and I had to take him to a local preserve to see how he would do with live birds. Needless to say we are both hooked. I'm in the process of selling all of my deer hunting gear and not looking back. Once he figured out we were hunting his instincts took over and I saw the light in his eyes come on. He flushed 6 quail and held his point on 2 (and then an additional point on a dead bird which gave me a good chuckle). While his prey drive is excellent, he is super methodical. My question is, is there any way to train him to increase his pace? He was only 7 months old I imagine he will naturally work a little quicker as he ages. If we are ever going to put up a grouse here in va we are going to have to cover some miles. I'd appreciate any insight.

 

[JMc]

First, congrats on the rescue and successful find in a hunting buddy. He will expand his range as you let him and as he grows. For us "old" guys, range is generally not in our vocabulary so I'm betting he would be a joy.

 

[Ranger Rick]

7 months? He's a baby. Would you expect a 5 year old boy to run like a 18 year old? Give him time. Who knows? Someday you may wish you could reign him in a bit.

 

[mnaj_springer]

7 months? He's a baby. Would you expect a 5 year old boy to run like a 18 year old? Give him time. Who knows? Someday you may wish you could reign him in a bit.

This^^

Also, a game farm is loaded with scent. Old scent, new scent, people scent, other dogs' scent, ATV scent, etc. A young dog or inexperienced dog will sometimes potter when they get overwhelmed with all these smells.

 

[VA_BooneDog]

Thanks for all of the perspective. It's a big new exciting world for my companion and me. Patience is a virtue. I'm going to cool my jets and enjoy the process.