Newbie needs advice: GWP

A

AG74

New member
Hi all, I'm new to the site and was looking for some advice: my wife and I are picking up our new started GWP (7 months old) from the breeder/trainer this month. Any tips on carrying on the training regimen while making the puppy feel at home and part of the family? We also have a 9yo Lab who has the sweetest disposition, but is gun shy, vacuum cleaner shy, etc, and slightly timid. Not a hunting dog. Any danger the new puppy will pick up on the lab's fears or anxiety? Anything else we should be aware of, mixing the two dogs together? The lab is not real good at obedience (listening), but doesn't really misbehave either. Thanks in advance for any assistance!

Al
 
First of all, welcome to UPH! :thumbsup:

I've never bought a started or trained dog, but common sense tells me you need to have a discussion with the trainer (if you haven't) on the commands he has used to train the pup. That way, further training will remain consistent and flow naturally with the dog.

As for training, there is tons of great information on this forum that you can glean from. If you want to train a pointing dog with a 'proven' method, I would suggest using the timeless classic Wing and Shot by Robert G. Wehle.

As for the issues with the older lab. I don't think any traits noise-wise would be passed along to the pup. There are several threads here that discuss introducing a dog to shooting that may be beneficial to read.

There are some pretty darn good dog trainers that hang around here, so I'm sure they'll chime in with more and/or better information.
 
Thanks Wildcat, I've looked thru some of the posts and there is a TON of great info on here. the new pup will already be gun trained, so that is a good thing. I just wonder how much "anxiety" a young dog will pick up on from an older dog. My trainer uses, and I will use, The Perfect Start/Finish from Jon Hann. I'll check out your suggestion by Wehle also.

Any tips as far as the first couple days bringing a 7 month old pup home for the first time? Separation anxiety, etc? Also, we will be crate/potty training the dog, as he has been a pure kennel dog for his first 7 months. Any tips on that, other than being consistent and not giving in to whining, crying, etc?

Thanks again
 
Congratulations.

Your trainer will tell you most of the stuff, that, plus what you've learned being a dog owner.

However, :D, get ready for the ride!

I've had GWPs for the last 22 years. Your lab did not prepare you for the inquisitive nature, the prey drive, the (gotta say it) sense of humor that the GWP will bring into your home.

Play it cool for a while, just go about your business as the pup orients itself to its new pack and their den. Try not to force anything. Just "be."

Then, work on making you the gatekeeper to the most wondrous world imaginable...running, fetching, swimming, meandering, playing with pheasant wings (but always take them away at the end, I don't encourage chewing>)

It is going to be a dynamic relationship.

I envy you your new life.
 
GWP mixed with a lab

We had a very similar situation as you. We picked up a young GWP pup and brought her into our house with a 9 year old lab. Our GWP pup, Sadie fit right in and made life "interesting" for all of us. Sadie has boundless eneergy and loves to play, hunt, run, and learn new activities. Sadis is the smartest and best trained of all of the dogs I have owned. She also has been the most trying. Give your dog plenty of exercise (way different than my lab) and plenty of mental stimulation. Sadie had to learn to be accepting of other dogs around food. Three years later and she has gotten better around food and dogs (we are still working on it). Overall Sadie is a great hunter and companion. Be willing to put your time in.
 
AG74 said:
Thanks Wildcat, I've looked thru some of the posts and there is a TON of great info on here. the new pup will already be gun trained, so that is a good thing. I just wonder how much "anxiety" a young dog will pick up on from an older dog. My trainer uses, and I will use, The Perfect Start/Finish from Jon Hann. I'll check out your suggestion by Wehle also.

Any tips as far as the first couple days bringing a 7 month old pup home for the first time? Separation anxiety, etc? Also, we will be crate/potty training the dog, as he has been a pure kennel dog for his first 7 months. Any tips on that, other than being consistent and not giving in to whining, crying, etc?

Thanks again
Click to expand...

Congrats.
Jon Hanns program does work. We use alot of his training tactics and I have to say it does work.That and plenty of birds.
 
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