Starting a new dog

PamG

PamG

New member
Hi Everyone. I am brand new here and basically brand new to pheasant hunting. I've gone a couple of times years ago, but have a 2 year old black lab/gold.retr. mix that I think would be an awesome bird dog. He has a great nose and retrieving ability. I want to get him on real birds. I'm wondering if there are places that allow you to work a dog...but not necessarily hunt and plan to shoot anything. I'd like to do that a couple of times maybe before shooting. Or, should I just go ahead and bring the gun anyway and plan to shoot if the chance arises? Wondering what you all would suggest. Thanks so much!

Pam
 
I would try to find and join a training group in your area. They will probably have access to a training facility as well as birds. Plus you will meet great people that can teach you a lot. Just be prepared to do your share of throwing birds and such. I would be hesitent to recommend "just heading out" and seeing what happens without more knowledge of your dog. Is his obediance solid, intro'd to gunfire, etc?

Where are you located? Someone on here may be able to help you.

Steve
 
Thanks, Gatzby...good point. Gun intro. Yes, need to do that. :) His obedience is good. Has a good sit, stay, down, come, heel, wait, fetch, etc...He'll be 2 years old in May.

We live in MN just south of St. Paul. Thanks!!
 
What are you looking to do with the dog? Duck? upland? If you want to hunt pheasants, I would defiantly train exactly the same way we do with the springers. It is all the same. Duck hunting is more a control and sit stay mark thing. But too much of that first can result in a dog that is hard to leave your side when pheasant hunting. I recommend basic obedience with upland training first.
 
Hi Pam,

If you google "hunt Minnesota" you'll find several locations (preserves) where you can replicate the hunt experience: place birds and allow the dog to find/shoot.

There appear to be three on the east side of Mpls/St.Paul.


Good Luck.
 
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