Tips to encourage going in to heavy cover.

9

94NDTA

New member
I have a new pup, and she has been progressing really well. Goes in to heavy cover ok, but have noticed if I try to walk through cattails, she will follow me, because I am clearing the way.

Also, if we hit some cattails, she will skirt the edge, and occasionally go in a bit to check it out, about 50/50 on actually going through it.

Any tips or tricks to encourage this?
 
Puppy Expectations...

Until your dog has had lots of birds in his/her nose, I wouldn't expect a young dog to be enthusiastic about a cattail venture. Even some "seasoned" dogs won't venture into the cattails.

Last year I hunted with a female lab, about two years old, that wouldn't have any part of a cattail slough - just went to the edge and looked. She was not experienced with this condition.
 
94NDTA said:
I have a new pup, and she has been progressing really well. Goes in to heavy cover ok, but have noticed if I try to walk through cattails, she will follow me, because I am clearing the way.

Also, if we hit some cattails, she will skirt the edge, and occasionally go in a bit to check it out, about 50/50 on actually going through it.

Any tips or tricks to encourage this?
Click to expand...

How old is the pup? breed? -- as previous poster said this is not unusual--with more information may have some suggestions--nothing to get worried about at this time if she is still very young--is she birdy? with more info may have some ideas to offer--
 
david0311

94NDTA said:
19 months, lab, birdy. She has ~15 birds under her belt this year and last.
Click to expand...

Do you have any access to game farm birds? That you can buy a take with you-- this should not be a big deal to cure with a birdy dog--where in ND do you live?--

If you like we could talk on the phone --PM me--
 
I would give it some time. My lab is not a fan of them either but when she smell a bird she has no problem busting in them. The more time she encounters birds in them the more apt she will be to go in them. Living in MN its half of what we hunt come late season if there is snow on the ground. Heck I hate hunting them:thumbsup:
 
My Golden has "extremely" strong prey drive. At one year he was into the cattails busting birds. He did have lots of birds in front of him at the game farm and one SD trip - he was/is into the hunt and likes the game!
 
Try this, I did and it worked wonders. Walk the edge of the cattails and when you see a trail running through the 'tails, stop and encourage your dog to go in on these trails. They are created by deer and the pheasants use them as well. My seasoned dog will stop at every trail and venture into the 'tails.
Because the birds use these trails as well there is a good chance their will be fresh scent. Your dog will soon learn to stop and check every trail out, This may not be perfect, but is very effective and keeps the dog fresher than busting through cattails the entire time.
 
Boom. Will do guys.

I may be overreacting, because she is still young, and is doing pretty well, but I know once November/December rolls around, we will pretty much be targeting cattails with the cold weather. Thanks guys.
 
Teach pup hand signals. Use them constantly around the house, yard, in and out of vehicles. Then in the field. Turn her with a check lead accompanied by a hand signal. It will work.
 
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