Training Help

B

badgers21

New member
I'm the proud owner of a three month old chocolate lab puppy. We have primarily been focused on house breaking, crate training, and basic socialization.

When would you recommend introducing birds, gunfire, etc? Also, is it realistic to think that with a lot of work, he will be able to accompany the more experienced dogs this fall? He would be about 10 months when the season starts. Thanks for any help and advice!
 
Ten months is perfect to take your dog out for his first taste of wild birds. Just expect him to screw up sometimes while he figures it out. Probably best to make sure your hunting buddies understand and agree or take him out by yourself. Work on obedience and control until them. He will learn a lot from wild birds and progress really fast after a couple of outings. You will be shocked at the improvement by your second and third trips out. Just know he will mess up.
 
Thanks for the advice Tallgrass. I've read many different views online about introducing dogs to gunfire, is there a consensus on this forum as to a good age?
 
Thanks for adding the link Tbear. That is a very helpful and informative thread. Any other advice as far as intro to live birds, whistle training, etc. What age would you recommend introducing an e-collar?
 
Gunfire. The loud noises pots pans banging around at feeding or play time are all good to keep dog from getting skittish about loud noises. As for actual gunfire the key is gradual and from far off at first. Pay attention to the dog and see how he reacts. If the dog seems good bring the gun closer etc. Key is make the gun sound equal fun. Lots of good books and articles to read on this subject.

E collar - if you have one put it on now while you are playing/working with your dog. DON'T USE THE TRANSMITTER yet, just get the dog used to having it on. Again associate the collar going on with something fun. Age to begin using collar depends on the dog. Once you have taught the dog some commands and you know the dog understands the commands use the collar to reinforce or get the dogs attention, basically replace a tug on the leash or check cord with stimulation from the collar. Only use the lowest settings depends some on the dog and the type of collar but my dogs never get anything over level two or three on my collar. Your not trying to shock the dog into submission. Also plenty of good info on this subject in books, on line, and your collar should come with a manual and probably a training DVD that explains how to use the collar properly.
 
Tallgrass said:
Gunfire. The loud noises pots pans banging around at feeding or play time are all good to keep dog from getting skittish about loud noises. As for actual gunfire the key is gradual and from far off at first. Pay attention to the dog and see how he reacts. If the dog seems good bring the gun closer etc. Key is make the gun sound equal fun. Lots of good books and articles to read on this subject.

E collar - if you have one put it on now while you are playing/working with your dog. DON'T USE THE TRANSMITTER yet, just get the dog used to having it on. Again associate the collar going on with something fun. Age to begin using collar depends on the dog. Once you have taught the dog some commands and you know the dog understands the commands use the collar to reinforce or get the dogs attention, basically replace a tug on the leash or check cord with stimulation from the collar. Only use the lowest settings depends some on the dog and the type of collar but my dogs never get anything over level two or three on my collar. Your not trying to shock the dog into submission. Also plenty of good info on this subject in books, on line, and your collar should come with a manual and probably a training DVD that explains how to use the collar properly.
Click to expand...

X2 could not have said it any better.:thumbsup:
 
I waited to use the collar until I knew he knew what I wanted him to do from a distance, but he refused. That didn't happen until 6-8 months of age.

I think that age thing for everything is all about how they react. Take your time with everything and pay attention to how they react.

I started with some quail wings on a bumper, when he loved them I'd toss the bumper and shoot a small caliber from a distance, and just like everyone says move closer at a pace so he never reacts to the gunfire. I moved to live birds as I had time and he reacted positively so I continued. KEEP EVERYTHING FUN for the dog and he'll do just fine.

Chuck
 
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