wide open pointer

dbc32

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getting to old to hunt big deep running dog any advise to make dog hunt closer he is a 2yr old english pointer e collor helps very little
 
Allow me to be the first to tell you what you already know! Sorry to be blunt, but get another dog! I have never found any satisfaction, either for you or the dog, trying to "hack" in a naturally big running dog. Always ends in misery for all involved. At 56, I now hunt with french britts, having given up the horseback pointers, because I no longer can keep up with the horizon benders. So young iron legged firebreather will be thrilled to have that dog, and you'll be thrilled with a walking shooting dog, that doesn't need an e-collar or constant handling.
 
kinda what i thought but im kinda found of my dog except when we are hunting I was wishing there was some kinda dog reddalin out there that i didnt know about
 
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I think with some work you can rein in your dog but it's going to take some time and effort. You say the e-collar helps very little. I can't believe that with enough stimulation you can't get him to respond. Maybe time for a new collar? I would also train him to come in with a whistle if he isn't already whistle trained. I think it's a matter of re-training the dog.

I let my Brittanys run big (one is a trial dog) when I am hunting alone. But if I need to keep them in closer I have no problem. Yes I do have to use my whistle or e-collar (only need the vibrate) more, but they seem to learn what I want and hunt accordingly. Of course I'm talking about pheasants and heavier cover which probably makes it easier than what you are hunting.

Good luck.
 
Wide open pointer

Running ahead and out of range - common problem for most hunting dogs, although some range more than others. Generally, GSP and English pointers range more than other dogs, it's kind of who they are.

As to the cure: not sure, but the "E" collar is a must. And if you are hunting in wide open grass, a long cord might rein the dog closer, although it may bed difficult to carry a gun at the same time. Quartering at close range takes lots of practice and patience...

If you want to keep the dog, consider a professional trainer - it may be a wise investment vs buying another dog. If it's a good hunter with intensity, but only ranges too far, I think I would opt for a pro trainer.

Jon
 
I think with some work you can rein in your dog but it's going to take some time and effort. You say the e-collar helps very little. I can't believe that with enough stimulation you can't get him to respond. Maybe time for a new collar? I would also train him to come in with a whistle if he isn't already whistle trained. I think it's a matter of re-training the dog.

I let my Brittanys run big (one is a trial dog) when I am hunting alone. But if I need to keep them in closer I have no problem. Yes I do have to use my whistle or e-collar (only need the vibrate) more, but they seem to learn what I want and hunt accordingly. Of course I'm talking about pheasants and heavier cover which probably makes it easier than what you are hunting.

Good luck.
lol no dought if the e collar isnt slowing him down you better get a new one i guarantee if i hit my dog with full stim i could roll him! after a few times of knocking his you know what off he will slow down or at least turn.
 
try when you go out training to take a few birds with you when the dog takes off put a bird down and call him back so he get into the sence cone. work the bird than let him go again do the same thing he will start to learn that being close to you he will find bird. he will start to key in on you instead of running off, generaly doesnt take the dog to long to learn to stay closer to you.
 
??????

lol no dought if the e collar isnt slowing him down you better get a new one i guarantee if i hit my dog with full stim i could roll him! after a few times of knocking his you know what off he will slow down or at least turn.
Its not about "rolling" Its about trainning! Teach him to turn , start with rope the add ecoller at LOWEST setting he "feels" change direction when he does. You want him to TURN not come back. Its work but you'll have a dog that well hunt close but you can let "out" if the covers right.
 
Its not about "rolling" Its about trainning! Teach him to turn , start with rope the add ecoller at LOWEST setting he "feels" change direction when he does. You want him to TURN not come back. Its work but you'll have a dog that well hunt close but you can let "out" if the covers right.

who said it was about rolling if the keeps going not even slowing down when you hit the stim he is not feeling it
 
Its not about "rolling" Its about trainning! Teach him to turn , start with rope the add ecoller at LOWEST setting he "feels" change direction when he does. You want him to TURN not come back. Its work but you'll have a dog that well hunt close but you can let "out" if the covers right.

Yes, well said. And he's right it will take some time and dedication but can be done. On the other hand, if you are not prepared to undertake the work needed, than another dog may be your best bet.
 
thanks for the info hunted sat and sun sat was ok worked on turning and hunting close check cord and collar sun cord for a short period and e collar trying to work every evening on cord and collar he did better sunday again thanks to everyone this forum is nicer and more informitive than the on in my home state think i might move west one day
 
I think with some work you can rein in your dog but it's going to take some time and effort. You say the e-collar helps very little. I can't believe that with enough stimulation you can't get him to respond. Maybe time for a new collar? I would also train him to come in with a whistle if he isn't already whistle trained. I think it's a matter of re-training the dog.

I let my Brittanys run big (one is a trial dog) when I am hunting alone. But if I need to keep them in closer I have no problem. Yes I do have to use my whistle or e-collar (only need the vibrate) more, but they seem to learn what I want and hunt accordingly. Of course I'm talking about pheasants and heavier cover which probably makes it easier than what you are hunting.

Good luck.

You might try preseason range training using a check lead combined with sound and/or vibration and hand signals for left, right and "come back toward me" (raised arm for me). Make sure to have some gooooood treats for rewards, especially for "come back toward me."
 
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thanks for the info hunted sat and sun sat was ok worked on turning and hunting close check cord and collar sun cord for a short period and e collar trying to work every evening on cord and collar he did better sunday again thanks to everyone this forum is nicer and more informitive than the on in my home state think i might move west one day

Come on out to the big country of the high plains where there's elbow room and hunting galore and people are so lonely they actually want to talk to you.
 
Having hunted with both big running and close hunting English pointers, would much rather have the later. The way I trained my current EPs was with a ecollar and beeper combo but did do this from day one when training as a pup. If the beeper is on and want them to come or turn I just shut it off and they better do what I want or will get a small shock with ecollar. If collars not on just turn it on with same results, hopefully. Dont hardly ever have to shock them anymore but they are 6 and 7 now too. Had a EP one time that didnt have any drive and you cant add drive but you can take some away if done correctly and still have a good bird dog.
 
Had a EP one time that didnt have any drive and you cant add drive but you can take some away if done correctly and still have a good bird dog.

First of all you can add drive to a dog I have done it several times, they may never hunt as hard a dog with tons of natural drive but they will hunt and hunt very well. If the pup or dog is purchased through a good breeder then drive should be already installed through instinct. The personality of the dog has alot to do with how big they run not just the breed, if you buy a high B dog then they tend to be more independent and want to run bigger. Buy a C dog and they will hunt closer, no matter what though if you let a dog start out by running big no matter what their tempermant they will always do it. the ecollar is a great tool but you need to teach the dog what you want them to do before using it or they are worthless and do more harm then good. There have been many good suggestions from check cords to working with birds close to you, that Im sure have all worked at one time or another, but the biggest key is going to be PATIENCE. Good luck and keep updating please I want to know how it turns out for you.
 
Its not about "rolling" Its about trainning! Teach him to turn , start with rope the add ecoller at LOWEST setting he "feels" change direction when he does. You want him to TURN not come back. Its work but you'll have a dog that well hunt close but you can let "out" if the covers right.

well said- it can be done without an ecollar-
but as stated- I would definatly take the youngster to a pro and let him see what your dog is doing and what you want it to do- most would say let me see him and then you can decide

but- he's young- you probably should take him to wide open country- not to hunt- but to see if he will start to catch on- voice or whistle- to let him understand you want him to turn- praise when he turns- repetition- might take a long time- but you have till next season- and if you think it's not working out or you need results quicker- then a pro
 
1st thank everone for there info i got tank with a trainer he is coming around the trainer guides on some plantions so he is also hunting him alot also. he is going to keep him thru april i also got a new pup ive been playing with shes about 3 mon. cant wait till next fall thanks to everyone again
 
I'm missing something- you have a youngster you haven't got a handle on- and you bought a 3 month old
 
good luck- for 50 years it's always been explained to me to first understand a dog before getting another one
 
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