Beans1
Well-Known Member
At what age would you all plan to take your gun dogs to their first shoot?
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Gun dog first day on a shoot?!
- Thread starter Beans1
- Start date
posie_honey
Well-Known Member
really depends on what their temperament is like - and what level of training you are at - ie a timid one will take far longer. i'd also want them used to a .22 dummy launcher so you have a fair idea of how they will react to guns etc.
also depends if you are taking them out as peg or beating dog etc etc
so really - how long is apeice of string! sorry not much help!
i've know dog start out beating at 6months - our lab who was v timid took till he was 3 until he could cope with a whole day out - beating, picking up or on peg - he just found the whole thing petrifying - but by age of 4 he was super - and is now the best steradiest all round gun dog i know
also depends if you are taking them out as peg or beating dog etc etc
so really - how long is apeice of string! sorry not much help!
i've know dog start out beating at 6months - our lab who was v timid took till he was 3 until he could cope with a whole day out - beating, picking up or on peg - he just found the whole thing petrifying - but by age of 4 he was super - and is now the best steradiest all round gun dog i know
Beans1
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the reply...
Pup is 8 months old and super bold, i.e. almost too bold at times, she has been under a dummy launcher, not bothered in the slightest and retrieves well, has been pigeon shooting and was purely excited when the gun was shot, no fear at all.
With the fact she is so super bold, I don't know whether it would be better to wait until next year, when naturally with maturity she will have calmed down a bit, or whether to go this year with the intention she will mainly be on the lead. I would be beating with her and possibly standing on peg for a couple of drives so she didn't get tired.
I am just keen not to ruin her, and am concerned that i could make her gung-ho as she is already bold....
Pup is 8 months old and super bold, i.e. almost too bold at times, she has been under a dummy launcher, not bothered in the slightest and retrieves well, has been pigeon shooting and was purely excited when the gun was shot, no fear at all.
With the fact she is so super bold, I don't know whether it would be better to wait until next year, when naturally with maturity she will have calmed down a bit, or whether to go this year with the intention she will mainly be on the lead. I would be beating with her and possibly standing on peg for a couple of drives so she didn't get tired.
I am just keen not to ruin her, and am concerned that i could make her gung-ho as she is already bold....
Dizzydancer
Well-Known Member
My lab is a year and too bold we won't be taking him til next season as trainer said not too and trust her opinion. It would blow his mind at present and he would be asked to leave a big shoot as not steady enough yet.
We may take him on a shoot at trainers place for practice but it will be very controlled and not a normal hunt. He is used to dummy launchers.
Taking too young and when not ready mentally can ruin them and make it much harder to re train for long term.
We may take him on a shoot at trainers place for practice but it will be very controlled and not a normal hunt. He is used to dummy launchers.
Taking too young and when not ready mentally can ruin them and make it much harder to re train for long term.
Dizzydancer
Well-Known Member
Personally i wouldn't be taking her out this year or maybe at end of season but yes i would share your concerns and at present have those with my lad.