Working gundog/pointer advice needed!

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xxTiggyxx

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We have a 15 month rescue pointer who has just started training to be a working gundog. He was given up by his previous owner for running up to people and dogs when offlead and not coming back. We practice quartering in a fenced grass field which has two access points and public footpath running through it only when it is empty. However when other dog walkers come in and let their dogs off all training goes out of the window as he runs off at top speed towards them. He comes back after meeting the dog but will ignore recall whistle as he is so focused on getting to that dog. Same thing happens if he gets the scent of deer and we want him for feather not fur. Long lining isn't possible as he is that strong he gave me whiplash when he ran after a bird and has pulled me over several times. 100% recall in house and garden and when offlead at training ignored the other dogs whilst being worked. Help!

In addition to the above, I have found a bassett hound going for free online and wondering whether a friend will help him get the doggy fix (pointer prefers dogs to people) although I could end up with two dogs which run off on scent/at the sight of other dogs! Although people manage with lots of dogs and I would hate for the hound to end up in a bad home...?
 
Furthermore I have always wanted a house full of dogs and the alternative to a hound type would be a cavalier as pointer likes his own space at times and I would like a more affectionate dog. Although some say you shouldn't get another dog until the first is trained although in pointer's case we are training for next season.... has anyone got a second dog when the first isn't quite there in terms of training?
 
xxTiggyxx said:
Furthermore I have always wanted a house full of dogs and the alternative to a hound type would be a cavalier as pointer likes his own space at times and I would like a more affectionate dog. Although some say you shouldn't get another dog until the first is trained although in pointer's case we are training for next season.... has anyone got a second dog when the first isn't quite there in terms of training?
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kind of-had one as a pup and got the second when pup was 8 months old and second dog was 7 months old. not quite the same thing though. they're great fun, lots of work and have to make time for training seperately. not sure I'd want to take on a pup when remedially training an adolescent male dog though!
 
Thanks MotherofChickens - the bassett is a year older than the pointer and being rehomed as the young kids are scared of him as he is a bit bouncy for them.
 
Are you going to a pro trainer with the pointer? I have enver had one but understand they are a strong willed breed. TBH I think you would be completely bonkers to get a bassett as well, their stubborness starts when the pointer's leaves off. :-)
 
xxTiggyxx said:
Although they do have shorter legs so if they run I have a better chance of getting to them than the pointer ......
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They may not look fast but having been hunting with a pack of them you would still struggle to head it off! Unless it is a show type in which case my Granny could probably run faster. :-)
 
So you practice your quartering in what sounds like a fairly sterile area - fenced grass field with public footpaths and loads of scent from other dogs and people. But what is it that you are quartering the dog for? The dog needs to learn that it is hunting AND that it is going to find something, even if it is cold game or a scented dummy. When the dog makes the connection, or rather, you teach him that quartering is profitable hunting then I bet you he will ignore all distraction so long as you make it worth his while.

If you are trying to train him to field trial and just want a clockwork mouse that runs from fence to fence traversing the field then ignore the above.

A bassett would be madness.....in my opinion. It sounds as if you need to put all your time and effort into training the current dog.
 
My top tip for getting a dog to com back is me recalling my well-behaved pair and the recalcitrant dog following them obsessively! Walking away from the naughty one makes him follow.

I know you said longlining is hard-I've been on the floor a few times in the early days-but the association of three pips in the whistle and a tug on the line is the ultimate recall.

I think a proven gundog trainer is essential.

I'm another one who says adding a basset or any other dog unless it's a fully paid up gundog already would be crackers.
 
Thank you for your comments Gunnergundog - I think you have hit the nail on the head. I agree with your comments about introducing scented dummys and cold game.
No not field trials.
After thinking about what you said it has made me realise that he is learning way faster than I expected.
Gunnergundog you have convinced me not to rehome that dog - I think I would be letting my own dog down if I don't try to help him achieve his full potential.
 
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