Traing your own pup versus a trainer?

[addicted2hunting]

I am new to training a hunting buddy. I am looking at getting a pudelpointer for waterfowl. (wife needs hypoallergenic) I want to know if training this pup myself is doable or more problematic for a rookie? Is it better to send the pup away to a trainer? is there any good recommended resources or traing programs I can do myself?

[Shannon]

Who are you getting your pudelpointer from? I have two and if your serious I will help you train your pup. I'm not a pro but run my dogs in NAVHDA and could help you. Let me know.

[ghosthunter]

It takes time,commitment but very rewarding.
If you are looking for titles and a fast track go trainer.

If you only want a hunting buddy and have the time do it yourself or with a buddy like  Shannon.

[Hunting7mm]

Get the dvd game dog and read the ten minute retriever....

[JLS]

Chuck Johnson's "Training the Versatile Dog"  is a good book, I'm using it right now on my first pointer. 

I would never think of having someone else train my dogs, but I have the time to do it and to me it makes the bond even better.

[HoofsandWings]

Consistancy in your training methods is the key. I don't train because I am inconstant and confuse the dog.

[addicted2hunting]

Who are you getting your pudelpointer from? I have two and if your serious I will help you train your pup. I'm not a pro but run my dogs in NAVHDA and could help you. Let me know.

I would love that! Im not sure yet on the breeder.

[AspenBud]

If you tally up the cost of bird launchers, birds, time, training table, etc...sending your dog in for a month of training isn't necessarily a bad investment. Especially if you're strapped for time and don't have land.

Since you have a versatile dog, a group like NAVHDA is not a bad route to go. A lot of chapters in the country hold training days every weekend in the off season. Nice way to split up the costs and get some help.

If you intend to force fetch the dog, go to a trainer. That's not something you want botched.

[gasman]

How ever you decide, I feel if you are involved in the dogs training, it builds a stronger bond wit you and the dog 

I trained my lab with the direction of a Pro and have a great bond with him. He is my buddy 

He wont earn any titles, but thats not what I trained him for, he was trained to be my hunting buddy, no more, no less.

[jackmaster]

Pm sakoshooter, his dogs are nothing short of miracles, they are the funnest coolest dogs I have ever seen and Mark trained them

[need2huntmor]

We pick up our yellow lab pup next month.  I am hoping between reading books and internet info, advice on sites like this, and possibly joining a local retriever club, to do all the training myself.  I look forward to spending the time with the pup and having the satisfaction of doing it "all on my own" (with lots of help and advice).  Never done this before, but I am excited about giving it a try.

[addicted2hunting]

Thanks for the advice and the couple resources!

[woodchucker]

I've been looking for a low shedding hunting dog.  So far my top prospect is an Airedale.  I really like pointing griffon's as well, but I think they shed a bit more.  I've only heard about pudel pointers recently.  They seem like cool dogs.

I'm also strongly considering professional help in training.  The thing that concerns me the most is bonding w/ the dog as other's have mentioned.  I want to remain very involved in the training process if I can.  I figure I will have more to learn than the dog 

[bracer40]

I've been looking for a low shedding hunting dog.  So far my top prospect is an Airedale.  I really like pointing griffon's as well, but I think they shed a bit more.  I've only heard about pudel pointers recently.  They seem like cool dogs.

I'm also strongly considering professional help in training.  The thing that concerns me the most is bonding w/ the dog as other's have mentioned.  I want to remain very involved in the training process if I can.  I figure I will have more to learn than the dog 

Woodchucker, You hit the nail on the head regarding you needing the training more than the dog. Even if I had chosen to have all my dog's training done by professionals, I'm the one that's going to spend most of the time with him. Every interaction I have with him either supports any previous training or detracts from it. For that reason I've tried to get training for myself to learn how to interact with my dog in such a way as to bring out his full potential. I've worked with a few folks that have helped me with that and it's been cool watching the progress of my current dog. I look forward to the day I can own multiple dogs and be involved in their training as well.

[REHJWA]

A good trainer will work with you after they get the dog through the basics and you can continue working the dog.
As far as bonding goes, my dogs love the family but the one that gets them the birds is there bestest buddy.

Dogs never stop learning and will continue to test us.

There is nothing more rewarding that hunting with a well trained dog and nothing more frustrating then hunting with a poorly trained dog.

[Happy Gilmore]

A good trainer will work with you after they get the dog through the basics and you can continue working the dog.
As far as bonding goes, my dogs love the family but the one that gets them the birds is there bestest buddy.

Dogs never stop learning and will continue to test us.

There is nothing more rewarding that hunting with a well trained dog and nothing more frustrating then hunting with a poorly trained dog.

The worst is someone who "thinks" they have a trained dog yet all they do is walk around screaming at their dog wherever they go. If you go to a trainers place and you see them yelling at their dogs or clients dogs stick around to learn something for that day then, find a new trainer. What you learn that day will be the most valuable lesson you ever have for your dog.

Consistency is the key. Try to make a good choice of a program and system and stick with it. Everyone will have prolonged periods of frustration learning to train and even when you think you've got a good grip on training. If it all comes together it's hard to wipe the smile off your face when you've done most of it yourself. With that being said, don't be afraid to seek help with problems. Everyone has had the exact same problem at some point in their training. If they haven't, they aren't a trainer and know a lot less than they will claim to know.