Other Hunting > Bird Dogs
pet or friend?
rosscrazyelk:
I have read many peoples opinion on how to treat their dog so it is a hunting dog and not a family member. I was just wondering what kind of success other people have had and how do they treat their dogs. I personally let my dog in the house and treat him as my friend. I know some guys who never let their dogs inside and kennel them every night and only play with them when it is time to train or hunt. What do you do and do you think it makes a difference?
bow4elk:
I don't agree with the "dogs is a tool" mentality. Not saying it doesn't work, but I believe it makes no difference in hunting performance whether you dog is "part of the family", in fact, dogs are pack animals. Once you establish your dogs place in the pack, he/she will behave accordingly. And dogs like having a job (especially retrievers) to do. Hunting is a treat for many dogs and they thrive on doing "good" for the alpha (you). Besides you want a dog that is socialized and not going to growl at people or other dogs. That is very important.
Follow your gut and do what works for you and your family.
KillBilly:
--- Quote from: bow4elk on January 31, 2009, 09:06:08 AM ---I don't agree with the "dogs is a tool" mentality. Not saying it doesn't work, but I believe it makes no difference in hunting performance whether you dog is "part of the family", in fact, dogs are pack animals. Once you establish your dogs place in the pack, he/she will behave accordingly. And dogs like having a job (especially retrievers) to do. Hunting is a treat for many dogs and they thrive on doing "good" for the alpha (you). Besides you want a dog that is socialized and not going to growl at people or other dogs. That is very important.
Follow your gut and do what works for you and your family.
--- End quote ---
+1
Wacenturion:
--- Quote from: bow4elk on January 31, 2009, 09:06:08 AM ---I don't agree with the "dogs is a tool" mentality. Not saying it doesn't work, but I believe it makes no difference in hunting performance whether you dog is "part of the family", in fact, dogs are pack animals. Once you establish your dogs place in the pack, he/she will behave accordingly. And dogs like having a job (especially retrievers) to do. Hunting is a treat for many dogs and they thrive on doing "good" for the alpha (you). Besides you want a dog that is socialized and not going to growl at people or other dogs. That is very important.
Follow your gut and do what works for you and your family.
--- End quote ---
+2
dbllunger:
I think as long as you maintain their working status, having them as a great pet is an added bonus. The issue I have is when people turn them into pets, and ride the dog like crazy because they have hunting problems. The problems were/are caused by the owner not the dog. Dogs are dogs, but treating them nice is expected. Does that mean the dang thing belongs in a restaurant, business, or other general public place? Hell no, but then again I have never seen too many hunting dogs being treated like those little coyote baits.
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