pet or friend?

[ducksdoom12]

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.

+5

[MichaelJ]

Dogs are COMPANION animals we cannot own them............. oh wait wrong forum....

LoL!

[Pathfinder101]

Just got a Yellow Lab last week, so I am reading Game Dog by Richard Wolters.  He is a very opinionated guy and makes no bones about his belief that a working dog should be a pet AND a hunter.  He also said that if you "give your dog a job" (hunting, retrieving..etc..) they are much happier pets.  All my dogs have been pets and hunters.  Nice to hear it from an "expert" though...

[Grizzle]

Just reading Joan Bailey's book  "How to help gun dogs train themselves", she's also of the pet+working dog opinion.  She's got the experience to back it up. 

[docsven]

Grandpa had one of the most serious hunting dogs I can remember, and the dog was always with him, so the dog rode up front with grandpa and the kids had to ride in the back of the truck.

[Aneoakleaf]

My husband always said, Raise the dogs like you would your kid and the kids like you would your dog

[canyonduck]

I'm proud of my friends.  Pets just take up space.  My dog belongs in the former defintion.

[Pathfinder101]

My husband always said, Raise the dogs like you would your kid and the kids like you would your dog

Hmmm, I may start using that...