German shorthaired pointer breeders/training books and tips

[TriggerMike]

Let me start by saying that I've never trained a dog to hunt before or even had a hunting dog. I grew up with dogs but they have since been put down from old age and I'm looking to get my first bird dog in November. This is a three part inquery. First, can anyone recommend any good local (within 5 hour drive from North Bend) breeder for German shorthaired pointer puppies? Second, are there any good books on training GSPs/all bird hunting dogs that you would highly recommend or are a must read for a new guy? Third, any tips or suggestions are welcomed and encouraged from all. The dog will be for grouse and other upland. Thanks in advance.

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[Forks]

Barry Wild 360-701-7001 in Hoodsport would be a good contact.

[asmith]

Get a hold of Dan at Dunfur kennels, in Cheney.  My GSP is there now getting some refresher training before season.  I don't know if he currently has pups, but he could give you some great info. 

How soon are you looking to get one?

[aaronoto]

Look up Scott from Sage Brush Gun Dogs over in Ellensburg.  He's got a litter on the ground now and another planned breeding for this winter.  I hunted with the sire earlier this week - impressive dog!

As for training, I'd recommend the DVD The Perfect Start/Perfect Finish.

[tlbradford]

Don't feel you have to limit your search to local breeders as well.  If you don't like what you see then you can expand nationally.  If you want to run an ecollar I would use the Huntsmith training system.  http://www.gundogsupply.com/huntsmith-dvds-from-rick-and-ronnie-smith.html

Someone had a couple of the DVD's for sale on here a little while ago.

If you are old school, I used the methods from the Delmar Smith/Bill Tarrant Book on my latest pup, and I was amazed at the philosophy and results.

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Way-Train-Your-Gun/dp/0679507507/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474644456&sr=8-1&keywords=delmar+smith+method

[jagermiester]

Book:
Chuck Johnson
Training the Versatile Hunting Dog
Good book it goes a little into your relationship with your dog which is nice because most of us are not dog trainers that work with multiple dogs.

My  obedience is key. Then master woah. I like NAVHDA and the natural ability test. If you train for that it will give you a goal to work towards and you will most likely meet a lot of people that will help you. If you can get your dog to woah though training will go smooth. (Youtube)

[tlbradford]

I heard a lot of great things on the Hickox training as well.

http://www.gundogsupply.com/gehitrpododv.html

Good Luck.  Steer away from any all around training books as well as the "Gun Dog" books.  After using both methods I feel the Gun Dog systems are a bit outdated and not as applicable to pointers.  With pointing dogs, you want them on that fine edge of nutty and controlled to get the most out of them.  When you do get them there, it is pure magic and more enjoyment than you can ever imagine.

[ForestDump]

Does Coy Moore still breed dogs?

[Ruger]

I just went through this and ended up getting my dog out of state, depends on what you want from your dog.  If you want more info shoot me a PM and we can discuss as I researched GSP for over a year...

[jetjockey]

Don't be afraid to look at FT dogs either.  IMO that's actually your best bet since I believe you will probably get a better dog.  Trial breeders tend to take their breeding very seriously, vs the breeder who just breeds for hunting dogs.  Even the big runners can be easily taught to shorten up their range.  The dogs learn the game.   Plus, it's nice to have the range when you need it.  There are some nice GSP's bred in the PNW, but don't be afraid to look elsewhere as well.

[addicted2hunting]

We a great Navhda group and we train every weekend from January to sept dang near. We have VC UT NA dogs in our group and are always working with people to train there dogs for testing and hunting. A good versatile GSP is best found out of a kennel that runs in navhda. Sharp shooter kennels is the best shorthair kennel in America. You will be on a wait list most likely but they are worth the wait.

[Ruger]

I would put a couple others up in the same category as Sharp Shooter....

Here is a list of arguably some of the best:
Blue Dawn http://www.angelfire.com/ks/bluedawnken/
Top Gun http://www.topgungsps.com/
Walnut Hills http://www.walnuthillgsps.us/
Wildrose http://www.wildrosegermanshorthairs.com/
Outlaw http://www.outlawgundogs.com/
Sharp Shooter http://www.sharpshooterskennel.com/

I did a ton of research and then picked a kennel and like you said had to be on the wait list for a year....BUT well worth it...

My 6 month old is out of TopGun

[addicted2hunting]

I would put a couple others up in the same category as Sharp Shooter....

Here is a list of arguably some of the best:
Blue Dawn http://www.angelfire.com/ks/bluedawnken/
Top Gun http://www.topgungsps.com/
Walnut Hills http://www.walnuthillgsps.us/
Wildrose http://www.wildrosegermanshorthairs.com/
Outlaw http://www.outlawgundogs.com/
Sharp Shooter http://www.sharpshooterskennel.com/


I did a ton of research and then picked a kennel and like you said had to be on the wait list for a year....BUT well worth it...

My 6 month old is out of TopGun, if you want to see him work let me know...

a couple of those i would get a dog from. Clyde Vetter although I think still has the most titled dogs in NAVHDA and AKC hunt tests. most of his dogs are VC MH dogs. A litter that just had 2 litter mates pass in this years Invitational makes 5 pups in that litter that are all VC.  I don't know much about those other kennels but by the look of their dogs they are fine. I have personally  seen and helped train a few Sharp shooter dogs and I tell you they could run a test without a handler... if those kennels like you said are of the same quality as Sharp Shooter than I would say it would be hard to not get on a list ASAP with one of those guys.

[Ruger]

That is why I said arguably as everyone has their opinions, reason and thoughts...  Either way do your research and get from a reputable breeder, yes might cost you more but well worth the upfront money...

[addicted2hunting]

That is why I said arguably as everyone has their opinions, reason and thoughts...  Either way do your research and get from a reputable breeder, yes might cost you more but well worth the upfront money...
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Oh for sure... good advice!