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Other Hunting => Bird Dogs => Topic started by: h5c5o5 on July 12, 2013, 10:06:52 AM

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Title: Hunting dog in the city?
Post by: h5c5o5 on July 12, 2013, 10:06:52 AM

Hi guys

I recently moved into Seattle for work. I would still love to train a hunting dog (was thinking a pointer of some sort) but I am a bit worried I wouldnt be able to do it well now that I am in the city. While I live right next to a long biking trail and a few parks, there isnt any open running ground unless you drive a ways away.

Do you think you can raise a hunting dog in the city or is this something I should wait on until I can move farther out?

Thanks

Title: Re: Hunting dog in the city?
Post by: runamuk on July 12, 2013, 10:16:39 AM

a Lab would be a good choice as would a golden retriever they can get plenty of exercise on those trails and lots of places to take them swimming in Seattle so can use swimming as an exercise adjunct and for training. 

Title: Re: Hunting dog in the city?
Post by: Stilly bay on July 12, 2013, 10:19:38 AM

I think it really depends on your schedule, where you will be keeping the dog while you are at work, and your commitment to daily exercise.

Even high powered dogs can have an indoor off switch as long as you can release all their energy daily.

jogging and biking with your dog  ( or bikejoring   http://www.bikejor.com/ (http://www.bikejor.com/) ) are excellent outlets for a dogs energy.
I have been roading my setters with mountain bike all summer, they just run along side at heel. Ten miles of running with the bike is enough to take the edge off their energy levels keep them in shape.

Title: Re: Hunting dog in the city?
Post by: Holg3107 on July 12, 2013, 10:24:12 AM

We have a chocolate lab and live on a small lot in Ballard. No problems here, we take him for long walks every evening and go to the dog park quite a bit. To those living outside the city this may sound ridiculous but we take him to dog daycare 2x a week so that he can get good exercise and socialize. There are a few places to work on training in the city. The best place is Discovery Park, there are some huge fields that have minimal people accessing the. While it is not legal to have your dog off leash at these places I use a long line or off leash while no one is around and we are doing training exercises. Sure it is easier if you live on a farm or live out of the city on a big lot, but it is very possible to do it in the city. I can also help you out finding good training locations that are close besides parks if you decide to get one.

Title: Re: Hunting dog in the city?
Post by: h5c5o5 on July 12, 2013, 10:30:28 AM

Thanks for all the replies, Ill just have to convince the lady...

Title: Re: Hunting dog in the city?
Post by: AspenBud on July 12, 2013, 12:13:12 PM

It really depends on what you want out of the dog. Sure, your life is easier with an acre or two with some birds in a coop, but then again if you can find a trainer you can trust you have that option too and you'll probably get a better result. Your other option is to look for places to train your dog and possibly people to help you with that.

Otherwise it's like any other dog. You train it to come to you and whatever other commands you think are important and you exercise the dog. Things like the WalkyDog bike leash http://www.thedogoutdoors.com/walkydog-dog-bike-leash.html (http://www.thedogoutdoors.com/walkydog-dog-bike-leash.html) are an urban gundog owner's Godsend for exercising them as are good sized dog parks.

Your bigger challenge will be getting your dog out enough in hunting like situations so it can learn to handle and learn to hunt.

Property prices out here are completely out of whack with wages in places like King County and Clark County these days. As in a total rip off. People can't afford much land at those prices so I don't think you're alone.

Title: Re: Hunting dog in the city?
Post by: ReformedVeg on July 15, 2013, 08:07:32 PM

I live in Seattle and got a GSP last year.  He's been fine as an indoor dog, but is much more manageable with plenty of exercise.  He gets about 2-3 miles of walks a day, plus some evening work in the yard, and needs to get out for longer periods almost every weekend.  There are quite a few off-leash areas in the city but they are not really good for training since you'll never be alone with just your dog.  You'll need to get out of town for training.

Title: Hunting dog in the city?
Post by: johnocl2 on July 18, 2013, 09:23:33 AM

I have a one and half year old GWP. She was destroying my backyard in Magnolia until the vet gave me the green light to start running with her. We run 7 miles through Discovery Park every morning. She stays fit, I stay fit, and my yard has fully recovered.

Title: Re: Hunting dog in the city?
Post by: h5c5o5 on July 18, 2013, 11:46:19 AM

Just out of curiosity, how much does a GSP or GWP cost from a reputable breeder?

Title: Re: Hunting dog in the city?
Post by: JLS on July 18, 2013, 11:49:55 AM

I just bought a GWP male for 8 bills.

I live in the city too.  I run my dogs as much as I can, and walk them when I don't.  It's doable, it just takes some effort and some discipline.