Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Bird Dogs => Topic started by: dirty.dan4 on February 25, 2009, 02:12:35 AM

Title: Training Question
Post by: dirty.dan4 on February 25, 2009, 02:12:35 AM: I have a 3 year old Lab that gets extremely anxious right before I shoot and when a bird goes down. He whines really, really loud and has actually spooked birds away. I try working with him but I feel that I am :bash:. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
Title: Re: Training Question
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 25, 2009, 05:39:41 AM: Have you had him on many birds? Just wondering if it is a lack of experience.
Title: Re: Training Question
Post by: Happy Gilmore on February 25, 2009, 07:42:28 AM: A training partner has a lab who makes a lot of noise. He whines and usually barks as he is released. It is a very hard habit to break. With some dogs, it is a trait which will not go away with more birds.

Try having someone stand behind you with a horse whip when you have someone throwing you a bird. As the bird is thrown, at the moment he makes noise have your whip man wack him real hard on the backside. You calmly and quitely ignore the whip man and tell him in a even toned voice quiet or no noise. Repeat it a few times then do something else.

Depending on the dog, it may be a good idea to try doing the same drill but, when he makes noise, take him and put him away. Don't let him have the bird. Let him sit for a few minutes then repeat, bird, whip, no noise back in kennel. When he is quiet, let him have the bird.
Title: Re: Training Question
Post by: dirty.dan4 on February 25, 2009, 03:18:27 PM: Quote from: Skyvalhunter on February 25, 2009, 05:39:41 AM
Have you had him on many birds? Just wondering if it is a lack of experience.
I got him just this year. I dont think that he was trained before. I shot a good amount of geese and ducks this year and I also have had him on pheasents.
Title: Re: Training Question
Post by: merlo105 on February 28, 2009, 09:39:43 PM: Theres nothing wrong with that hes anxious, thats good news. he'll grow out of it
Title: Re: Training Question
Post by: dirty.dan4 on March 01, 2009, 10:14:04 AM: I am just worried about my new pup seeing him do it and think that its ok :dunno: