Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

1. How soon should I start training my pup?
2. My dog ranges too far! What can I do?
3. Which is the best breed of pointing dog?
4. How long does it take to fully train a finished pointing dog?

1) How soon should I start training my pup?

Answer: You should start training pup as soon as she/he arrives home. By "training" I mean you can teach pup her/his name, "come", and a whole multitude of useful things, as long as you can keep the process fun for pup. Romps afield are priceless! Pup gets to experience all manner of wildlife, and builds excitement as well as confidence outdoors.
It is without a doubt, advantageous to acquire a working pup in the spring over a fall pup in typical Ontario weather conditions.

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2) My dog ranges too far! What can I do?

Answer: More-often-than-not, this really means, I can trust "Ranger" when he's close, but once he ranges a bit, he bumps birds! What folk need to understand is that a pointing dog is supposed to bring you to birds, and not the other way around. Most often, hunters will dictate where "Ranger" should hunt. This is not the proper application for a pointing dog. If you have provided Ranger with the proper foundation training followed by development afield, he will learn where to look for birds. Your efforts to over-handle Ranger only serve to frustrate you, and confuse your dog. It also restricts your dog from learning where the birds really are! The most important issue here is that if your dog is properly trained, she/he will hold point whether it is at 10 yards (meters) or 100 yards (meters).

Yes, a dog can run too big. This most often happens because of improper early fundamental "un-training", as I call it.  It can also be a case of not enough experience hunting.

As I stated, I have hunted my trial dogs, and trialed my hunting dogs. That is because my dogs have learned the difference through experience.

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3) Which is the best breed of pointing dog?

Answer: You can get great dogs or not-so-great ones in various colours, sizes, or breeds. You must do your homework when picking a breed. Strongly consider what the application of your dog will be (ie. predominantly pheasants/game farms, or grouse/woodcock, etc.). Consider what maintenance, housing, transportation details will be required. Always involve the whole family in your choice of breeds. It can pay huge dividends down the road... believe me.  I offer this to all prospective puppy buyers, "Do the proper research, be honest with yourself.  LASTLY visit the breeders."  Too many folk do this the other way around and end up with the wrong dog for......15 or so years!

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4) How long does it take to fully train a pointing dog?

Answer: My suggestion is that you ask your dog for the answer to this one. In all seriousness, dogs develop at different stages. Rarely are two dogs alike. It also depends on the amount of training put into the dog over a certain period of time. All-in-all, it can take time. Don't hesitate to ask on how your dog is progressing.  If it's convenient, make an appointment to stop by for a visit or demonstration. I often invite the dog owner to come by to help with the training. It is a great investment in both the dog and the owner/ handler.

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