[butcher_boy]

Well with all the encouragement i got from you guys i finaly made the decision to get my pup. He is 8 months old, has 25 + field champs on his pedegree and is one damn cute dog! ( ok so i used cute). I will be bringing him home next week, i am now just getting the back yard ready. I am making a kennel, and such. I want to thank everybody who gave me great advice on my other post ( am i ready for a dog). Thank you very much!

funny note: I was talking to my wife about getting the dog, and i was showing her pics and comming up with names.. I chose the name hunter.... the next day as i talked to the breeder i asked the dogs name.. he said JAEGER, which is hunter in german!
destiny?

Jaeger is a GSP, 8 months old. he has been started on his training. he points real well, kennels on command, and is very alert! when i and the breeder were discusing him, he just kept pointing and pointing at the birds that flew on the ground! so damn cute!

the books the breeder recomended were " best way to train your hunting dog" and suggested i get a pinch collar and such.
now i am going to need help training him correctly!
so any help/advice would be again apreciated.
thanks
_b_b

 

[jlptexashunter]

butcher boy
I think the pinch collar is a little harsh unless the dog needs it down the road. I am a firm believer in Silent Training Method type of training. Check this video out at http://DrsFostersmith.com then I'd get the Gun Dog book by Richard Wolters and you'll be set.

Watch the video first then apply that teaching method to what Wolters has to say.

It never hurts to go out and spend an hour or so with a professional trainer. He won't instruct your dog he'll instruct you on how your dog learns.

Keep it simple, consistent and always praise, get frustrated but don't get angry.

Good Luck, you'll be cussing our very existence in the next few weeks but in a year you'll like us again.

 

[Live2Hunt]

Butcher Boy:

Tips:
- If you get upset, walk away on a good note. Do a simple command, let him do it correctly, praise him and come back when you are calmer.

- Use an eCollar, I wasn't to hip on them till I saw what my guys trainer does. They are far better than a pinch collar, you have more control at greater distances and your guy thinks you can reach out to correct him at ALL times.

- Avoid saying a command more than once. Say it clearly and in a normal tone and I guarantee you the dog hears it. He gets one chance and then is corrected.

- Try to let them be a part of the family, not living outside in a kennel all the time. Far better to let them in the house and sleep in a portable kennel in your bedroom. Not on the bed, its a dominance issue.

- You go through a door first, not the dog. If he breaks and goes through, bring him back. Put him in a sit and you go through first.

- Finally, its all about being calm and repetition, repetition, repetition...

- also Wolters book aint a bible, its got some good stuff and some not so good. I am a firm believer in adapting it to your situation and using professional help...

FYI: JLPTexasHunter has used the book on his dog Copper and he turned out well, my Llewellin did okay with it, but needed more than I had to give...

Best of luck

 

[jlptexashunter]

Copper still has a lot of work by the way.

His brother Cayenne has a LONG way to go and I'm not so sure I have the ability to train him to his potential so I'm looking into Joe (Live2Hunts) trainer or Oscar Christman to train him.

We'll see in January by then I'll know if I can handle Cayenne.

Good Luck Brother, there is no greater joy but no greater frustration than training your own dog.

 

[butcher_boy]

Thanks again for the advice on the books/videos.
just want to clear some things up. I am only kenneling the dog for its own protection. I have chain link all in the back yard and just incase he gets curious and starts to dig a hole and gets out lord knows what might happen to him. I am letting him in the house when i am home, and plan on morning lessons and evening lessons on weekends. (ofcourse a few casual hunts) i am looking forward to it, and will be so glad to have the freindship of the pup.
( Man today was a bad day, and went to my neighbors yard to pet his dog. hahahah)

 

[pigeonhunter]

I would bring him in the house for his first night, but then again my dog has his own side of the bed. But at least for his first night have him in a kennel next to your bed to help strengthen the bond.
You guys know my feeling about Wolters. The books are great for early work and reference's but consult a pro-trainer for finishing work. And always rember we need the training, not the dogs! :wink:

 

[hiker]

Congrat's, hunting with your own dog will be a whole new experience.
Now to make it pleasurable/successful/SAFE, look up your local N.A.V.H.D.A. chapter

Hiker