Gun-dog training
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Intro
Contents |
[edit] Types of Hunting
Gun dogs are used to hunt all sorts of game. Many are used in the pursuit of big game. The majority of working gun dogs are used to hunt upland game.
[edit] Types of Dogs
Gun dogs are divided into three primary classifications based upon method of work:
The techiniques used for training a dog depends very much on the type of work the dog is expected to perform.
[edit] Training for Retrievers
Retrievers are trained to find and retrieve game that has been shot. In order to work properly as a gun dog, a retriever should be trained to perform the following tasks:
- Retrieve to Hand Although some hunters prefer to have a bird dropped at his or her feet, the majority of hunters require that a dog deliver a bird to hand, meaning that a dog will hold the bird until told to give it to the hunter directly.
- Mark Marking is the process of watching for a falling bird. When the command "mark" is given the dog should look up for incoming birds.
- Follow Hand Signals When hunting waterfowl a retriever's primary job is to find downed birds. Often the handler is in a boat and must direct the dog to the bird remotely. In order to do so, the handler must be able to induce the dog to sit and face him remotely inorder to give hand signals telling the dog where to look for the bird.
- Shake A properly trained duck dog will shake only when given permission. Shaking in a small duck boat will drench the hunters (which can be unsafe in cold conditions) and could damage a bird if it is carried in the dog's mouth when shaking.
- Quarter A retrievers secondary role is often as an upland flushing dog. Dogs must work in a pattern in front of the hunter seeking upland game birds. The retriever must be taught to stay within gun range to avoid flushing a bird outside of shooting distance.
- Steady When hunting upland birds, a flushing dog should be steady to wing and shot, meaning that he sits when a bird rises or a gun is fired. He does this in order to mark the fall and to avoid flushing other birds when pursuing a missed bird.
[edit] Training for Flushing Spaniels
Spaniels are trained primarily to quarter in front of the hunter to flush game.
[edit] Training for Pointing Breeds
Bird dog training varies among breeds and handlers, but methodologies are usually similar to the following: Training for hunting can begin soon after a pup is weaned, around 10 to 12 weeks. A pup is encouraged to search for treats hidden in the handler’s pockets. In this way, he learns that he is rewarded for using his nose. At this time, the pup is often introduced to a gamebird in a cage (often a common pigeon). If the dog shows excitement, he is said to be birdy and is rewarded for this behavior. At this stage, some pups already exhibit a natural tendency to point. Handlers encourage the pointing behavior through games, such as attaching a bird wing to a fishing line and pole and dragging it along the ground. The pups are often trained as a group, which supports the pointing behavior. Dogs progress through several stages, working up to pointing caged birds in the field. A long lead can be attached to the dog so that the trainer can correct the dog for bad behavior and teach the dog to work closely with hunters. Younger dogs are sometimes paired with experienced dogs for trips to the field. Once the dog is birdy and some of its training is complete, the dog needs to be exposed to gunfire to be gun broken.
[edit] Exposure to Gunfire
When a dog has been accustomed to gunfire, it is said to be gun broken. For most dogs, this is done in a procedural way where the dog is introduced to game or birds and gunfire at the same time.
[edit] Common method of training
- The dog, constrained by a long check cord, is introduced to a clipped wing bird that is easy to catch
- Upon the dog catching the bird, a starter pistol or similar weapon is fired in the distance (50-100 yards/metres)
- This process is reapeated slowly bringing the distance of the gun fire closer to the dog.
- Upon the dog ignoring the shot, a new weapon is introduced.
- The same process (steps 1-4) is repeated using a .410 shotgun, then up to a 20 gauge shotgun, and finally a 12 gauge shotgun.
This process associates the exciting activity of the game and gunfire. When gunfire happens, the dog expects the game. When game is found, the dog expects gunfire. Common mistakes include exposing the dog to gunfire too early and too suddenly.
[edit] Trained Retrieve
Also known as Forced Fetch or Table Training, this is a technique in which the dog is trained to retrieve and deliver objects precisely on command. It is effective because the dog is placed on a table and can be controlled throughout the retrieve.
