Show Us Ya Gundogs

[lampingboy 52]

On 05/03/2024 at 10:00, tatsblisters said:

I watched a smooth haired Vizla bitch work with a goshawk some years ago and it was a sight to behold how tuned in with the gos it was. I see a few just kept as pets and walked around the local park and i think what a bloody shame a dog like that is not allowed to use its natural ability for what it was bred for.

Apparently they are excellent to work alongside birds. I've been trying to get my hands on Roy Bebbingtons book but it seems to be unavailable everywhere I look.

 

I agree, it's a great shame to not work any dogs that have been bred for it. My mother has an 18 month old bitch who is half sister/ cousin to mine who is basically just a pet, has had very little training compared to mine and is a bit of a nightmare/ pain in the arse to be honest. I'm a firm believer that working dogs need a purpose, even if that's just training to work!

[lampingboy 52]

On 06/03/2024 at 08:38, Neal said:

Re the retrieving, are vizslas maybe more like curly-coated retrievers than labs i.e. they can't see the point in simply retrieving for the fun of it even though they'll do it rigorously when needed? My first lurcher was the same (beardie x greyhound) I couldn't get her to retrieve at all in her puppy training so I gave up. Then, when she started working she brought it back naturally. 

You're quite possibly right in what you're saying. Mine did her first blind retrieve with a dead pigeon today. We managed 5 or 6 blinds/ memories from different spots. Happy with her progress. 

[gnipper 5,945]

Coming up 10 months now and still bloody mental but getting his head round working cover and gradually getting there.