introducing pup to whiste

[Super Furry Animal 2]

Hi folks and blokes

 

Just a quick question on whistle training.

 

I've just joined a shoot and have come to the conclusion that shooting game without a dog is like a pro golfer without a caddy.

 

Last week it took me nearly 20 mins to retrieve a bird I shot half way down a ledge up to my neck in brambles which clearly amused the rest of the members.

 

Anyhow, I will be getting my lab pup in March and have already pre-booked the breeder.

 

My question is how old should the pup be before introducing the whistle?

I've had mixed responses on this, and there seem to be some experienced fellas on the forum.

 

Cheers

 

SFA

[wyeman 803]

Labs are fairly late in maturing, so do not be in too much of rush to start formally training it. Let it be a puppy but remember to socialise it with traffic, other dogs & people. If this is your first dog it may be useful to see whether any of your local gundog societies are running training classes.

[Super Furry Animal 2]

Hi Wyeman

 

I totally agree, luckily I'l be buying the pup from a renowned breeder and trainer in my area.

It was agreed that he would provide the training as well as the pup, couldn't think of anyone better to be honest.

This will be my first gundog so eager to get it right (as much as I can).

 

Cheers for the reply.

 

SFA

[stroller 341]

get him on the recall whistle straight away, just a few pips to get him to come in for his dinner will get him responding very easily we have a litter of pups at the minute who all come running at 8 weeks old when the whistle is blown

[glenng 15]

get him on the recall whistle straight away, just a few pips to get him to come in for his dinner will get him responding very easily we have a litter of pups at the minute who all come running at 8 weeks old when the whistle is blown

 

this advice is spot on.i was told to do this by the keeper on the shoot and my sprocker pups will return and sit at my feet no problem.

[Super Furry Animal 2]

Good advice lads, cheers

[ftm 3,357]

stroller is correct recall is one of your most important commands-billy- but as a matter of interest are there no pickers up or beaters with dogs that could help you find any shot birds -billy

[Super Furry Animal 2]

Hi mate

 

Its only a small shoot and can not afford to tip beaters. Each member will eventually need to posses a dog for this reason.

Although there are uaually two beaters with dogs, they werent there on that particular day.

 

 

[ftm 3,357]

theres loads of lads that will beat for nothing or the chance of a bit vermin control i do it on 2 small shoots and im paid in that i shoot all vermin all year round other larger shoots pay me with cash ,it might pay you to ask around mate as most gundog owners love to see there dogs getting a bit of work atb -billy

[j j m 6,481]

Get him on the re call whistle the rest will follow

[pikeypaul 11]

Started mine at four months,she's ten month now and doing very well.Recall stop and fetch.