r/birddogs

Looking for a self training retriever program that won’t break the bank! Picking up a black lab in August. Any help is appreciated!

I've heard it said that male dogs mature more slowly than females, females are more attached to owners, etc. In others' experiences, does this generally seem accurate? This may be more or less true depending on the breed you own. What other developmental differences have you noticed between your male and female bird dogs?

Introducing my pup to retrieving and she’ll do it for a reward but lacks a lot of drive. I’m not really concerned with how fast she jumps into the water or how bad she wants to get the ducks but I’m hoping she can still be a functional retriever in the water.

Getting tired of trying to get titles on both my dogs. Seems like there aren't a ton of UKC trials (needed to get their titles). And even fewer are truly open to the public. Seems like several of the trial organizers who all have their own kennels are sending out invites to these trials before premiums are going live.

Last thing that was posted was premiums going live soon. Then today they posted the trial was full.

Sucks I already made plans to go and took off work. Guess ill just go out and hunt.

I have a young (13 week) WPG. First I know he is super young. My expectations are low and my training is more of just exposure/setting the guiderails. I’m just looking for more opinions as how to approach this to set him up for success down the road.

From day one this dog retrieved well. Ill toss something, he brings it back to me.

From day one he has also been a chow hound. he inhales his food, and will eat anything and everything (related later)

I introduced him to wings, then a scented bumper and things changed a bit. He wanted to shred the wing, and parade around with the bumper. I introduced treats and was able to get him to bring them back. I do 1-3 tosses/hides a day for him when we’re out in the yard.

I introduced him to live birds which went well. He picked up the scent and actually pointed.

From there I have started to put him on an occasional live bird as well as hide frozen dead birds for him to find a few times.

He does great finding both, and the live ones flush but the moment he has the dead ones in his mouth he turns and runs… finds a spot and chews. I honestly think he is trying to eat them. When he figured out they were frozen he brought one to a muddy spot out back and tried to bury it. I was able to get them from him by showing him another dead bird and lots of praise.

So obviously a good problem to have, he loves birds. How would you guys continue light training sessions to set him up to break this habit. I don’t think he will burn out on birds they are like crack to him. I was thinking a long lead? People say have something to trade with him for it but I just don’t think there is anything of equal or greater value he will accept.

It’s going to be very hot in the coming weeks. During the club days dogs work one at a time, so when it’s not your turn the dogs are in your car. Any advice on how to keep them cool? I have a fan and a temperature monitor but worries that’s not going to cut it in high temps. Also don’t want to leave the car running.

I am looking for recommendations from people who have or have had dogs out of kennels breeding Deutsch Drahthaars in the US. Doesn’t matter where in the states, but I am in CA so any closer to here would be a plus.

I am looking for a second dog, first is a GSP (not bred or tested in the German system). My timeline is long, I don’t have a problem waiting 2-3 years for the right dog if that’s what it comes too. So waitlists etc. are no problem.

I do intend on testing this dog in the German system, as well as NAVHDA. But primary intention is to HUNT. HARD. I hunt upland, waterfowl, and all big game. And typically get out at least 1x per week locally, as well as several trips while seasons are open. Easily 25-30 days afield each year, probably more.

I appreciate any input anyone has!

I need help choosing a bird dog. Ideally I would like a versatile breed. I primarily hunt dove and upland game birds in Kansas and Oklahoma, but dabble in waterfowl and would like to get more into it, but upland is primary.

It’s always been a dream of mine to do a North American Upland Slam, so I’m looking for something that can handle multiple species across multiple habitats. Leaning more towards a pointing breed than a flusher for the way I’m used to hunting. I usually hunt with a group of 3-8, but like to set off solo as well.

Gotta be something that can handle the heat of dove season (not midday of course, that’s too hot for pretty much everything), do well in CRP and dryland corners, work agricultural prairie edges well, and work well with the walkers & blockers strategy we usually run without other dogs.

While I love labs, I don’t want a huge dog. 60lbs max to keep gear and food costs lower, and make traveling with them easier.

**One of the biggest points, this is the first dog I will be training myself, so it must be capable of working through my mistakes. I also (unfortunately) lead a busy life, so it has to be good with handling training a couple of nights a week and on weekends. My wife is a stay at home mom so higher energy exercise needs wont be much of an issue, but I would prefer something on the calmer side. It also has to be good with my family and my 3yo cat.

I don’t want to spend a small fortune, but I know this is not a cheap endeavor either. Staying on the lower to midrange price scale would be preferable.

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I know this is a long list and it’s probably tough to check every box, but I’d like to check as many as possible.

Thank you in advance for your time and input!