when to introduce pup to game

terminator2

I was just interested on what your views are, as to when to introduce a pup to live game.

EPointer=Birdss

Well as soon as you've him thought to shaken hands to begin with!

As soon as you can have him in the field & he'll come back when called I reckon...
3 months + for all mine when gotten at 8 weeks

jap gt

i tried my setter on game at 5 months when the recall was good, she was great on the first pheasant but the second she chased him into the next field and out of sight, so i went back to the basics again, kept her away from areas with game, shes 10months now and is away steadier, should be great for next season

not rushing it is key, i have a heap of work put into the dog and rushing her would undo all of that, i have the recall very good with her, i can call her off a rabbit now

Bunny Buster

I got my springer when he was 8 weeks old. As it was my first springer for hunting I was asking a lot of people for their opinions, but I got so many conflicting opinions that I just left it to myself and my own gut feeling! One was saying 6 months, another 12 months, another 18 months an so on..... Basically, every dog is different and the only thing that each person said the same was " when the pup has your trust and vice versa! First of all, make sure he/she is very familiar with their name and the basic commands such as, sit, stay, come here, NO, drop etc....Sounds a bit extreme to a first timer, but it is really easy! The first time I introduced mine to a gun, I had him on a slip lead and attached it to my waist. I went for a roam around the fields and shot at a few crows, just so he would become accustomed to the bang. Last thing you want is to start straight into game with the dog and to discover it's gun shy!! After only one or two spells of that, I went right in to the proper game birds and have had absolutely no problems, other than his first retrieve which he didn't want to part with!!! That is where the obedience and familiarity with commands comes into play! Also, I would highly recommend regular sessions of water training at a lake with a canvas dummy, it is great to have that box ticked if you intend to use your dog for duck shooting, I imagine you wouldn't like to have to swim out and retrieve each shot yourself, would take the novelty away from it! :D:D The very best of luck to you with him/her and I hope things go well for you and your four legged friend!

Attach a photo of the pup on this thread if you don't mind!

Spunk84

5 months and have never looked back bud!:D got 5 woodcock today as well flushed and retrieve with the pup

EPointer=Birdss

To clarify there's a big difference between introducing & hunting a pup.
Walking him in fields is introducing, actively searching out game is hunting. Walk the fields ASAP & Hunt when the dog I'd ready, never when you are...

Bunny Buster

EPointer=Birdss wrote: »

To clarify there's a big difference between introducing & hunting a pup.
Walking him in fields is introducing, actively searching out game is hunting. Walk the fields ASAP & Hunt when the dog I'd ready, never when you are...

My point exactly! :cool:

blackstairsboy

I would not shoot over a spaniel until nearly 18 months as in go for a days shooting. It depends on the dog and some could start at 15 - 16 months. I would however have them going for short walks along fields since about 12 weeks. Short hunts that will help the dog to develop his hunting instincts etc. I have never heard of a dog ruined through starting him a month late but have heard and saw plenty ruined by being impatient and rushing.

jap gt

agree with what ye are saying, taking ayoung dog on a full days hunting is a bad idea until they are ready for it

it will be next season before mine gets into it

terminator2

i would never force a pup to do anything,but i like bringing her out for a walk when i am hunting,she is not gun shy or anything.......just like having her around the action to get her interested