Buying someone else's dog

bizidea

Just wondering what are lads opinions on buying someone else's dog have a lot of these dogs faults or are some of them genuinely good dog's have heard of a lot of dogs bought that were no use but know of two that are absolute legend's and the new owner's can't understand why they were sold

goz83

An opinion from a dog owner (not a gun dog owner).

I would say that a few factors matter. The main one being the relationship between animal and owner. As an owner of two rescued Lab x dogs back in 2008, it wasn't easy establishing control and discipline with two dogs that clearly had no training and no manners. One of them was nuts and barked like a trapped wolf if tied up on a leash.

So, long story cut short, I perseveered and it paid off. Using a couple of dog whisperer techniques and through repetition, in a small period of time and no formal training, my dogs see me as the alpha. And i am rarely the one who feeds and walks them. At night, i can walk them without leashes and they stop at traffic lights without me needing to tell them anymore. I leave the house and then they are allowed to leave. It's small things like that, which keep in their mind that I am in charge.

A hunting/gun dog is still a dog. And while it might be more work breaking them in. Getting some training advice will make sure you have no regrets. You just need to stick with it and remain assertive. Some dogs are easier than others, but the most important thing is the relationship you carve out of it. I hope that helps.

ALANC81

90% of working dogs sold are dirt. I don't mean pups but dogs that have a season or 2 under them. Then there's the 10% that any gunman would be happy to own.

The 10% are sold for many reasons but my advice is get a trail first. If the dog is genuine you will have no problem getting a trail.

J.R.

bizidea wrote: »

Just wondering what are lads opinions on buying someone else's dog have a lot of these dogs faults or are some of them genuinely good dog's have heard of a lot of dogs bought that were no use but know of two that are absolute legend's and the new owner's can't understand why they were sold

A few obvious reasons for sale jump to mind:


hunters selling dog as circumstances have changed....relocating. emigrating, moving to house where no dogs allowed etc. There may be nothing wrong with the dog in such circumstances

Hunter who purchased the dog never realised the amount of time & energy that goes into training a gun dog. Novelty has worn off or due to personnel circumstances they don't have the time now.

Hunter kept some pups from litter & hopes to make a few bob

Dog is no use......many gundog breeds purchased may come from a show background rather that a hunting background and may be useless for hunting.

Dog may be gun-shy

Dog may chase sheep & or livestock

Dog may be aggressive...fighting with all other dogs it comes in contact with.

Dog may run off on a scent and be gone into the next county for ages.

useurowname

As above it's a bit of a lottery, take your pick of reasons. Personally I'd be wary of someone claiming they'd a great dog but were having to sell it. Much better buy an ex trialer(big money) or if you can get references or see the dog working in different scenarios.

bizidea

One of the dogs I know of that was bought was the best dog the guy had seen in 40 years of handling dogs he was astounded that the previous owner had not been happy with it

blackpearl

When it comes to setters I expect nothing but the best steady ,good in cover and retrieving land and water.I have given away dogs that did not come up to the standard I wanted,i asked for no money for them as long as they went to a shooting home, people said back to me you must of been mad for getting rid of that dog they were happy with the dog but the country they were hunting was different to I was hunting ,the point been their are some good dogs out their not all duds,go on a trial with the dog fire a shot over him take him around livestock ect you never no .