Thread: Has everyone shot their dogs and given up?

Originally Posted by Woody

I don't know how to start a new thread, but I have a conundrum.

I have owned and successfully hunted GWP's for many years now and have huge love and respect for their abilities and the very large quantities of meat and poultry they have allowed me to bag.

I have never used electric shocks on my dogs and do not believe in training by punishments, but by positive association. My dogs are very strong and willing hunters and setters including upland GAME, WATERFOWL, DEER AND PIGS, EVEN BUMBLEBEES in the garden.

I want to apply for certain hunting area permits but the conditions are that dogs must be certificated as having completed Kiwi aversion certification. The thought of some DoC greeny shocking my dogs is a nightmare to me. Am I wrong to worry and should I just allow my excellent and trusted dogs to undergo this treatment or not? What are the possible negative effects on hunting/ pointing, setting, retrieving and also on dog trust?

Don't do it. Parts of the aversion training are meaningless really. When the stuffed kiwi is set up on the bushedge of course a dog is curious and wanders over to investigate. He/she gets a shock, what does that teach them. Not to be curious?. That's bloody useful.

Now if my older dog the only one that has had the training gets onto a scent of kiwi she will return to the vehicle