Thread: Pheasant Dog

Originally Posted by Tlane

EeeBees - reading through similar posts on this site, there seems to be a view that versatiles are 'harder' dogs that are at the more extreme end when it comes to training. As performers, a pointer is my ideal dog - not much beats watching them work. But there's not much pleasure in watching a poorly trained dog, and even less in working with one (let alone owning it!). Realising that any dog is only going to be as good as the training it's given, I'm committed to giving it everything I've got. If I was hunting every day I wouldn't hesitate to go for a GWP, but wonder whether I'm better to go for a different breed that would be more forgiving?
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To me, the dog must have prey drive, he must have passion, intent, boldness and will...you can train a dog as much as you like; I think there is too much emphasis on training than on hunting...if you want a good hunting dog take it hunting...as they mature they 'develop' as hunters just as we do...they can hold birds which they may not have done as a youngster. A hunted dog purposely seeks out places that he recognises as being possibly birdy...

What is a poorly trained dog...one man's idea of a poorly trained dog is invariably not another's. You can have all the fancy dropping, triple blind dummy retrieves and all that jazz but what of his real ability. Ever notice how you can bag a bird in a locale and your dog even three years later will return to that very spot the bird was pointed, flushed and retrieved. That is a hunting dog to me. A good hunting dog. Who through confidence in his owner is given licence to search without endless whistle blowing and stifling control.