Thread: proper pointers

you would also need to have an understanding of the game available in countries like serbia, or more important the fact most are not resident, it's in somes ways there version of a pigeon trial.
unsteady to shot is more a reflection of the average level of training most gun dogs get before taken into the field, as a nation we have a poor expectation of basic gundog work, it's common owning an unsteady dog with the excuse of wanting the dog on it asap.......... a marked bird even a runner is alot easier to pick up.
Sporting Scene- Classic Game Shooting Grouse. - YouTube
watch this clip to see how an unsteady dog fucks up the flush and the chance of a shot........ nice to hear the term 'english pointer' used too.

Originally Posted by kawhia

it's in somes ways there version of a pigeon trial.

You'll have to explain that one for me

Very interesting post, Pointer...it is curious how we in each country modify the work of the breeds...the retrieve was never a requirement for the EP on the grouse, was it?

Originally Posted by EeeBees

Very interesting post, Pointer...it is curious how we in each country modify the work of the breeds...the retrieve was never a requirement for the EP on the grouse, was it?

In the UK, correct, they don't expect a retrieve. However, basically every other country in the world does. Widely regarded as not a pointers strong point mind you

in the states on plenty on the big game bird ranches, the flushing is done by the handler, and the retrieve done by labs too.

Threre is no reason you could not employ that here a pointer to hunt and point only .and a lab to plod along just to retrieve. One less thing to train a pointer to do and would perhaps make for a steadier dog ? . Does anyone no of any that do just that . I've owned and hunted lab and gwhp togeather . Itwas a perfect combo but never separated there tasks .

i do at times hunt with a gwp and a spanner, but only work one at a time.
running a flushing breed with a pointing breed will risk turning your pointer into a long range flusher.

True, flushing by handler is the norm in the states. However the use of a spaniel or lab is an exception rather than a rule over there. Saw a few Youtube Videos of it on US pheasant preserves, the particular breeds of spaniel they were using are queer almost looked like a Clumber! I am visiting a few large pointer kennels stateside next month, will be interesting to see how they do it

boykin ?