Thread: deer dog training advice

I have a "deer" dog. My first. I encouraged him on every deer I shot right from the first as I was worried about potential lack of drive or interest, I wish I hadn't... Next time I will get the Heel command rock fucking solid before I even take him anywhere near game. I think having a dog that heels and didn’t give a toss about game would be much more enjoyable than one that required constant attention which mine does.

So no, I wouldn’t let the wee bugger run off without a release, especially on his first. I see that as the first step down the wrong path... Same with him grabbing the deer while you are carrying it, it is yours deer now, not his... Basically I would worry less about him not being interested in game and worry more about how you want to hunt with him, and getting that right first.