Gun Dog
Dogs
Gun Dog
Gundogs, also called bird dogs, are a category of
dog
breeds developed to assist
hunters
or sports people to retrieve prey, usually
birds.
There are several types of gundogs, each type consisting of multiple breeds;
see each type for a detailed description and a list of breeds:
Several breeds have been used in different ways, so the line among different
types is not always clear and different people might think of one breed as
different types.
Training for Pointers and Setters
Bird dog training varies among breeds and handlers, but methodologies are
usually similar to the following: Training for hunting can begin soon after a
pup is
weaned, around 10 to 12 weeks. A pup is encouraged to search for treats
hidden in the handler’s pockets. In this way, he learns that he is rewarded for
using his nose. At this time, the pup is introduced to a
gamebird
in a cage (often a common
pigeon). If the
dog shows excitement, he is said to be
birdy and is
rewarded for this behavior. At this stage, some pups already exhibit a natural
tendency to point. Handlers encourage the pointing behavior through games, such
as attaching a bird wing to a fishing line and pole and dragging it along the
ground. The pups are often trained as a group, which supports the pointing
behavior. Dogs progress through several stages, working up to pointing caged
birds in the field. A long lead can be attached to the dog so that the trainer
can correct the dog for bad behavior and teach the dog to work closely with
hunters. Younger dogs are sometimes paired with experienced dogs for trips to
the field.
Method of Work for Pointers and Setters
Upon reaching the field, the handler often will cast or direct the dog
in a wide circle. Experienced dogs will search the edges of the field knowing
that birds are usually found there. This wide run helps to burn off the dogs
initial exhuberence and may help the dog establish its bearings and form a
"background" upon which game smells will be processed. The dog then begins
working back and forth, starting near the hunter and slowly ranging out. The dog
repeats this process as the hunters move through the field. How far a handler
allows the dog to range is a matter of personal preference. When a pair of dogs
work as a team, one works close in while the other ranges out in larger circles.
If either dog becomes birdy, the other dog works its way over to assist. Good
bird dogs are alert to their handlers and to the disposition of other dogs in
the field. They should readily comply if the handler casts them to an area of
particular interest, such as a brush pile or shuck of corn.
When game is detected, a dog freezes, either pointing or crouching. If other
dogs are present, they also freeze, "honoring"
the first dog’s point. The pointing dog remains motionless until the hunters are
in position. Handlers give the command whoa, instructing the dog to
remain still. What happens next depends on how the dog has been trained. Some
trainers train the dog to stay motionless while the hunter steps forward and
flushes the game. Other trainers direct the dog to flush the game with a command
such as get it!
If a bird is downed, the dogs are instructed to search for it with the
command dead bird, or simply dead. The dogs then search for and
retrieve the downed game.
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