Chasing clipped birds

I have a ten week old Vizsla male. I have introduced him to live pigeons (wings clipped) and let him chase them around and he will fetch them to me (suprisingly he is quite gentle). Is he too young to be introducing to live birds?

Thank you for your valued time and consideration. I love what you guys do on this pannel and I have had several other wonderful responses to questions and they are all greatly appreciateed. Thanks again.

Justin

Justin,

I don't mind a young pup being introduced to live birds but I would be careful about letting him catch them. You will likely be giving yourself or your pro trainer headaches in the future. The pointing instinct is developed by making the dog believe that he cannot catch a live bird on the ground. If you were developing a young flushing dog, you would want him to catch lots of birds so that he would develop an aggressive and intense flushing style.

The best advice I can give you is to slow way down. Don't get too concerned about perfect obedience or bird work now. Take the pup out for walks in the woods, socialize him and expose him to other hunting dogs and people. You have many years to train with this pup, slow down and let him catch up!

Bill Corcoran
Highland Retriever Kennel
bcorc4@aol.com
Highland Retriever Kennel

<< Back to Q&A