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Subject: Help with pointing

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puck1317

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09/09/2007 9:21 AM	Alert
What is the best way to introduce a dog to pointing or the chance to point? I have been doing the walk but we never come across any birds for her to get her nose on. I have heard of planting birds or placing a wing on a string but have not try either of these yet. Also at what age sure you start training a dog to point. These is my first pointing lab and i have no idea what i am doing yet. I have been reading some books and a couple dvd's she has been doing okay so far she is 9 weeks old and I have gotten her to sit with a Whistles and retrieve most of the time but would really like to see if she will point. Please help

keskam
Pierce, Colorado

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09/09/2007 11:31 AM	Alert
Puck1317, If it was my pup I would not teach the pup anything with Obiediance until 4 months old, Let her be a puppie! You could plant a bird or 2 for her, take her out, say hunt em up! and see what she does! You might have to walk her into the scent cone, then be silent and see what happens, You can use a leed if you like, And at her age do not worry if she catches it, That memory of that bird in her mouth, or watching that bird fly away should get her going.. Kevin

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Rob G
Cedaredge, CO

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09/09/2007 6:33 PM	Alert
At nine weeks old I would not be blowing a whistle or asking anthing from her with regards to sit, here, heal, etc. As Kevin said I would wait a bit longer. At this age I would concentrate on her learning a schedule for crate training and teaching her "house rules" i.e., no biting, no jumping up, etc. As for birds, if you are not able to encounter real birds during your outings, I would purchase good flying birds and plant a few for her to "encounter" on the walk. Before you set them, let her get close to the birds, smell them, see them flap their wings, etc. Plant the bird and drag it through the cover along the way to the plant. You will see her body change as she catches scent of the trail and then follow her nose to the plant. When the bird flushes, you will see a light click on in her head as she associates the scent with the flushing bird. Hopefully this will lead to many more encounters and she will start to "search" for birds on every outing. Be patient and let nature take its course with regards to the "point". Getting them birdie is more important at this age. If the point is in there it will come out on its own. You just want to start the fire for birds right now! Have fun!! Rob

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