AZPDC.org

[tonkatruckjk]

Good afternoon/evening all, and happy Memorial Day...

To start, I'll give a little background. I grew up hunting behind my grandfather's GSP's and then my father's GSP's, starting at about age 10. I loved it, and really want to get back to it. Because I love the breed and had so many great memories with them growing up, I intentionally adopted a GSP (Tonka) from a local GSP rescue shelter. I got him at about 6 months old, he's now just about 2 years old. He's a great dog, is very well trained (as a pet), and has a pretty reactive natural point (no bird training at all). He is gun-broke, and loves to head out into the desert for hikes and 4-wheeling trips, during which, we occasionally stop to do some shooting.

About 6 months ago, I unintentionally rescued another GSP (Chloe) during a wheeling trip, she was cold/exhausted/hungry, out in the middle of nowhere...long story short, she was pregnant, had her litter, all went to good homes (these were some kind of mix - markings were not GSP at all). Anyway, she's now fixed, vet puts her age at around 1.5 years old. Again - very intelligent, well trained, and has a gorgeous natural point. I have not yet checked her for gunshy, but I don't anticipate any challenges there. She's generally a fireball.

Anyway - to the meat of my question - how old is "Too old" to begin field training and bird training? Is there a chance with these two? I'd be excited to hear that it's possible, but not too disappointed if folks don't believe it is. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the dog and the handler, but from a general point of view - is it too late? I won't be able to train for hours and hours during the week, but would be able to spend an hour or so after work and significant time on weekends. They both love the field...yes, they've both chased birds (Chloe even caught one in the backyard).

I don't ever intend to get into serious competitions or field trials, just looking for another activity to keep the dogs interested and engaged - we've just about exhausted the 'tricks' they can learn, socialization, CGC, etc...My other thoughts are to start working with them as Therapy dogs, but it will be difficult to get them to be THAT calm.

Appreciate any thoughts/insights you folks might have for me. While I've hunted behind some great dogs, I never watched/participated in the training. I've read a few books (Gun Dog - Richard Wolters amongst others), and he indicates that you've gotta start very young to have any decent chances at success.

I would also LOVE to tag along with someone either as they're training or hunting - I can go 14/15 on clay pigeons, but haven't hunted actual birds in a long time...(12 years).

If anybody's willing to show me a few pointers (pun intended), I'd be eternally grateful.

Thanks for reading!

[erucker]

Welcome to the site. Your dogs are definately NOT too old. I would suggest you join the club and meet someone you can begin training with. Also, we have training days once a month at our field trial events in the mountains.

I am leaving town at the moment, if I can help when I return let me know.

Good Luck!!

Ed Rucker
President
AZPDC