A short excerpt from a SportDOG post on when to introduce puppies to wild birds, and when to take them on their first hunt.
Young dogs take a while to develop into the hunting dog you want. So, they shouldn’t go into the field until their maturity level and obedience training shows they are ready. Nor should they have bird contact until their obedience lessons are well-learned. Your puppy should “Heel” and “Whoa” before ever seeing a bird. They should also know the commands “Here” and “Come.”
Well-bred dogs are birdie at birth; they do not need to chase birds to become birdie. Also, pointing dogs do not need to be taught to point; they were bred to point. Bird work can be put on the back burner for a few months until the groundwork of an obedient student and hunting partner has been laid in place. Introducing a young dog to wild birds too early may cause bad habits which will be hard to correct later. By hunting a dog too early you could very well be encouraging him to hunt for him/herself, rather than for you.
Many first-time dog owners, as well as some experienced handlers, want to show off their puppy by shooting birds over him/her while their buddies look on at the hopefully masterful performance. Owners of 3- to 6-month old pups will sometimes shoot rooster pheasants over their dogs, sometimes only wounding the bird, but sending the puppy for a retrieve. These owners do not realize what damage they might be causing the dog. If a pheasant is not cleanly dispatched when the dog goes for a retrieve, the birds beating wings can cause damage. Or, worse yet, what if the young dog gets spurred in the mouth? The damage could well leave you with a “bird-shy” hunting dog.
Follow a good training program and allow your young dog to enjoy being a puppy. With early obedience lessons instilled, the young dog will know that s/he must listen to “the boss” at all times. If s/he should become distracted while in the field, a loud “Heel!” should bring him/her to your side. Your knowledge that the pup you chose is from proven hunting stock is just the beginning. With the proper training, as well as the appropriate level of patience, you should have a great all-around bird dog that enjoys hunting both with and for you.
Click here to read the entire post: When Your Dog Should Enter the Hunt (sportdog.com)
Excerpt posted by Castiron Kennels
Ric, Ellen of Castiron Kennels and their 4 Picardy Spaniels live in New Glarus, WI just 25 minutes southwest of Madison. A lifelong hunter, Ric has trained and hunted Small Munsterlanders, Gordon Setters, and for the past 7 years Picardy Spaniels. Ellen has an extensive background in animal genetics and a PhD in Reproductive Physiology. She bred and trained Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs prior to Picardy Spaniels.
US Picardy Spaniel Alliance 