Best way to break to "Wing and Shot"

[ranmcc]

I have a pointer that is two years old. Holds bird very good and is
steady until the bird gets up. What is the best way to break her to
"Wing and Shot"?

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[Patrick S. Baldwin]

In a message dated 1/22/02 2:00:59 PM Central Standard Time,
ran...@email.msn.com writes:

> I have a pointer that is two years old. Holds bird very good and is
> steady until the bird gets up. What is the best way to break her to
> "Wing and Shot"?
>
>

I can give you my experience. <One owner, one dog...novice trainer> Let a
partner shoot while you train. Hold the check cord and brace for a jolt.
You will have the dog bug-eyed and slobbering to chase the bird so hold on.
Now approach the dog and make him 'Whoa' <4 feet on the ground and standing
still>, don't yell on get excited. Just gentle styling and praise when he
has maintained 'whoa' to your satisfaction.
If: 1. Bird is shot...send for the retrieve. 2. Bird is missed, but
close...keep hold of the check cord and command 'careful' or 'close'. This
will be a release to hunt command that is quite useful when you know roughly
where the bird landed. Check cord the dog to the area and let him
reestablish point. 3. Bird missed...release the dog to hunt.
Another technique that I have seen...but not used for fear of blinking. When
the dog bolts for the bird, correct him with an e-collar. I can't go into
any more detail because I've no personal experience with the method.

Patrick S. Baldwin MD
PAB...@aol.com

[Superposed]

First, you've got to steady her to wing. If the dog currently understands that
you allow her to break, then that behaviour has been reinforced (by not guiding
her otherwise). She must be "whoa" broke if she has not been already.

To begin with breaking her to wing, start by putting her on a lead. Use an
assistant and guide her to the birds which you have planted -- can be pigeons.
Have your assistant "hunt" and you follow to steady her. Allow her to hunt
free and point the bird. When she points, approach her and praise the point.
Steady her and hold the lead. Allow for the assistant to move in to flush.
Praise her steadiness and allow her to stand there for a moment after the
flush, not moving until you give the command. To begin with only flush the
birds and then "release" her with a touch of the ear/head and a "release"
command of your choosing -- use multiple stimulus to reinforce and to allow you
to release by touch or voice at later sessions.

Consult books by Bill Tarrant, Rick Smith and other experts on these topics.
This is wayy over simplified. Similar results can be had with use of bird
"catapults" and remote launchers, but they are more expensive in terms of
equipment and create more details for you to manage besides your dog.

Sup/

[Gruver, Wes]

A check cord, a remote launcher, a shotgun and lots of live pigeons and
shells....

-----Original Message-----
From: ranmcc [mailto:ran...@EMAIL.MSN.COM]
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2002 3:01 PM
To: GUND...@listserv.tamu.edu
Subject: Best way to break to "Wing and Shot"

I have a pointer that is two years old. Holds bird very good and is
steady until the bird gets up. What is the best way to break her to
"Wing and Shot"?

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