My GSP's quartering is inconsistent on windy days - any tips?
I've been working with my 3-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer on quartering patterns for pheasant hunting, but on windy days he tends to cut corners and miss scent pockets. We train with a SportDog 425X e-collar on low stimulation, and I've tried varying my whistle commands. He's solid in calm conditions but seems to rush when the wind picks up.
1 Answer
Wind definitely changes the game with versatile breeds. What's worked for me is using the wind to my advantage - I'll position myself downwind and send the dog into it, so he has to work the scent cone properly. Try shortening your pattern on windy days and use a check cord to reinforce quartering width before adding the e-collar correction. Also, consider whether he might be getting birdy from scent blowing further - sometimes they anticipate. What's your typical training distance when working on quartering?
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