My GSP pup is pointing but breaking at flush - any tips?
Got a 10-month-old German Shorthaired Pointer that's been doing great on planted pigeons. He points solid, but when the bird flushes, he's breaking and chasing about half the time. I'm using a 20ga Beretta A300 with #7.5 target loads. We're working in a 5-acre field training area. Tried keeping him on a check cord and saying 'whoa' when he starts to move, but he still gets excited.
1 Answer
That's a super common issue with young pointers - the excitement just gets to them. What worked for me with my English Setter was using a remote e-collar (I like the Dogtra 280C) on a low stimulation setting just as the bird flushes, paired with a firm 'whoa' command. Start with dead birds or clipped-wing pigeons so there's no chase reward. Also, try having a helper flush the bird while you handle the dog - that separation helps. How's he doing on steadiness to shot? That's usually the next hurdle after you get the flush under control.
You need to be signed in to answer this question.
Sign in to Answer