My GSP is breaking point too early on planted birds
I've been working with my 2-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer on planted quail in a training field. He's solid on wild birds, but on these planted birds he's creeping in and breaking point at about 15 yards instead of holding steady until I flush. I'm using a check cord and have tried the 'whoa' command reinforcement, but he just gets too amped up. We're both wearing SportDOG e-collars (425 model) but I haven't used the stim on this issue yet.
1 Answer
Been there with my own GSP - planted birds can really test a dog's steadiness since they don't move like wild birds. What worked for me was backing way up on distance. Start with the dog on a check cord and plant the bird 30+ yards out, then work your way in slowly over multiple sessions. Use that e-collar stim on the lowest setting (like a 2 or 3) the moment he even thinks about creeping - it's about timing, not intensity. Also, try mixing in some clipped-wing pigeons since they'll flutter a bit and teach patience. How's his 'whoa' command on non-bird situations?
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