My GSP is breaking at flush - tried everything but e-collar
My 4-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer has been steady to wing and shot for two seasons, but this fall he's started breaking when the bird flushes. I've gone back to check-cord drills with planted pigeons and he's fine in training, but put him on wild birds and he creeps then goes. I'm running a Benelli Ethos 12ga with Federal Prairie Storm #6s. Anyone else dealt with this regression?
1 Answer
Been there with my own GSP a few years back. What worked for me was mixing up the training birds - try some clipped wing quail instead of pigeons, they act different on the flush and it'll test his steadiness in a new way. Also, consider where you're hunting - if you're pushing him into heavier cover this season, the extra scent might be triggering that instinct to chase. One trick: try hunting with a partner who can flush while you handle the dog, so you can focus completely on him. What cover are you hunting him in mostly?
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