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Advice on getting a dog #6548719 11/18/16 03:33 AM
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chaseh2003 Offline OP
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I would love to have a bird dog one of these days. I would like to have a pointer to hunt quail but I only have a chance at quail a couple times a year. Most of my hunting is for dove or ducks. Everyone says GSPs are versatile so Ive thought about getting one to hunt all 3. Wondering if it would be worth putting in all the training for a couple hunts a year. Especially when a dog like a GSP might not be good at retrieving doves & ducks.
What are your thoughts?

Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6548758 11/18/16 03:54 AM
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I don't know where or why people think GSP might not be good at duck and dove retrieving. Curious as to why you say that?

Anyway, would it be worth all the training to hunt quail twice a year? No. Would it be worth it to hunt ducks, dove and quail? Yes!

Also keep in mind that you will have the dog year round and not just during hunting season.

There are what, over 30 breeds that are "versatile" that can more than fit the bill for what you want so no need to narrow it down to just the GSP, although they will probably be the cheapest and easiest to find.


Originally Posted By: Fooshman
I'll take a Black Female every time.

Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6548790 11/18/16 04:28 AM
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Having owned a couple of versatiles, I believe that they all have a preference. Some like to retrieve some prefer upland. You can get them to do both but it is usually obvious that they have a preference. However, you can get a dog that will do a fair job on both ducks and upland. If you are mostly a duck hunter consider the water and conditions where you will be hunting. I used to hunt a slick coated dog for ducks in the Port Mansfield area and she was uncomfortable on cold wet days when the the wind was blowing--even with a neoprene jacket. I finally had start carrying an old sleeping bag and towel to the blind to dry her off and warm her when she started to chatter and shake. Never had that problem with my wirehaireds(GWP). Labs will ride around wet on airboats in 40 degree weather. Shorthairs will be at risk of hypothermia.

Keep in mind that as you are asking the dog to have a greater skill set and training is going to be longer or more expensive. But then, you really need the keep working with a gun dog all their life. There are very few that don't need an occasional refresher course. If you are going the versatile route I would recommend one of the more common breeds. Big gene pool=better chance at a good dog.
And don't let someone sell you a pointing lab and expect it to be a good quail dog. They can't keep up with any of the upland dogs and really are just retrievers that will honor.
Also, some dogs just won't retrieve doves because of the fine feathers, they can be force fetched but still may not be enthusiastic about doves.
With doves you have to be very careful @ heat stroke, especially with labs due to their bulk. You really need to haul a tub of water for dogs when dove hunting so they can get in the water and cool off. The larger the dog, the more likely you are to have a heatstroke issue and the more water you need to haul.

Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6548794 11/18/16 04:34 AM
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And why would a GSP not be able to retrieve for you?

Everyone says that because they are! If you want a bird dog and you're willing to put the time into it, then there are plenty of versatile breeds that will not only do what you want, but they'll be the ugliest dog on your block to boot! wink My dog hunts quail, pheasants, ducks, geese, dove and retrieves all them just fine. So it can be done.

I won't go into the field without a bird dog and I find myself concentrating less and less on deer and more on birds as time goes by.

Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6548910 11/18/16 11:49 AM
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Kinda like asking about pick up trucks. popcorn

Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: Kahuna] #6549144 11/18/16 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted By: Kahuna
Kinda like asking about pick up trucks. popcorn


Yup.

Also might look into something like a boykin.


Originally Posted By: Fooshman
I'll take a Black Female every time.

Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6549172 11/18/16 03:12 PM
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I was the same way about other game until I got my first pointer pup. I soon gave up everything except quail after the experience of hunting with a bird dog.


Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill


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Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6549218 11/18/16 03:36 PM
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Pointers can really take your breath away.


Originally Posted By: Fooshman
I'll take a Black Female every time.

Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6550141 11/19/16 04:40 AM
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Its not that I don't think a GSP will retrieve. However, I have seen a few posts about people complaining that on a dove or duck hunt, their GSP was all over the place and wouldn't hold next to them. Then others responded about how they warned them to get the right dog for the job. And how you shouldn't expect one to be a good retriever.

Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6550194 11/19/16 05:49 AM
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Sounds like training issues and or not one from a good breeding.

There are plenty out there that will do what you want but you have your find the right breeder(gsp). There also might be other breeds better suited.

If you live and hunt more northern part of texas, maybe a pudlepointer,or GWP might be better suited. Or a smaller spaniel.

Keep us posted on what you pick and post pics of the new pup.


Originally Posted By: Fooshman
I'll take a Black Female every time.

Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: MS1454] #6550212 11/19/16 09:32 AM
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Originally Posted By: MS1454
Pointers can really take your breath away.
and some will make you want to pull your hair out


hold on Newt, we got a runaway
Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6550941 11/20/16 01:00 AM
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Wirehaired pointng griffon. They are hard to find (but there are some breeders in Texas and one in Fayetteville. They have an under coat, they hunt upland closer to the hunter than other breeds and are lab-like family dogs that aren't hyper-active in the house and can turn it off (also good with kids).

My buddy has one that he bought from a breeder in Fayetteville. She was retrieving ducks at 9 months and he and his wife had twins when she was 8 months old and has been wonderful around their young babies in a small house. She was very birdy from the start.

He paid around $1,200 for her, but it was his dream dog and he trained her himself, his first bird dog he ever trained. I'm a lab guy, but I'd buy one in a heartbeat if I was considering a versatile dog. She will hunt upland birds, waterfowl, rabbits, squirrels - basically anything.


Originally Posted by bill oxner
I just turned it on . I was looking bird dogs in the butt this morning.


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Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6550948 11/20/16 01:08 AM
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I would recommend a French Brittany. They are lapdogs that hunt.

Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6551935 11/20/16 11:56 PM
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If you aren't that serious about quail hunting, I'd look into getting a pointing lab. They're pricy but versatile and can pick up pointing fairly quickly.


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Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6564860 11/30/16 02:10 AM
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Apparently I'm tech challenged. I tried doing a search for gsp in the classifieds (I'm currently looking for one) and it came up empty. But the same search in this forum came up empty too. I guess I'm doing it wrong. Anyone know of a breeder with a litter in time for Christmas?

Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: colt45-90] #6564933 11/30/16 02:51 AM
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Originally Posted By: colt45
Originally Posted By: MS1454
Pointers can really take your breath away.
and some will make you want to pull your hair out


haha


Originally Posted By: Fooshman
I'll take a Black Female every time.

Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: DonPablo] #6565331 11/30/16 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted By: DonPablo
Apparently I'm tech challenged. I tried doing a search for gsp in the classifieds (I'm currently looking for one) and it came up empty. But the same search in this forum came up empty too. I guess I'm doing it wrong. Anyone know of a breeder with a litter in time for Christmas?


If you have a Facebook, check the upland hunting classifieds page. Lots of nice dogs for sale on there.


Say When.....
Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6565614 11/30/16 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted By: chaseh2003
I would love to have a bird dog one of these days. I would like to have a pointer to hunt quail but I only have a chance at quail a couple times a year. Most of my hunting is for dove or ducks. Everyone says GSPs are versatile so Ive thought about getting one to hunt all 3. Wondering if it would be worth putting in all the training for a couple hunts a year. Especially when a dog like a GSP might not be good at retrieving doves & ducks.
What are your thoughts?


I would seriously consider a pointing lab. They are expensive though.


The Federal Government cannot give anything to anyone, that it has not first taken from someone else.
Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: DonPablo] #6565671 11/30/16 05:06 PM
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Originally Posted By: DonPablo
Apparently I'm tech challenged. I tried doing a search for gsp in the classifieds (I'm currently looking for one) and it came up empty. But the same search in this forum came up empty too. I guess I'm doing it wrong. Anyone know of a breeder with a litter in time for Christmas?


The search function isn't the easiest to use I've ever come across.


Originally Posted by bill oxner
I just turned it on . I was looking bird dogs in the butt this morning.


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Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6565880 11/30/16 07:16 PM
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I know a guy in Weatherford that needs to give away a 1 1/2 - 2 yr old GSP. It belonged to his dad and he passed away. From what I know, the dog has been hunted some but by no means finished.


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Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: poisonivie] #6566349 12/01/16 12:30 AM
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Originally Posted By: CinchMan
Originally Posted By: DonPablo
Apparently I'm tech challenged. I tried doing a search for gsp in the classifieds (I'm currently looking for one) and it came up empty. But the same search in this forum came up empty too. I guess I'm doing it wrong. Anyone know of a breeder with a litter in time for Christmas?


If you have a Facebook, check the upland hunting classifieds page. Lots of nice dogs for sale on there.


Thanks. I'll check it out.

Originally Posted By: poisonivie
I know a guy in Weatherford that needs to give away a 1 1/2 - 2 yr old GSP. It belonged to his dad and he passed away. From what I know, the dog has been hunted some but by no means finished.


Male, female? Papers? Kids love puppies but it's nice to skip some parts of that puppy stage. laugh

Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6566417 12/01/16 01:19 AM
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I think it's a papered male. I'd rather get you in contact with the owner to simplify things. Pm sent


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Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: chaseh2003] #6566551 12/01/16 02:26 AM
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I had the same decision to make and I went with the gsp. I hunt ducks , dove , quail and pheasant. My pup is 8 months old and coming along pretty good. I've always had labs but have recently started back bird hunting so I wanted a dog that would point. I couldn't be happier with my gsp . Quick learner, not as hard headed as the labs I have trained in the past and as far as retrieving goes his drive is right there with the labs. I can tell you this as well the gsp will carry there weight a lot better with out getting as tired and hot as the labs do. But I can see where the gsp will not be able to take the cold days duck hunting like the labs. So it really comes down to personal preference and what you will be doing more of. As far as finding one just check out gundog breeders, gundog central etc there's lots of established breeders with prices in the $500-$1000 range. Hope this helps and good luck finding a pup

Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: Old Hickory] #6569315 12/03/16 03:40 AM
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Originally Posted By: Old Hickory
I had the same decision to make and I went with the gsp. I hunt ducks , dove , quail and pheasant. My pup is 8 months old and coming along pretty good. I've always had labs but have recently started back bird hunting so I wanted a dog that would point. I couldn't be happier with my gsp . Quick learner, not as hard headed as the labs I have trained in the past and as far as retrieving goes his drive is right there with the labs. I can tell you this as well the gsp will carry there weight a lot better with out getting as tired and hot as the labs do. But I can see where the gsp will not be able to take the cold days duck hunting like the labs. So it really comes down to personal preference and what you will be doing more of. As far as finding one just check out gundog breeders, gundog central etc there's lots of established breeders with prices in the $500-$1000 range. Hope this helps and good luck finding a pup


Pointing Labs are special. I think Blackjack kennels pointing labs pups start at $1200.


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Re: Advice on getting a dog [Re: KingwoodCat] #6569471 12/03/16 12:33 PM
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One thing to keep in mind in buying a bird dog is the more you pay and the more you drive, the better dog you will get.

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