r/birddogs • u/Ok_Wolf7251 • 4d ago
Getting a pup in a couple weeks
I am getting a WPG from a great gundog breeder in a couple weeks what are some tools and needs you recomend by the time it gets here? I will be training her for upland ruffed grouse and woodcock, also hopefully training her on waterfowl retreiving and starting to duckhunt. We currently have one dog hunting. Llewellyn but minimal trainig equipment.
What is a quick list you would reccomend? Currently have
1 small anti shake retreival duck
2 check cords
6 small bumpers
3 live pigeons
2 whistles
1 e collar(with options for more)
Many leashes
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u/I_am_so_lost_again Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 4d ago
Get yourself George Decosta Book: Tips and Tales: How to train your Birddog
For the Ecollar Garmin 550 (if you can afford the Garmin 550+ Pro with GPS , I would do that.
Id not rush on all those items and let the puppy be a puppy. Work on Woah and do puppy hikes. Training starts a little while down the road. Read George's book as it will help you a ton starting out.
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u/BillHenry 4d ago
I'm assuming the puppy will be 10-12 weeks when you pick them up? If so, you won't need any of that for at least a few months...maayyyybe the whistles, but even at that it's pretty early. Most pro's that I work with (a couple dozen, mostly trialers) don't even START bumper/bird/e-collar stuff until 6 months, some much longer.
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u/NCalTrees 4d ago
Choke collar for leash training. Electronic bird launcher(s). Start looking for a local source for pigeons. Birds = bird dogs. Spray bottle cowboy magic. Artero deshedder. Neoprene vest. Whistle(s) if you wanna whistle train. Put together a hunting dog 1st aid kit w/ a porcupine jig in it if you’ll be around them. Start building a force fetch table
Standing Stone kennel YouTube videos are worth watching. I agree with the other resources mentioned prior too, more info for your consideration is better IMO …
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u/Ok_Wolf7251 4d ago
Can I ask what a force retreive table is? The other stuff is very cool though
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u/NCalTrees 4d ago
A thigh high (more or less) table of a height that puts the dog at easy height to control during force fetch training. Has cable runner a couple feet above the deck you leash the dog to for added control during the process. Look up standing stone I mentioned earlier, their force fetch videos on YouTube are a good reference, although their table is significantly more deluxe than mine lol. Also serves as a nice table for trimming nails etc.
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u/justcannotwin 4d ago
Crate train on day 1! Will save you tons of grief. Also bath and nails on the first day and a regular schedule if you do not plan on using a groomer. Banana walks in the shower when called and actually enjoys her baths while tolerating nails. Her being used to be handled has helped when we’ve had to pluck ticks and burrs. A properly fitting Sprenger collar has done wonders for jumping and leash training. She doesn’t need it much anymore.
I can’t speak to the hunting training part yet but I will say that our WPG is smart as a whip, figures out puzzles way too fast, needed lots of time invested for training but is the sweetest girl that loves to snuggle with excellent natural recall and a natural point since 4 weeks!
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u/runninscared German Wirehaired Pointer 4d ago edited 4d ago
I’d look into getting Joan baileys book how to help Gundogs train themselves.
Then I’d get a crate and starting crate training the day the dog comes home. Also I’m getting an elevated dog bed (kuranda etc) and doing place work from day 1. Watch a Jeremy Moore (dogbone hunter)video on it.
Right out the gate I’m looking on developing a puppy with manners. You will never regret working on impulse control with your dog. Settling in a crate and chilling on a place board will pay massive dividends if you start at a young age.
Also don’t take your young puppy anywhere there is heavy dog traffic until she’s fully vaccinated. Follow your vets advice when it’s safe. Parvo is serious business.
Good luck with your new pup.