What if I’d said “WHOA”?

Northwoods Eddie Setter (CH/RU-CH Northwoods Sir Gordon x Northwoods Valencia, 2023)

The video shows two young setters working wild bobwhite quail in southwestern Georgia. The dog in front that stopped looks, at first, relatively sure. But then he starts to move. He and the backing dog then both move up, point and move again.

Both dogs are trying to locate the birds. They eventually leave the area when they realize the birds are gone.

I never said a word. My only help was a soft whistle, encouraging them to move up.

This is the way to develop a wild bird dog. The handler should let the dog learn accurate location of the bird with minimal interference and, ultimately, learn how close it can get to the birds without causing the birds to flush. (The dog will flush some birds, but who cares? Give the dog freedom to make mistakes.)

What if I’d said “WHOA?” when I walked in on the point and the back? What if I had made the dogs stay on point when they first stopped? What if I’d corrected them?

The dogs would have learned that moving in the presence of bird scent is not allowed. Even if they wanted to move, staying put was the safest thing to do. The dogs would have learned to be more concerned about making a mistake than in handling the birds correctly.

And the dogs would have learned to depend on the handler to decide if the birds were there.

Be an advocate for your dog

Northwoods Rudolph (CH Southern Confidence x Northwoods Comet, 2023), a.k.a., Rudy, a.k.a., Goober, is recovering from serious abdominal surgery.

Be an advocate for your dog.

Jerry and I needed this advice recently as we struggled with a serious injury with Rudy, our big, handsome, two-year-old pointer male.

Not all veterinarians are created equal. As in any other profession, they range from outstanding to poor—whether considering knowledge, experience, competence, concern or care–and also considering equipment, staff and other resources.

We weren’t satisfied with Rudy’s care at the vet clinic that initially did the surgery and aftercare. On his behalf, we decided we needed to do something last week. We removed him from that clinic and then drove him—in his very ill, weakened state—to another clinic.

It was a bold move for us—and one that wasn’t entirely comfortable. But since we were convinced that Rudy was quickly digressing and could have died at the first clinic, the decision was straightforward.

We’re happy to report that Rudy had a second surgery and expert care at the new clinic. He is now home and on the path to a full recovery.

Be an advocate for your dog. It could save a life.

 

Northwoods Birds Dogs    53370 Duxbury Road, Sandstone, Minnesota 55072
Jerry: 651-492-7312     |      Betsy: 651-769-3159     |           |      Directions
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