Hunting Dogs

[.sarah]

I too think it's a shame that dogs are being bred moreso for conformation than for their original purpose. Luka (Lab) has no drive to be out in the field. She'll retrieve the bird but she would rather not. Nova and Buck (also Labs) on the other hand still have that drive.

Here is a shot of Nova on her first time out in the field - she was 6 months old.


I am going to start training both Nova and Buck for hunt tests in a few weeks. Nova is never happier than when she is out with the birds! Buck likes his frozen birds so far so I think I've got another hunting dog on my hands

[lute]

that a great story. i never really got into huntng. i just couldn't make myself kill anything. my dad is getting ready to go on his first turkey huntng trip. he's getting really into hunting dogs as wel.

[BOBS DAD]

Sarah... I love your labs. I love seeing dogs perform as they were originally intended. Whether it's for field trials, food gamimg or simply recreation. You have beautiful dogs!!!

And Luke... I still love to go out hunting with my Dad (and I even carry my shotgun), but I can't rember the last rabbit I shot. Oh, I figure I probably shoot a few each year and clean them and prepare a stew. But I usually just let them run past. I don't have the need or desire any longer and my kids won't eat them (although they will all eat Grandpaps deer hot sausage - he has the best spices and sauce). I just find it therapeutic to walk the fields and think about what used to be!!!

[Flatcoatluver]

I only have one pic of t.j hunting and thats in our own yard at the neighbors chickens...............I never go hunting with my dad so I never take pics of t.j actually hunting

sadly I only have this one of t.j with the dog of the day logo, somehow the original one got deleted.

Ginger is so beautiful!!!

[k9krazee]

Ginger is gorgeous, we definatley don't get to see enough of her!!!

[IRescue452]

I'm not a hunter to kill but I take Autumn out to chase birds, she loves it. She was a born hunter, she brought me a live goldfinch from our birdfeeder area one day. It was sitting just fine in her mouth with no injuries. She also points and has since she was a puppy. I take her out to the park near us and let her go after pigeons. We have a lot of pigeon racers by our house and we once picked up a stray young bird with a wing injury and returned it to the owner. I would love to take her to field trials if I had the time. I think it is a great way to nurture a dog by allowing them to do what they are bred for. You don't even have to hurt animals in the process.

[Oggyflute]

A very interesting post, and great pics. I totally get what you are saying. Schnauzers were first bred in the 16th century as guard dogs for merchants wagons. No-one and I mean absolutley no-one comes near our place without Oggy being aware of it. Which is quite comforting actually.