hutchies Posted June 1, 2010 Report Share Posted June 1, 2010 I could use a few pointers. Been working Mater in the evenings about 3 to 4 nights a week. We go to the lake and work on retrieving. Luckily the area I use has very few people. It's a long peninsula with reeds, lillie pads, willows, and pretty much anything else you would want to practice from 2 inch deep water to 20 feet deep water. I haven't had time to gun break him yet. He is getting pretty good on staying until I call sign him. Occasionally I have to restrain him from leaping when I throw his bottle. He's only 9 months so I expect moments that he gets distracted Luckily he doesn't hard mouth it and has been using the same nestle water bottle for about 2 weeks now. I did keep some wings off some mallards, gadwalls, and some divers last year. Gonna tie them to the bottle so he can get some scent. Any other pointers and need some on gun breaking him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camoman1 Posted June 1, 2010 Report Share Posted June 1, 2010 As far a getting him used to gunfire.... I would recommend going easy on the noise at first. Start with .22 blanks/starting pistol at a distance and slowly work your way up to shotgun noise at a distance, then when you think hes ready, have the gunner at a realistic hunting scenario distance. Its a good idea to have him retrieve something soon after the gunshots....unless he freaks out at first. But having him watch something fall and retrieve it after the shots, he will associate the shot with retrieves and will probably learn to mark downed birds better because he will be paying attention....that all comes with time and experience though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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