[mwest415]

What it too young to take your dog hunting for the first time. I am looking for a pup now. I assume that the pup will be too young for next duck season. What is the best time of year to get a pup and have it ready for a season. For example if you get it in June or July it will have 15 months under its belt for the 2006 duck season?

 

[SCoutdoorsman]

I personally think anything over 7. Mine was 8-9 months on her first goose she pulled in. Yet it was the size of her but she got it down in no time. Depends on the dog though really and the handler your dog you should know your dog and when he or she is ready. IMO :thumbsup:

 

[shrpshtr]

i say take them right away, especially if you have an experienced dog to guide them. imo, that is one of, if not the, best training aids. (an experienced dog.) if you do take them young, just be prepared for the headache that comes along with it. a lot of people get frustrated when their dog acts out in the blind. you can't blame a puppy for being a puppy. if that behavior is not something you want to tolerate, then leave the dog at home. if you (and your hunting companions) can handle it, then i say the sooner the better.

 

[duckbuster]

i took my yellow lab out with everyone elses dog at 5 months so he could see how the other dogs work.....mater a fact it helped but he didnt go hunting on his own till the next fall. and he was just introduced to ducks also the same fall. but will not go duck hunting till this fall.

 

[gsphunter]

The only thing that teaches them the real thing is the real thing. Basically the same thing the other guys said, takem young. Dove season is good training ground in my opinion. It's not to cold, your not in water, there are usually plenty of birds, and some other things that make it easier. This will teach the dog that it has to be still to make a retrieve and for me it's alot easier watching a dove fly by because the dog wasn't behaving than watching a duck. Also older dogs, if they are well behaved, are great teachers and they also provide plenty of jealous emotions for your dog.