Just a pup

[Gary Laudermilch]

Yep, you've got a long and enjoyable road ahead. It is not uncommon for a young dog to stay a bit closer until she gets her confidence built up. She'll loosen up some with time and you will be able to see it happen. This time is important to you as well because you will gradually become confident and comfortable in her bird handling performance. In grouse cover she'll be out of sight most of the time so you need the confidence in her ability to hold birds until you get there.

Have fun! The puppy days are some of the best.

[Bill Murphy]

Gary, I guess you and I have a different idea of "Grouse Cover". I don't think I want my GWP out of sight any more than occasionally.

[tom tutwiler]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

Gary, I guess you and I have a different idea of "Grouse Cover". I don't think I want my GWP out of sight any more than occasionally.

Different world out there now Bill. Many owners don't want a close ranging dog, they want a dog that will reach out there and operate at 200 yards or further. Sometimes much further. I've got a buddy who has a honest 400 yard dog. The dog will of course stay closer if he smells birds closer, but if there are no birds to smell that dog will hunt way way out there. I personally wouldn't want or need a dog out that far. The trainer thinks Sophie is a 75-100 yard dog which is pretty much a close ranging dog these day. Even that kind of range doesn't necessarily work well in some cases. I know more then one fellow who wants their dogs to range like a flusher (35-50 yards) and just point the birds instead of flush the bird. That fellow hunts on a lot of preserves and wants that dog real close or it will be out of the planted field and into someone else's assigned cover.

PS. A GPS tracking collar is a must for these long ranging dogs. They operate well out of beeper or bell range.