dog question for those who know more than me

Dani

Dani

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So, looks like I'll be heading up Nov 3 to pick up Reggie, my lab pup. He will be about 8 months old. At work, I have Nov 3-10 off and have been contemplating heading to Nebraska to hunt after picking up Reggie. I gotta get out of FL!!! So, I am thinking that I'll pick him up and then head north. I talked with the breeder/trainer about whether I should do that or just bring him home and work on bonding and they say based on his temperament, that should not be a problem to take him hunting. Reggie will have his GPS collar, I will also have check cords with me. He would not be hunted/worked with Belle. I will do my best to pick areas to work with him that aren't super high vegetation (like corn fields or cattail stands) but that I can hopefully find birds. Duck season will be in so it is possible that I can take him duck hunting as well, if I find ducks.

What other things should I be considering in regards to a new pup that is going hunting with his new person and he is being introduced to this all at once?

It also sounds like he may have a touch of motion sickness, so any ideas on how to handle that? I have never had a dog with motion sickness before. I have done some reading on this and it seems that it is not uncommon in puppies and that many pups grow out of it as they grow up. Others don't.

Next question. I don't know if he is destructive or a chewer or anything like that. Is there a good rubber mat that would be recommended for the bottom of his crate? Or just throw hay/straw in his crate? Or just leave his crate empty? He has been getting practice riding around in the cab of a truck but I won't leave him in the cab while I am hunting Belle. It is a Ruffland kennel if that matters. I hesitate to put any of the old blankets I used to use in the crates with past dogs to help them stay comfy and warm because I don't know yet if he is going to tear them up or eat them or what. I don't wanna start the trip with a trip to the vet to remove a blanket from his stomach.

I appreciate thoughts on this.....
 
I don't think I'd pick up a young dog and head out hunting without becoming familiar with him for a week or two minimum. So many things can go wrong, some that you haven't thought to plan for. I wouldn't leave him alone in the vehicle (cab or crate). If you don't want him to hunt while Belle is working keep him close on a lead. Test him and learn what it takes to control him, and how stubborn he is. Meanwhile he'll be testing you. Only one of you can pass the test, it's up to you who wins.

Our current lab Gunner is our first dog who suffered from motion (car) sickness. The dog can ride in a boat and get the bejeebers beat out of him and never miss a beat. He mostly got over it in the car after two years. First year or two he was on medication when we traveled. Can't remember the name of the med, it was a flavored pill that we kept refrigerated. Then we convinced him the car is the mother lode of biscuits. I think all labs succumb to treats if you're persistent. He continues to refuse to jump into the car, and once in a while shakes his head and spits so we think he still gets a touch of nausea.

Things I'd consider. You've probably thought of all these but just in case:

Make sure you have his vaccination certificate, and dog license if he's old enough in your state. I would guess the kennel is on top of it but it can't hurt to be sure.

Sounds like he's been trained, has he actually been shot over? Dummy launchers don't make the same noise as your shotgun, best to confirm.

If he hasn't had a live bird shot over him, pay for a couple at the kennel or a game farm. Nothing excites a pup more than fresh feathers, and it confirms what game he's supposed to look for. As opposed to squirrels, deer etc.

You mentioned the GPS collar. Great idea, I would also suggest a beeper. If you get separated in heavy stuff and he gets tangled up it'll help you locate him easier than the GPS. Puppies get hung up pretty easy and some just sit down without a sound. This from experience.

No telling what his favorite chew item will be. We always provide suggested chewies, like chewable bones or toys. Sometimes the beast falls for it, other times the little terrorist goes for blankets, furniture, Belle, you, etc.

Best of luck. Hope you have fun a find some birds.
 
Dani, Ol' Alex got car sick for the first 3 months or so of riding in the car but he finally found his sea legs after that. I'd set an old towel or blanket that you have slept in in his crate. He'll snuggle in it and it will smell like you and he'll imprint on it some. Maybe only feed him a light meal instead of his regular dose prior to the ride (to keep any barf events minimal) and give him a small snack or two while he's afield to keep him from bonking.

If his mentor trainer said he's good to go, then get him out and see what you two can do. Have a good trip and be sure to send us the highlights.
 
Reggie has been shot over. I have seen some videos and there is no flinching when there is gunfire and lots of happy tail while searching for his dummies. Don't think live birds have been shot over him yet.

I'll ask my vet about car sickness pills just in case. Even if I don't head out to hunt with him, it is still over 600 miles home and I sure don't want him to be miserable.

Good points about the vaccine paperwork. I am sure the kennel provides all of that info but I will be sure to ask.

One of the things that we did with Drake, B and Belle was provide as many fresh dead birds as possible for what we were looking for. Drake put up pheasants, huns, sharptails and sage grouse and B was provided the chance to prance around with them and retrieve them. B did the same thing and we introduced Belle to those birds in the same way. I like to think that it helped as opposed to just pointing every single little tweety bird on the prairie. I plan on doing the same thing with Reggie if we can find some birds. I can take a couple of quail with me or perhaps get a few pheasants from a local place that does tower shoots.

Thanks y'all.

Todd, there will definitely be pictures to share of the adventure...
 
I would not hesitate if the trainer says it is OK. You have a well trained dog with a GPS collar on, what is going to happen? Get in the field and see, but you just need to build confidence and being in the field is a great way to bond.

All other questions, just call the trainer. You are paying them good money, they know the dog, and they are an expert with dogs. Call and ask!
 
have you considered leaving Belle at home in a boarding kennel. that way you can work one on one with the new dog and give it a lot more focus and attention than switching dogs back and forth

just a thought
 
I had not really thought about leaving Belle behind. Part of the trip is to get her on wild birds and different birds.
 
Running a new dog over an experienced one can be a good way to shorten the learning curve (provided the dogs get along.)

Sometimes the new dogs learn from the seasoned ones by watching. Just like a little kid does by watching what his dad does in the garage when he's working on a motor or something.
 
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