Remembering your very first Hunting Dog

[anthony m coons sr]

Back when I was in my teens! I got my first lab that was just mine. His name was jay jay. Big headed black lab. I got him when he was only eight weeks old. I was so pumped up. I think I lost a girlfriend or two because of that dog. But on the other head! I think I might of gotten more then one or two new dates because of him. He was so pretty and playful, strong as a bull. It was also my first time to try to train a dog. I had know idea what I was doing. But I taught him lots of good thing and he was really a great student. I couldn't wait until the next hunting season to take him. On the first hunt he did great, got in the boat on command, I was in heaven. On that first morning we put the decoys out on the water. A few mallards came in we shot. Down they went. His first retrieve was picture perfect. I was so happy and showing him off to my friends. But then it happen. A large flock of ducks came in behind us. Jay jay saw them before us and took off after the birds. I got in the boat and went after him. Told him know and brought him back to the blind.
The day went by and when the ducks came in front of us he was a wonderful dog. Did everything right!. So I thought that it was just a young dogs mistake. But the next morning I found out I was wrong!!!!!!!!!
Just at day break we were entering the bay where we hunted. Jay Jay in the front of the boat my friend and I behind him. To my right as we were coming in a small flock of mallards are sitting right in front of my blind. The tide was just coming up. As we turned the motor off the tide was pushing us right into the birds. Told my friend get ready. As we got within shooting range. My friend took the safety off at the same time the dog jumps off the front of the boat. Almost putting us in the river. The ducks jump! we did get one. Come to find out the dog saw a large flock of about two hundred birds over the grass that we couldn't see. It took me years to break that dog of that habit. After reading a few books and magazines, I finally did and enjoyed many years hunting with him.
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[roy brewington]

Anthony your story reminds me of the first lab I had years ago. At the time ,late 20,s, I was doing a lot of running and rideing bike on 15 mile trips on my off days. On one bike trip down a rural county rd. this young black lab pup starting running along behind me. No houses anywhere in site. I slowed down a bit and dog followed me for about 5 miles down to a Bayfront prking lot I,d start my loop back from. Decided to stop long enough to pet the dog and kicked a beer can for it. Dog picked it up and brought it back. Left on return trip home and dog followed behind. I watered and fed it once home. Pened dog overnite and next day put ad in local paper for lost dog. a couple weeks went by and no response. At the time I had never trained a retriever but had trained a couple bird dogs. Purchased the ol waterdog book by wooters and started in. Dog trained easily but could tell it hadn,t been hunted. There was a marsh creek I hunted at the time that we accessed by foot and set decoys and retrieved birds w/waders. Suck u up mud and water depth right at top of waders. Decided it would be a good idea to teach dog to fetch decoys as well as ducks. Wrong!!! Lots of scolding for ducks dropped in dekes and dog not knowing which to bring back!

 

[anthony m coons sr]

Roy

Thank you my friend for the reply. I would almost bet that all off us on here have had that dog. When I was a young boy I thought dogs did that on their own without being trained. I guess the joke was on me. You did a great job anyway give that young pup a home. Decoys have to be boiled before eating lol[sly]