How to Train a Pointer to Hunt

By Jane Meggitt
eHow Contributor

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_2154776_train-pointer-hunt.html

While your pointer should enjoy his puppyhood as much as any nonsporting dog, avoid letting him get into bad habits. Cute puppy behavior -- such as refusing to "let go" during tug-of-war games -- isn't quite so adorable when a grown pointer refuses to give up a bird. Socialize him, so he gets used to other dogs, people and places. Introduce him to his future life as a field hunter in a fun, constructive way, without pressure. That includes lots of games of fetch in the backyard. Get him used to gunshots -- but not by suddenly shooting above his head. Use a cap gun initially, making low shots. If he's frightened, act as if nothing has happened and continue shooting periodically during play sessions, until your puppy shows no concern.

All canines should learn basic commands, but for hunting dogs working in the field, it's a necessity for proper conditioning. Take your pointer to puppy kindergarten or basic obedience classes. Besides the ordinary commands, such as "come" and "sit and stay," a pointer must know "hunt" or "seek" and "fetch." Before your pointer is ready to start bird work, he must obey your sit/stay command. He'll also need to know "stop" or "whoa." Pointers must know how to stand absolutely still. While stopping to point is innate in many such dogs, he must learn to stay put until you let him know he can move again.

Beginning true bird training means you must have access to sufficient land on which to hunt and fire shots. You must train before the start of hunting season, when birds are still plentiful on the ground. Sometimes, just letting your young pointer chase numerous birds until he's so tired he'll point instead of chase -- followed by effusive praise -- allows him to get the idea. Working alongside a seasoned pointer when your young animal begins to get the concept of pointing also helps to teach him what's expected. Your dog should start spontaneously pointing when he scents prey.

Once your pointer is unfazed by gunshots, you can start training for shooting. If possible, have a friend do the initial firing so you can watch your dog's reactions. Your dog must sit/stay while shooting commences. When a bird is downed, make your dog waits several seconds, then tell him to "fetch." Once he has the bird in his mouth, tell him to "come" and give him lots of praise when he does. As he improves, you start firing the gun. Give your dog time and lots of practice, and by the end of the season you should have a reliable field pointer.