Training Your Pointing Dog for Hunting and Home »

Richard Weaver is also the author of Grouse Dogs. A professional dog trainer and breeder, he lives with his dual-type English setters in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

Training Your Pointing Dog for Hunting and Home tells how to develop an obedient gun dog that is also an affectionate family companion, with training schedules and advice on everything from handling a newborn pup to teaching advanced field techniques and finely-tuned pointing manners. The book presents a simplified, commonsense approach that can be used in its entirety or to troubleshoot individual aspects of your dog's education. Explained is the importance of effective early obedience training, positive reinforcement, and appropriate transition to the field, including tips for introducing your pup to retrieving, quartering, sight pointing, and bird work. With proper care and handling, you can cultivate your pup's natural aptitudes and achieve a rewarding relationship with a healthy, happy gun dog.

Dedication     vii
Introduction     ix
Planning Training Sessions     1
The First Seven Weeks     7
Puppy Obedience Work     13
Early Field Training     39
The First Season     49
Shooting Preserves: For the Sake of Your Dog     59
Beyond the First Season     65
Problems, Problems, Problems     73
Gun-Dog Nutrition     89
Tools of the Trade     93
Conclusion: Reaping the Benefits     108
Puppy Vet Schedule     111
Dog-to-Human Age Comparison Chart     112
Canine First-Aid Kit     113
Acknowledgments     114
Index     115