Pointing labs

[superfish2]

Did the ALPA test in MN cover every level? From getting the CP all the way up to the grand master? Then are PL eligible to run in hunt tests, akc tests, and that verstile hunting dog test. Sorry for all the questions. I am really not that intrested in field trails, but just wondering how this thing works.

[IainG]

Superfish2

Yes, there were dogs running at every level at the MN APLA test. There were lots of CP dogs (typical), a hand full of Advanced Dogs (also typical) and a few Masters Dogs (not typical). Dogs with one Masters pass that get subsquent passes get their Grand Master - i.e. it is the same test, but multiple passes. At the test locations which have been running for some time, you will see lots of Masters dogs. I am sure we will get there in MN / WI in the near future.

The recognition of the PL? Lots of organizations do not yet recognize while others do. My personal opinion is that it is just a matter of time before recognition increases. (So long as the Pointing Lab community is proactive and contiguous.) When we are running AKC, we are running as a retriever. Neither flushing nor pointing.

Another point. Many kennels are extensively involved in the "Doggy Games" for PL's. That doesn't necessarily mean they produce better hunters. Two of the oldest breeders of PL's have had minimal involvement until recently. As an example, I am an anomoly with respect to the kennel my dogs came from. And for the record, I hunt first. I was just very curious on how my training and my dog measured up, so at the last second I went to an APLA event. Unforunately we did pretty well and got hooked. Now it looks like I may be running 4 or 5 dogs next year. What an expensive mistake!!!

I do think that the Doggy games are a fantastic way to meet people of similar interests and learn from others.

[bigdog]

Been out in North Dakot since last week - appreciate the offers for pointing "pointers". That dog is almost 6 years old now and I don't have any plans on working on his pointing abilities or lack there of. He has developed into one of the best upland dogs I have owned and I adapted to his hunting style. He has had many, many birds shot over him. We have already hunted 24 days this fall.

One thing I do find strange. With all of my previous labs, they have developed some degree of pointing as they grew older and experienced more birds - one would even hold point until released. With this AB dog coming from pointing stock, I would have expected this to occur even sooner without having to reinforce through training.

[JTnT]

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One thing I do find strange. With all of my previous labs, they have developed some degree of pointing as they grew older and experienced more birds - one would even hold point until released. With this AB dog coming from pointing stock, I would have expected this to occur even sooner without having to reinforce through training.

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You have a dog with very high "prey drive." When you chose to take it hunting and shoot birds which it flushed for it, you trained it to flush birds. You reinforced a standard canine hunting behavior which competes with pointing - that's why the point disappeared in favor of the flush. From the dog's perspective, this is now the way to get that bird in its mouth. No wonder it doesn't point - doesn't have to to satisfy its basic drive. You could have spent a little time rewarding pointing it would have turned out differently.

But, you and the dog are a productive team - who could want anything more?

Keep enjoying your AB dog.

JTnT

[IainG]

BigDog. Hope you had a productive trip to ND!

Echoing JTnT's sentiments: With a high drive dog, you NEVER shoot wild flushes over it. The dog wants success in the hunt and feathers in its mouth. They want that more than anything else. If pointing produces that they will point. If flushing produces that, then why waste the time with a point? Get to those feathers quicker and have more fun in the pursuit.

Anyone who goes hunting with me knows the rules when we hunt. If the dog doesn't do everything perfectly (point, steady to wing & shot), we DON'T shoot the bird or let the dog get the retrieve. Amazing how well my dogs will perform - and how much harder they try after they see one "fly away" with no shot. They adapt to my hunting style - not I to theirs.

Sounds like you have a very talented dog. Enjoy!