Can a Gundog Be Too Controlled?

by
posted on February 14, 2014
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (10)

My friend's Lab quested the switchgrass in a perfect windshield-wiper pattern. He always turned on the whistle, almost constantly checked in by making eye contact with his master, and never strayed more than 5 yards ahead of us. Upon most of his passes in my direction, I could've reached out and touched him with my boot. He was, in other words, not my kind of dog.

Was he obedient? Sure, in fact I suspect that's exactly the type of command many would like to have over their dogs. However, my personal preference is for a dog that goes about his work closer to the edge—he's under control, but some might say just barely.

It's a fine line, and a difficult one to describe for those who haven't owned such a dog or don't prefer the style. I believe it gives the dog more freedom to hunt with confidence, make decisions and use his instincts, including adjusting to the wind accordingly. He's still hunting for you, but without any robot-like dependence on your instruction.

Alas, I believe the lack of wild pheasants in some areas of the country has popularized dogs with a "shoe-shiner" mentality. They can get away with finding game-farm raised birds at the hunters' feet, but how would they fare on savvy, wild, running roosters? And have those who train them (frequently fellow easterners, it seems) lost sight of what that actually requires? Often when a bird does move on excessively close-ranging dogs, the scent is too long gone or the wind is improper to allow tracking. And if a dog can't track a running pheasant, what advantage does it really offer over simply walking the field?

So, give me a dog with heart and I'll allow him to use it. Depending on wind direction, he may quarter as far as 25-30 yards in front of me. On occasion allowing him this freedom will bite me, but I want a dog that isn't afraid to get out there and find birds. We'll bag more roosters than a dog trained to prance upon his owner's boots and have a whole heck of a lot more fun doing it.

Latest

Herman Shooting 2020 Waypoint
Herman Shooting 2020 Waypoint

#SundayGunday: Springfield Model 2020 Rimfire Classic

Get a closer look at the Springfield Model 2020 Rimfire Classic, the latest addition to our #SundayGunday series.

Review: Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos Ammo

While much of the history of projectiles has been concerned with keeping a bullet together, Lehigh Defense’s Controlled Chaos is designed to do exactly the opposite, and it is extremely effective.

First Look: Hornady 22 ARC

Engineered to use modern, high-BC bullets, the new 22 ARC is designed for optimum performance in the AR-15 platform, but is equally at home in a bolt-action rifle.

First Look: Savage AccuCan Suppressors

Initially available in three multi-caliber options, Savage’s new AccuCan line of suppressors are lightweight, field-serviceable and reduce not only sound, but other disturbances like flash and recoil.

First Look: Remington 2024 Bullet Knife

Remington Ammunition has announced the release of the highly anticipated 2024 edition of their iconic Bullet Knife. This annual tradition has become a favorite among collectors, often hailed as America's most sought-after pocketknife.

Review: Rossi SS Poly Tuffy .410-Bore Shotgun

Over the years, B. Gil Horman has developed an appreciation for the little .410 Bore, single-shot ‘utility guns.' A great up-to-date example of this class is the latest iteration of the Rossi Tuffy single-shot—the SS Poly.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.