Where to Find a Dog with the Right Stuff - Part 3

I talked about getting first dibs on the litter in Part 2 of this article series. Now you've got to decide whether you want a started dog or a finished dog.

So now you know what you're after in a pup, but what if you don't want to deal with puppyhood? Started dogs are sold all the time and can turn out to be great gun dogs. The first question you've got to ask the seller is, 'Why are you selling this dog?' People don't sell good dogs without solid reasons, so make sure you get the right answers from the seller before you go ahead with your purchase. Most started dogs are up for sale because the owner has stuffed up the training or the pup just doesn't have what it takes to turn into a top dog.

When you're having a squiz at a started dog, there's no chance you can properly suss out the dog in just a session or two. So, make sure you push for a 30-day burl so you and the pooch can get the measure of each other. You might be planning for this doggo to bunk in with you, and the seller might've spun you a yarn, fully aware that the pup's spent his whole life in a kennel. During this 30-day burl, have a good Captain Cook for any faults. You'll likely have to rock up to a professional trainer and get their help. A pro can pick up on most dog's issues in no time and save you a heap of trouble. If you and the pooch get on like a house on fire and his shortcomings are on the level, flick the seller a cheque.

If you're after a fully trained dog from one that's just started, there's heaps of training to be done. Get as much info as you can from the seller about how the dog's been trained and what exercises it's used to. Go over the exercises so you and your pup are on the same wavelength before you crack on with new stuff.

Instant gratification has been the American way and that's the choice heaps of people make when looking for a dog. When buying a trained dog, you've gotta be real careful. It's rare as hen's teeth to find dogs trained up to a top-notch level for sale. This dog will cost a fair whack of cash, so you better be sure he's worth the punt. Find a pro trainer and sling him some dosh to work this dog as hard as he can for a couple of days. It shouldn't take him long to suss out the training and potential in this dog.

Every time I hear someone yarn about buying a trained dog, I have a bit of a laugh and think about a story someone told me years back. A bloke from the city heard he could snag a top-notch trained dog from a trainer over in the next shire. So, he jumped in his ute and headed out bush, hoping to buy a ripper dog and show off to his mates. When he rocked up, the trainer was there waiting for him with his dog trailer. They went out into a paddock and the trainer brought out the first dog and put it through its paces with a bloody hard blind retrieve, using eleven whistle stops and line corrections. The buyer was dead set impressed and wanted to know how much the dog would set him back. The trainer reckons, '$3,000.'

He then went 'round the trailer and took a dog off to run the same blind. This dog finished the same complex retrieve with just one whistle and line correction. The buyer was stoked; he was nearly beside himself, “How much for that dog?” The trainer dropped his head and explained this was his personal dog but times were tough. He only put this dog up for sale 'cause he needed the dosh to pay for his son’s operation. The trainer said, “I can’t take anything less than $5,000 for my dog.” The city slicker quickly whipped out the cash and paid the trainer. Feeling like he'd snagged a top dog at a steal, he then headed back to the city.

The trainer headed back to his farm and was greeted by his missus who asked how things went. Which dog did the bloke buy? The trainer said he only took one dog and ran the same blind retrieve twice with the same pooch. Of course, the dog did it heaps better the second crack because he knew where to head. The gent from town was so stoked that he didn't clock what was going on. The trainer and his wife had a good laugh while they planned their holiday to Hawaii.

Be careful with trainers and the dogs they run, things may not be as they appear.

Always check your local and state regulations related to dog training and the use of game birds on private and public property.