Embarking on bird introduction with a dog, regardless of age, marks a crucial step in their training journey. Our approach involves gradual exposure to birds, starting with simple observation and progressing to controlled interaction.
Initially, we gauge the dog's reaction to birds by presenting them with a bird and observing their response. Subsequently, we introduce tossing birds, allowing the dog to witness their flight. Dogs displaying strong bird drive typically exhibit excitement during this phase, which is a positive sign of their natural instincts.
As the drill progresses, the goal shifts to refining the dog's behavior, encouraging sight pointing without excessive movement or chasing. This process serves multiple purposes: igniting excitement for bird work, assessing the dog's point and prey drive, and instilling crucial behaviors like stopping to flush.
By implementing structured bird introduction drills, we efficiently achieve several training objectives within a condensed timeframe. This method not only cultivates the dog's interest in bird work but also lays a solid foundation for subsequent training endeavors.
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