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Author
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Topic: Do hunting dogs have to hunt?
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MadnessBunny
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posted June 13, 2004 01:12 AM
Hi there! I have a question and I hope you can help me out.
Question:
Do dogs that were originally bred to be hunting partners (Such as Brittany, Pointer, Foxhounds, etc...), have to hunt?
I understand from a few articles I read on the net that these dogs are very energetic and need physical workouts and such to be happy. but would normal exercises and physical workouts be enough for them, or do they need to practiaclly hunt wild animals? :S
How would hunting affect their personality, compared to normal exercises?
This is quite important to me, because I just got a Brittany puppy from my friend, whose dog had just gave birth to a litter of puppies and I want the best for my new dog ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Thanks in advance,
MadnessBunny.
[ June 13, 2004, 01:18 AM: Message edited by: MadnessBunny ]
Posts: 50 | From: Somewhere over the rainbow | Registered: Jun 2004
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weimlover0816
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posted June 13, 2004 06:06 AM
MadnessBunny,
Hunting dogs don't "have to" hunt as in they don't "need" their person to take them into the field and hunt for grouse... but....they were bred to hunt and that is what they will most likely do. It is just natural instinct for them to do things such as chase cats, robins, rabbits, and sometimes cars.
Posts: 221 | From: USA-Maine | Registered: Apr 2004
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lou3
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posted June 13, 2004 06:33 AM
no need for them to hunt, but they do need a LOT of exercise. As weimlover will tell you a half hour walk round the block wont cut it with a gundog, they need solid exercise and lots of it. Hard exercise chasing a ball or something similar is appropriate.
Lou
Posts: 461 | From: uk | Registered: Nov 2003
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MadnessBunny
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posted June 13, 2004 11:48 AM
I have a 6 month old American Brittany, and Im not sure if I g ive it enough exercise. I ussualy walk about 30 minutes in the park in the morning, and later in the afternoon I play with him another 1 hour or so of a "I throw the ball, you run and get the ball" game.
He dosen't seem to be Exhausted at all after these exercises, nor does he seem to ask for more. he seems perfectly alright, but then again he can't really tell me what he feels, so I can't decide for sure if hes satisfied.
Do you think Im giving my dog enough exercise? or maybe too much?
[ June 13, 2004, 11:50 AM: Message edited by: MadnessBunny ]
Posts: 50 | From: Somewhere over the rainbow | Registered: Jun 2004
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goombaya
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posted June 13, 2004 01:40 PM
No hunting dogs dont NEED to hunt. Many hunting breeds are just good family dogs/pets or participate in other activities i.e therapy, agility etc. etc. If breeding,its probably a good idea to verify the instinct exists within your line.. and to make an effort to cultivate it.
Regarding the level of activity you describe, every dog has different requirements... is the dog fit, does it seem happy and content? stressed? is it bored? If all is OK than dont sweat it, just keep an eye on its muscle tone, weight and tempermant and you should be able to judge from that.
Posts: 129 | Registered: Jan 2004
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weimlover0816
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posted June 13, 2004 01:50 PM
exercise is very important, but so is the training. hunting dogs use their brains (not to say that others don't, lol). if you are not workign their mind, i.e. new tricks, reinforcing already learned tricks, and if they aren't going to hunt, then the gundog will get bored. and bored can many times mean destructive.... shoes, furniture, whatever else is in the way!!!
and ditto to goombaya, every dog is different!!
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"My Weimaraner is smarter than your honors student!"
Posts: 221 | From: USA-Maine | Registered: Apr 2004
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lou3
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posted June 13, 2004 04:20 PM
no such thing as too much exercise. For active dogs like yours a minimum 1 1/2 - 2 hours walking a day plus playing and formal training is recommended.
Lou
Posts: 461 | From: uk | Registered: Nov 2003
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goombaya
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posted June 13, 2004 07:54 PM
I try to not overdo excersise until i feel most of the growth is done. Especially in breeds where dysplasia is a problem. Larger dogs in particular.. Brittany is kind of in the middle on that.
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sambucca/whiskey
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posted June 13, 2004 07:58 PM
Whiskey German shepard/collie/blue heeler needs 3 hrs minimum excercise not tto drive you crazy
Posts: 246 | Registered: May 2004
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MadnessBunny
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posted June 14, 2004 09:06 AM
First of all, from my point of view my dog is fine. its pretty calm for a puppy. it dosent bark as much as dogs I had before, and it seems very happy.
As for training, my dog sees a professional trainer, and I work with it at home according to the professional trainer's instructions.
I think im doing well cause my dog seems very good, but everyone says it needs more exercise and it needs to hunt, but it seems perfectly alright without hunting and without extra-exercise.
Posts: 50 | From: Somewhere over the rainbow | Registered: Jun 2004
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weimlover0816
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posted June 14, 2004 10:02 AM
AS we have said, every dog is different. No one here knows your dog except for you, and if you believe your baby is getting the right amount of exercise and training, then he probably is. I fhis weight is good and isn;lt bored at all, then that's great!! The formal and informal training is exactly what i was talking about to keep the mind occupied lol.... you seem to be doing very well with your pup! keep up the good work!!
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"My Weimaraner is smarter than your honors student!"
Posts: 221 | From: USA-Maine | Registered: Apr 2004
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MadnessBunny
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posted June 14, 2004 02:18 PM
Well thanks, but maybe I didn't make myself clear. My puppy seems happy, but he is acting kinda wierd.
He never chases cats, barely barks, never breaks anything, and never becomes hyperactive. When he isn't doing his exercise or training with me, He just plays with my cat (They get along very well, which is nice, but wierd), runs around in the yard, sits around in the house with me, eats, and drinks...
Most pups are hyperactive, adventurous, loud, inquisitive, and "harmful".
Although the unussual behavior isn't BAD, it's GOOD. but it's still unussual, this is why I seek the forum members' advice.
Is this normal?
Should I be worried?
(I know im probably just hysterical, but its my first puppy, and I really dont want to make any mistakes.)
[ June 14, 2004, 02:29 PM: Message edited by: MadnessBunny ]
Posts: 50 | From: Somewhere over the rainbow | Registered: Jun 2004
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weimlover0816
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posted June 14, 2004 02:41 PM
i think that you probably just have a pup who is "wise beyond his years".... and the cat thing, my weim looooves cats, we have three and one of them is her very best friend, they sleep on the couch together and cuddle and all that....
again, i think you're just lucky ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif) ..... as long as he is active, etc when you are and doesn't seem bothered (i.e exhausted or in pain) when you exercise, i think all is well....
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"My Weimaraner is smarter than your honors student!"
Posts: 221 | From: USA-Maine | Registered: Apr 2004
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ellierat
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posted June 14, 2004 05:28 PM
Heres my opinion for what its worth, as the old saying goes 'you can take the girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl'.
No you don't have to get a hunting dog to hunt, you don't have to get a retriever to retrieve, but it is in their nature, so given the chance they will revert to this no matter what the training. (one exception: my Ellie).
Your dog can be quite happy in a normal house situation, mine are retreivers but I don't need to take them off and do special tricks and training, they are happy to just swim and run, BUT if they see a moving rabbit, they will chase it, try to catch it and bring it back. If there is something in the yard they can pick up, they will normally put it on the back doorstep. (retrieving instinct). I have never had a gun, nor intend to take them shooting. Ellie on the other hand would just as sooner snuggle up with the cat on her favourite chair, I don't think she knows the word RETREIVE, unless it's her food bowl. lol.
You are very fortunate to have a layback, easygoing, quiet dog, lap it up (excuse the pun), there is nothing wrong with your dog.
Exercise: you do what is good for you, and good for your dog, if he wants to run and play, so be it, if he wants to just sit with you thats ok too, so long as he is not overweight, that is all that really matters. There is nothing that is 'THE NORM' every situation has it's own unique circumstances. So if you are happy, your dog is happy, WHY WORRY!!!
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I love my labs.
Posts: 880 | From: australia | Registered: Feb 2004
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weimlover0816
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posted June 14, 2004 06:34 PM
MadnessBunny,
hopefully you see how lucky your are to have such a grrrreat puppy i'm sure many of us are jealous... no one has ever said "why won;t my puppy be hyper active" lol.....
have you tried your pup in the field? brittany's are pointers, too, right?
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"My Weimaraner is smarter than your honors student!"
Posts: 221 | From: USA-Maine | Registered: Apr 2004
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goombaya
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posted June 14, 2004 08:41 PM
Seems Happy likes the cat isnt fat doesnt break anything.... hmmm there must be something terrribly wrong with him.
Maybe there is
Maybe he's a good boy!
Bless his little heart.
Posts: 129 | Registered: Jan 2004
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MadnessBunny
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posted June 15, 2004 12:38 AM
Well, I guess your right. I was just abit worried, but I guess you can understand, Im just like a first-time mom ![[Razz]](tongue.gif) . I get worried about every single thing... well you guys kinda calmed me down... thanks...
Weimlover- I go with him out to the field sometimes. he dosent seem to like it more than any local park though...
As for brittany's being pointers, yes. they are natural pointers and excellent retrivers. atleast their supposed to be. I've never seen my dog do a "point" though.
I think hes more of a companion than a hunter. maybe has something to do with the fact that he grew up with a cat...
[ June 15, 2004, 12:48 AM: Message edited by: MadnessBunny ]
Posts: 50 | From: Somewhere over the rainbow | Registered: Jun 2004
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Ken Nielsen
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posted June 15, 2004 10:52 AM
Yes, Hunting dogs have to hunt. No exceptions. If you are not going to do any shooting or training for your dog, then you at least have to provide the enjoyment for them that is 'built-in.' They like to accompany you, be a part of your activity that includes them, that also involves moving out into nature in all seasons, breathing fresh air and sniffing the life out of the bushes. I don't hunt, but my girl loves to play like we are hunting. Everything you can do to please your hunting dog will also please you too. They love the outdoors. Go for formal obedience training, because this also gives them the feeling of importance they get when they know they are cooperating with you for your pleasure and your purpose. Be sure to let them know when they are doing well, make a game out of retrieving. Get a canvas retriever roll at the pet store, to make retrieving, out in the tall grass, bringing it back to you and dropping it at your feet, what you want them to do.
Hunting dogs are my favorite breeds.
Enjoy.
[ June 15, 2004, 10:56 AM: Message edited by: Ken Nielsen ]
Posts: 94 | From: Portland, Oregon | Registered: Apr 2004
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goombaya
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posted June 15, 2004 04:41 PM
Ken, do they have to hunt no exceptions? or do they have to be kept occupied? You havent described formal hunting you describe playing in the yard and playing fetch.
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ellierat
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posted June 15, 2004 05:03 PM
Ken... A hunting dog has to hunt. No Exceptions.... Does that mean a Retriever has to retreive...No Exceptions....?
Because my breed....Labrador RETREIVERS... are actually quite good GUIDE DOGS in Australia, and DRUG SNIFFER DOGS.... NO RETREIVING THERE!!!!
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I love my labs.
Posts: 880 | From: australia | Registered: Feb 2004
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Wireviz_lady
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posted June 15, 2004 07:10 PM
My hunting dogs hunt and play and snuggle and do agility and therapy work. The average on vizsla excersise is minumum an hour a day. Britts are a great breed...dont expect the baby to ever grow up though...peter pan complex there.
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Bec
B'Nelli Gundogs
www.wireviz.us
Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America
www.whvca.us
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Elite
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posted June 17, 2004 09:44 PM
My cousin has a brittany and she is a CRAZY dog. Needs tons of playtime. If your pup enjoys retrieving, perhaps you could try flyball. That appears to be a wonderful sport (I've never had an active enough dog to try it), or you could try agility training. Around here, they have agility classes for puppies to begin on (nothing really active, just real beginners stuff). I think you have to complete the puppy and beginners classes first, but it'd be a great way to let your puppy's energy out (and brittanys do have a ton of energy).
I wish I had a calm puppy who liked cats, lol. My puppy is CRAZY.
Good luck!
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~*Elite*~
"You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'My God, you're right! I never would've thought of that!'"
--Dave Barry
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Top Dog
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posted June 18, 2004 06:21 PM
Do they have to hunt? in my opinion no …… but they require a large amount of interactive playtime
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Paul
Dog Pictures
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