Should My Dog Focus on Hunting One Bird Species or Multiple?

Training a gun dog to be successful in the field requires careful consideration of the methods and techniques used during the training process. Some trainers believe in focusing a dog’s attention solely on the birds they will be hunting, while others prefer to expose their dogs to a variety of bird species. Both approaches have their merits, and the choice ultimately depends on the trainer’s goals and preferences.

Kyle Warren, owner of Paint River Llewellins in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is a firm believer in training gun dogs using one bird species. Warren’s goal is to develop a line of ultimate ruffed grouse dogs, and he achieves this by running his dogs almost exclusively on ruffed grouse. He believes that the more bird contacts a dog has with quality handling, the higher their game will be elevated. Warren’s method is rooted in the concept of epigenetics, where experiences influence genetics, leading to the development of superior grouse dogs with high intelligence, patience, and caution.

To introduce pups to birds, Warren starts with pigeons when they are 9 to 10 weeks old. By September, the pups are ready to hit the grouse woods and learn how to handle running birds. Warren avoids woodcock coverts to focus solely on grouse training. He hunts his dogs extensively across the Great Lakes, providing them with valuable field experience that builds confidence and style. Warren breeds hybrid setters with a mix of American and European bloodlines, producing dogs with high intelligence and exceptional bird smarts.

On the other hand, Mike Thompson, owner of Eagle Rock Setters in Butler, PA, prefers to train gun dogs using multiple bird species. Thompson believes that exposing dogs to a variety of birds can fast track their learning process. He uses pheasant, chukar, Huns, pigeons, Bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, and woodcock in different phases of training to provide dogs with diverse experiences. Thompson categorizes birds based on their behavior, preferred cover, and whether they are solitary or sedentary, tailoring training sessions to develop foundational skills that prepare dogs for successful hunting careers.

Thompson’s training area offers a mix of cover and food crops, providing dogs with a diverse terrain to learn where to find birds. He focuses on mixes of singles, pairs, and coveys to teach dogs how to handle different numbers of birds and develop skills like blocking. Thompson’s clients appreciate the variety in training, as it prepares their dogs for hunting different bird species in various terrains.

Whether a trainer chooses to focus on one bird species or use a variety of birds in training, the ultimate goal is to develop a skilled and successful gun dog. Each approach has its advantages, and trainers must consider their goals, preferences, and the needs of their dogs when deciding on the best training method. Ultimately, the key to success lies in providing dogs with quality handling, valuable field experience, and the opportunity to develop the skills needed to excel in the field.