[steveMO]

Tyrel, despite the persnickety attitude of some, there is a lot to be learned here about training dogs to better handle and retrieve,as well as dog husbandry information.

When your WPG is old enough to absorb training, come on back. Review the information you'll find here and if you have problems with retrieving, ask questions. You're quite likely to get some good and even polite answers.

Keep in mind you can run your WPG in retriever hunt tests if you're inclined. If so, you can certainly get answers to questions here.

Hunt Em Up is incorrect about all pointing breed being single-coated. GWP, WPG are exceptions.

 

[Hunt'EmUp]

Hunt Em Up is incorrect about all pointing breed being single-coated. GWP, WPG are exceptions.

I have no problem being wrong, and admit to not know all the pointing breeds, I can only say that most dogs any breed I've been around that aren't retriever breeds, some that are retriever breeding lack the water attitude and substance to required to make multiple retrieves in cold water. Most of the pointing breeds. I've seen that do have the desire, get very cold after a few retrieves, they'll go in the water but sitting in cold temps, after-inbtw retrieves; even with a vest just wasn't what they were designed for.

 

[Brian Urban]

Tyrel...5 kids under the age of 7? Wow!

What's your hobby?

I have owned 2 German registered Drahthaars. Best hunting critters on the planet!

Owned is past tense.

I hunt grouse, pheasants and ducks.

My bird dogs now are Llewellin Setters. I have two. To see the dogs work a field is a thing of beauty.

For ducks? I have a retriever and am about to get a new pup...the Golden kind.

As much as I loved my drahthaars and as driven as they were in finding cripples...I love my new arrangement more.

There is something special about sharing a duck blind with a retriever. Walkin' behind the setters in the grouse woods is heaven.

I am not suggesting you own multiple critters. But, it may be worth figuring out what type of hunting you will do the most and getting a dog that does THAT best. Alway get the best. You won't be disappointed.

And, please don't judge all Labs, Chessies or Goldens by your or your wife's experience with a single example of the breed. There are crappy critters out there. But, if you do your homework, you'll be able to find a quality dog that hunts and is great with kids.

And...it has been my personal experience that if a person oversales the "great with kids" thing...he is hiding a problem. All dogs should be great with kids. Just say'n.

Well...except for Chessies. That hate everything besides their own family.