Steadying my pup...too early or not?

4016 Views 26 Replies 20 Participants Last post by Chris Atkinson, Nov 16, 2006

Chris Atkinson

Discussion Starter · Nov 13, 2006

So, I've got this FC Candlewood's Joe Black pup, bred to Nate Baxter's Diamond QAA (out of Honest Abe x Nate's MHR Raven MH).

He's a lot of fun and hes' proving to be quite smart, sensitive, and loves to train.

He was born June 30, so he's between four and five months old. After hunting with and talking with a buddy of mine, hearing his thoughts, and then talking with some Amish training buddies, I've decided it was time to work on steadying my "Bus" pup.

I started this last week and he took to it quickly.

I've found that some buds are surprised that I've steadied him this early.

Thought I'd throw it out to you guys. Did I steady too early?

He shows tons of drive and loves to go. I just decided that he was smart enough and big enough that it made sense to set up one consistent set of rules that will apply from now on, rather than change the rules on him later.

What do you think?

Chris

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Diane Brunelle

· #13 · Nov 14, 2006

I think you're fine with early steady...you obviously knwo your dog that it's ready.

I have a high drive Golden that I taught to steady very young so she could focus on marks. As a result, she passed her UKC started test on water at 5 months old, the same test you set up in Vermont as a double for Seasoned!

And she's still doing great, earned a WC at 8 months old, which involves a land double. It has not harmed her marking abilities at all, if anything, improved them.

I think steadying her early helped her immensely, but as others have said, it depends on the dog.

So my vote is with you.

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Did I steady my pup too early?

Yes

No

Steadying my pup...too early or not?

Chris Atkinson

Diane Brunelle

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