Australian Shepherd as bird dog?

[Mightyhunter]

My wife loves australian shepherds and we are planning on getting one in a few weeks. Does anyone have any experience with training one as a duck dog?

 

[KurtR]

They are smart and im sure it could be done but dont know how they hold up in cold water. Its not really in their genetics

 

[ZRob97]

Im down in AZ and taught my blue heeler to retrieve quail pretty quick, those herding dogs are real smart.

 

[omicron1792]

As someone that has owned Australian shepherds and bird dogs, I don’t think it would work. The Aussies are too smart. If they get to a point they don’t wanna do something, they will stop. Bird dogs will keep going until they die.

I absolutely love Australian shepherds, I just don’t think it could be done.

 

[casey36]

I am thinking the same as KurtR. They are very smart dogs but I don't know how the would handle cold water or rough water . I'm sure they can be trained to retrieve.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

My wife loves australian shepherds and we are planning on getting one in a few weeks. Does anyone have any experience with training one as a duck dog?

Not for ducks, but we had one that would point upland game (grouse, turkey, and squirrels).

 

[longrangelead]

I have one that is great with grouse but she hates swimming so duck's are out.

 

[Sandhills]

Not an Aussie but she loves hunting pheasants, quail and chukars and has even fetched a goose.

Cow dogs are smarter than bird dogs it just takes a little time to get em to figure out what you want them to do

 

[KurtR]

cow dogs are smart but will never be on the level of a retriever at retrieving

 

[Bearlodge10]

I think anything is possible when it comes to training dogs. I have had the best luck in training herding breeds to do more birdy stuff when they are out of true working parents and have high drive ( almost out of control). The key will be bird introductions and force-fetching so that the retrieve becomes second nature.
I, too, wonder about the swimming aspect but if force-fetched and a love for the water, this shouldn't be an issue. I will say that some herding breeds are extra sensitive to loud noises and get gun-shy quickly.

 

[omicron1792]

I think anything is possible when it comes to training dogs. I have had the best luck in training herding breeds to do more birdy stuff when they are out of true working parents and have high drive ( almost out of control). The key will be bird introductions and force-fetching so that the retrieve becomes second nature.
I, too, wonder about the swimming aspect but if force-fetched and a love for the water, this shouldn't be an issue. I will say that some herding breeds are extra sensitive to loud noises and get gun-shy quickly.

Good point. My Aussie would run and hide with gunshots. My Pudelpointer runs toward whatever I am shooting at!