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!

 

[chemist]

How much do you duck hunt and what is the balance of bird dog vs house pet you are looking for?

If you duck hunt every week of the season get a classic retrieving breed.

If you duck hunt twice a year in theearlyseason, get your wife the aussie, gun break the dog and teach it to retrieve.