New dog

[Sandhills]

It's been a little over a year since my Lab passed away. She was my first and to date only bird dog I've ever had. Have long wanted a wirehair but could swing having two dogs for a while and then the price of a pup too. Didn't want another dog so soon either or so I thought. We make plans and God laughs as the saying goes.

A buddy at work told me Thursday a guy he used to coon hunt with had a hound to give away and was wondering if my buddy knew if anyone who wanted one. He said he didn't, and the guy said he also had a shorthair/wirehair cross to give away too. He said he thought of me immediately. Well I tell my wife, she says jump on it. I love that woman.

Anyway meeting the guy tomorrow and getting him. I know they're not anything like a lab. It'll be a learning experience for us both. Pheasant season is just around the corner!

 

[Banana_Horn]

Awesome, congrats! I got a rehomed 3 year old short hair 5 years ago. One of the best things that ever happened to me and my lady. He has unbelievable pointing instincts and with a little training refresher, he retrieves well enough for me.

Some unsolicited advice: Do get ready to get that dog out for training and runs ALOT. The drive on these dogs is incredible. If you don’t get them out they can develop some really bad habits.
If you don’t have an e-collar, preferably with GPS, I strongly recommend one. I got my dog for free, but I bought the collar as a way to make it bearable to take him out, at least at first. They need that off leash time, and an e-collar, with proper training makes that possible/safe/enjoyable.
He will range far, much farther than a lab. That’s gonna be an adjustment, so I’ll just leave that there.
These breeds really tune into their owners when you make a connection with them, it’ll be tough at first but it’s so worth it.

Good luck!

 

[Sandhills]

Awesome, congrats! I got a rehomed 3 year old short hair 5 years ago. One of the best things that ever happened to me and my lady. He has unbelievable pointing instincts and with a little training refresher, he retrieves well enough for me.

Some unsolicited advice: Do get ready to get that dog out for training and runs ALOT. The drive on these dogs is incredible. If you don’t get them out they can develop some really bad habits.
If you don’t have an e-collar, preferably with GPS, I strongly recommend one. I got my dog for free, but I bought the collar as a way to make it bearable to take him out, at least at first. They need that off leash time, and an e-collar, with proper training makes that possible/safe/enjoyable.
He will range far, much farther than a lab. That’s gonna be an adjustment, so I’ll just leave that there.
These breeds really tune into their owners when you make a connection with them, it’ll be tough at first but it’s so worth it.

Good luck!

Thanks!

They don't range as far as say a English pointer or a Brittany do they? I don't like dogs you have to have a horse to keep up on em. Don't have a e collar just yet. The few wirehairs I've been around had different ranges per individual dog. Some hunted close and some a hundred yards. But they always checked back in.

 

[Banana_Horn]

In my experience, shorthairs and similar breeds range very far. In open ground, my dog will go up to 2-300 yards. As you say, they are quite good at checking in, which I have found to be true. I’ve heard wirehair tend to stay a little closer. It’ll be an adjustment, hopefully you've got some good areas that you can go work him!