Dog training can be a rewarding experience, especially when the dog is being trained to work as a team with his or her owner. "Pointing" is the general practice of teaching your dog to hunt in the wild, instructing him on proper signaling methods to help flush out and uncover prey. Although training a puppy to point can be difficult, the task can be made significantly easier with adherence to a few simple instructions.
Things You'll Need
- Check cord or e-collar
- Remote bird launcher
Instructions
Purchase the dog either a check cord or an e-collar depending on your personal preference. A check cord is nothing more than a long leash, used for correcting the dog in the wild while providing him with enough lead to accomplish his task. An e-collar is a collar that can remotely receive a signal to correct the dog, resulting in a slight electronic shock.
Utilize the principle of negative reinforcement to train your dog to obey your commands with either the e-collar or the check cord. Activate the e-collar or pull on the check cord at the same time that you issue a command to your dog, such as "sit" or "here." Continue applying correction to the dog until he obeys the command, at which time you should immediately discontinue applying correction to let the dog know that he is performing as requested.
Begin teaching your dog to point once he can follow basic commands. Place a remote launcher downwind from the dog, bringing him close enough that he catches the scent of the bird. He should instinctively point in the direction of the bird. Hold him firmly with the check cord, and stop him if he begins to lunge toward the bird while simultaneously deploying the bird with the launcher--this will teach the dog that he must remain still to avoid allowing the bird to escape.
Repeat this drill three or four times per day, being careful not to overwork your dog into boredom with the activity. Remain patient and he will learn to point well in no time.