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New Puppy

Everybody has different ideas on how to raise dogs and kids. I reckon most folks are successful at both.

To me, a dog is absolutely "just a dog." Not my best friend, not my kid, not an equal...he's a dog. He's here because I though he'd be fun/useful. If he stops being those things, well...

This holds true for all animals. I have a cat that I keep because cats are hell on mice, snakes, and insects; and because I occasionally get a dopamine hit from him purring in my lap on a cold day. I have chickens that will lay eggs. They get enough sustenance and support to allow them to fulfil their roles. I'm concerned about their happiness to the extent that it impacts performance.

Dogs are highly social animals. Part of their usefulness is the ability to integrate into our social circle. Socialization skills are heavily dependent upon proper exposure at developmental age. A socialized dog is a useful dog. A over-crated dog is not usually socialized.
 
Hunting dogs want to run far, far away. That is their instinct. Breaking them of their instinct is hard. It is no fun when the pheasants flush 300 yards away. My uncle had a dog whose name was, G** damn it, as in, G** damn it, get back here. Herding dogs want to take care of their flock and we are their flock. They are much easier dogs to take care of and feel more a part of the family. Hunting dogs are "just dogs". I have had both.
 
Nutterbuster said:
Everybody has different ideas on how to raise dogs and kids. I reckon most folks are successful at both.

To me, a dog is absolutely "just a dog." Not my best friend, not my kid, not an equal...he's a dog. He's here because I though he'd be fun/useful. If he stops being those things, well...

This holds true for all animals. I have a cat that I keep because cats are hell on mice, snakes, and insects; and because I occasionally get a dopamine hit from him purring in my lap on a cold day. I have chickens that will lay eggs. They get enough sustenance and support to allow them to fulfil their roles. I'm concerned about their happiness to the extent that it impacts performance.

Dogs are highly social animals. Part of their usefulness is the ability to integrate into our social circle. Socialization skills are heavily dependent upon proper exposure at developmental age. A socialized dog is a useful dog. A over-crated dog is not usually socialized.
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Amen. Couldnt agree more. Usin all them thar big words makes ya sound real smart-like too!
 
Ask someone whose service dog saved their life from a diabetic attack by alerting them before it was too late, if it's "just a dog". Or someone who was saved from a crumbling building because a dog found them when no human could have. Or from an avalanche. Dogs are more loyal to us than any other person will ever be. Yeah you can write it off as training if you want, but there is more of a connection between a human and a dog than some seem to admit or realize. Sure, to each his own. But I choose to think of a dog as man's best friend.
 
Alright your takin it a little too far buddy. U know what i meant. If you wanna sleep with your dog n let him eat off your plate go right ahead man. If i gotta go out for a few hrs to hunt i dont think im a sinner for putting my puppy in a crate. What do you do? Just not leave the house??
 
PEEJAY said:
Alright your takin it a little too far buddy. U know what i meant. If you wanna sleep with your dog n let him eat off your plate go right ahead man. If i gotta go out for a few hrs to hunt i dont think im a sinner for putting my puppy in a crate. What do you do? Just not leave the house??
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I wasn't having a problem with leaving the dog at home for a while to go hunting. I do it all the time. My only issue was the " just a dog" thing. They are amazing critters. They save their humans countless times a day. They will die trying to defend their humans even if they have no chance at all. I wasn't trying to start an argument. Just making a point about our faithful companions. That's all. Now let's get back to hunting! 15 minutes to shooting time. Have a good one, ok?
 
I am thinking I can hunt for a few hours each day and leave the dog at home in a crate. At this early stage in his life, I don't want to leave him too long. I could spend time with him now and just hunt the rut in 3 weeks. I am still considering whether to wait a few months to get a puppy.
 
If you do get one, crate training is the smartest thing you can do.

I have a 6 month old puppy now, I love my dog....but I recommend against getting a puppy during hunting season. I’d wait until you can afford more time with it.
 
Look into some puppy training classes and doggie day care. Will go along ways towards having a well mannered and well socialized dog as well as free up some time to hunt. Best bet though is to wait until after season to get one.
 
BTaylor said:
Look into some puppy training classes and doggie day care. Will go along ways towards having a well mannered and well socialized dog as well as free up some time to hunt. Best bet though is to wait until after season to get one.
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I kinda feel bad because I helped morph this thread from a question about climbing with dogs to general puppy raising advice, but since we're there...

Done right, puppy training courses are awesome. My mom's last dog was a great dane who from day one had some dominance issues. Ill-behaved, 200lb dogs aren't just a nuisance, they're a very real potential threat. Good handling on mom's part and LOTS of exposure to new people/places/other dogs and being rewarded for acting civil resulted in a dog that was an a-hole, but a lovable one that you could rein in with a look and a word.

Part of me is still disappointed that I never got to see him Kujo somebody.
 
bj139 said:
I am thinking I can hunt for a few hours each day and leave the dog at home in a crate. At this early stage in his life, I don't want to leave him too long. I could spend time with him now and just hunt the rut in 3 weeks. I am still considering whether to wait a few months to get a puppy.
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I would just wait until the season is over. It's just one more thing to add into the mix that doesn't have to be.

Yeah, a puppy can be crated a couple hours depending on how old it is. However, it would still cramp your hunting time and unexpected things happen like a long blood trail or drag.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
 
Decisions. Decisions. I think I'll just kick the can down the road for a day and go hunting this afternoon. Thanks for everyone's opinions.
 
BTaylor said:
Glad i dont have to feed a great dane. Prolly have to be careful picking up behind it too that you dont throw your back out.
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My mother in law had 2 of them. Gentle dogs but they want to sit in your lap. Feeding and cleanup is large.
 
My hunting season is over...until Monday. I'm not going hunting on Saturday so I can avoid all the weekend hunters. I walked out in the dark yesterday and when I got to the parking lot I scanned the woods. Two eyes were shining back at me. I should just install a platform on the top of my truck and hunt from there.
 
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