Flushing Dog Training and Choosing the Right Breed

Flushing dog training is a crucial aspect of owning a flushing breed, as these dogs are bred to work in the field and require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

The most popular breeds for flushing dogs are the English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, and the German Shorthaired Pointer.

Flushing dogs are bred to locate and flush game, such as birds and rabbits, out of dense cover.

Their strong prey drive and energetic nature make them well-suited for this type of work.

If you're looking to hunt with a flushing dog, consider your hunting style and terrain. If you're looking to cover some serious ground with birds being sparse between covers, a big running pointing dog might be the best option for you.

Hunting behind a flusher requires a different mindset - you need to move with the dog and be tight up behind the dog as he/she searches the cover immediately surrounding you. This means you have to be on your toes and ready to make the shot.

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A good flushing dog is designed to put birds up into the air hard and fast, and you have to be ready to make the shot. Things can happen fast behind a flushing dog, and that's part of the thrill.

Flushers need a strong foundation in obedience and should stay well within gun range for success. If not, you may find your newly "trained" gundog running birds into the next county.

Typical dog breeds associated with flushing are English Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, and Boykin Spaniels. These breeds have a keen eye for marking and finding downed birds.

Labrador Retrievers are also used as flushing dogs, especially those from hunting stock. They make versatile hunting dogs for both upland birds and waterfowl.

Hunters that use dogs that flush must sometimes walk at a fast pace if their dog gets on a bird that runs.

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Pointing dogs range far and wide, but a good flusher is taught to stay close.

A flusher excels in close, tight cover, like marshes, switchgrass, and areas of mixed cover.

You'll teach your flusher to cast and hunt specific areas within gun range.

A flusher works the close cover in a grid-like pattern, leaving no patch of brush unchecked.

This approach may require a few more miles on your boots, but it's effective.

Jenny's first "real" bird was a memorable experience, and it happened in a high-probability patch of woods.

She was taught to quarter and work the close cover, which led to the successful hunt.

The natural retrieving instinct is a key characteristic of flushing dogs.

These breeds are born to retrieve game, with some studies showing that up to 90% of flushing dogs will naturally pick up and bring back game without training.

Their strong prey drive and instinct to chase after game make them well-suited for this task.

In fact, many flushing dogs have a strong tendency to retrieve and bring back small animals, such as rabbits and squirrels, even if they're not hunting game.

Their retrieving instinct is closely tied to their strong sense of smell and ability to follow a scent trail.

This is why flushing dogs often excel at tracking and following scents, even in dense cover.

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The e-collar is a valuable tool for hunters, particularly for communicating with dogs at a distance. It can be used to teach dogs to hunt within a specific range.

A tone and/or vibration feature on the e-collar can be tied to any command, allowing for clear communication with your dog. This feature is a great option for keeping the hunt flowing smoothly.

Jessie Richards uses the vibration feature as a warning to her dogs when they start drifting out of range. This warning gives them a chance to adjust their behavior before receiving a correction.

Correcting your dog out of frustration can be counterproductive. It's essential to do the prep work to teach your dog to hunt within a specific range, rather than relying solely on the e-collar for correction.

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English Springer Spaniels are a great choice for flushing dogs, known for their ability to retrieve and mark downed birds.

Typically, flushing dogs are bred for hunting, not for show, so if you're looking for a hunting companion, you'll want to find a breeder who specializes in hunting stock.

Cocker Spaniels are another breed often used for flushing, with a keen eye for finding downed game.

Labrador Retrievers are also commonly used as flushing dogs, especially those from hunting stock, which can make them versatile hunting dogs for both upland birds and waterfowl.

Boykin Spaniels are a valuable breed for flushing, with a strong instinct to retrieve and chase prey into the air.

Most breeds used for flushing are very friendly and sociable dogs, making them a great choice for hunters who want a loyal companion in the field.