Hunting dogs or dogs hunting??

[Redfrog]

What do you think about the regs in place now that do not allow a dog to 'accompany' you while hunting?

Good idea? Bad idea?

I'm not talking about a pack of mutts running helter skelter, but a dog to bark when a bear comes around to steal your picnic basket or a dog to blood trail when you wound an animal.

I submitted that exact resolution through my local F&G club this year to be considered at the AFGA convention. My resolution was strictly for pack dogs. As far as I know, Aberta is the only jurisdiction with mountain hunting where pack dogs are not permitted. I whole-heartedly support the idea. I'm not sure if SRD is opposed to the idea or it's just never been brought to their attention for consideration.

We had our pup in the Yukon with us this year and I've never slept so soundly at night. He likely saved a bear's life one night too.

Jet likes the idea too!

[Okotokian]

I'm torn... I use my dog for bird hunting and always like having him along when I'm outdoors. He might also be useful for tracking wounded big game but I can also see the harassment factor. I can't guarantee he wouldn't go dashing off after a deer he saw. I don't want to try to hunt with him on a leash but I don't have a problem if you want to do that.... I dunno.

Originally Posted by Okotokian

I'm torn... I use my dog for bird hunting and always like having him along when I'm outdoors. He might also be useful for tracking wounded big game but I can also see the harassment factor. I can't guarantee he wouldn't go dashing off after a deer he saw. I don't want to try to hunt with him on a leash but I don't have a problem if you want to do that.... I dunno.

Check out all the bighorns behind my pup in the second picture.....It's all about training!

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by sheephunter

Check out all the bighorns behind my pup in the second picture.....It's all about training!

Mine is semi-trained... probably by some big buck at one time. If the deer are still he just stands and watches them. If they approach he scurries back to me. But if they turn tail and run THEN he takes off after them. LOL

I thought he was a coward but he takes off after every coyote he sees too. He's not a coward, just stupid (a Britt) LOL I DO find the new e-collar I got has been helping.

Originally Posted by Okotokian

I DO find the new e-collar I got has been helping.

We refer to it as the very long arm of the law

[thebuckshow]

Originally Posted by Okotokian

Mine is semi-trained... probably by some big buck at one time. If the deer are still he just stands and watches them. If they approach he scurries back to me. But if they turn tail and run THEN he takes off after them. LOL

I thought he was a coward but he takes off after every coyote he sees too. He's not a coward, just stupid (a Britt) LOL I DO find the new e-collar I got has been helping.

Weird, my Britt acts the same way. If anything approaches, he comes back to me, if it stands still he points, and if it runs away, then I'm hitting the red button on the e-collar. I often come up a hill or around a bluff or something and find him in a thousand yard stare with a coyote about 30 yards ahead of him. The coyote sees me and books it, and off the dog goes chasing him like he wants to play. Friggin dog!

[Jamie]

I really wish I could bring Bear with me. She is part of the group and should be there.

Jamie

[Tundra Monkey]

Sleeping at night with a dog outside the tent is priceless. I've never had serious issues with bears when I've had my dog in camp with me. Plenty of notice and dealt with the situations. Many of them would not have been cool if she was not there.

They also smell better than most sheep hunting partners.

Oko...I feel your pain. My dog doesn't have a problem big game but ground squirrells Still working on this one but I don't think she'll ever get over her hate on for em'

tm

[Skinnydipper]

Originally Posted by Tundra Monkey

Sleeping at night with a dog outside the tent is priceless. I've never had serious issues with bears when I've had my dog in camp with me. Plenty of notice and dealt with the situations. Many of them would not have been cool if she was not there.

They also smell better than most sheep hunting partners.

Oko...I feel your pain. My dog doesn't have a problem big game but ground squirrells Still working on this one but I don't think she'll ever get over her hate on for em'

tm

You mentioned before that yours was a Korelian right? What's it like at home? Full of energy to the point of concern?

I think I would enjoy the use of a dog for the company/protection potential that it would bring in the mountains. Just not too sure it would fit into my normal lifestyle the other 80% of the time.

[crazyfish]

i know that in some states they are allowed to use a dog for blood trailing after the shot. But i believe that it was restricted to who could do it, ie had to be certified or similar. So if hunter A shot and wounded and failed to find his animal , he could only use the "services" of a licensed dog handler, for a fee of course !

There is also a few states that allow the use of dogs to help with drives or pushes for whitetails ! Not sure thats where we would want to go !

I see no issue with a pack dog/ companion, but would it be limited to the mountains or allowed province wide ?

Originally Posted by crazyfish

i know that in some states they are allowed to use a dog for blood trailing after the shot. But i believe that it was restricted to who could do it, ie had to be certified or similar. So if hunter A shot and wounded and failed to find his animal , he could only use the "services" of a licensed dog handler, for a fee of course !

There is also a few states that allow the use of dogs to help with drives or pushes for whitetails ! Not sure thats where we would want to go !

I see no issue with a pack dog/ companion, but would it be limited to the mountains or allowed province wide ?

I think the 400WMUs would be a good place to start.

[crazyfish]

Originally Posted by sheephunter

I think the 400WMUs would be a good place to start.

I don't have an issue either way, more just for clarification ! Won't be doing it myself due to allergies, but think it's a good idea with a well trained dog !

[Doodle30]

As much as I would love to take my dog with me I think we need to be careful what we wish for.

I think a properly trained dog would do just fine but have you ever been to a dog park? 99% of dogs are not properly trained for day to day interaction let alone a specialty task such as this.

Like Oko, my dog (lab) is very good but she is not to the point where I can guarantee that she will not dart off to chase another dog at the park and I assume a deer in the field.

Maybe each dog should have to get certified but I think I know what most on here would say about that added government regulation.

I do love the idea though.

[BeerSlayer1]

That dog's got a great look about him, love the ears.

[HunterDave]

Here ya go.

http://puppylovepreschool.blogspot.c...-rankings.html

According to a recent survey of over 100 AKC obedience judges, these are the top 10 breeds who exhibit a natural ability for working/obedience intelligence:

1. Border Collie
2. Poodle
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd
5. Doberman
6. Shetland Sheepdog
7. Labrador Retriever
8. Papillon
9. Rottweiler
10. Australian Cattle Dog

[Skinnydipper]

You forgot these Sheep:




This one I remember especially well because it's when you guys overtook my sorry butt and slingshotted to victory at the summit.