Solutions/Advice? I've been told its pretty much an issue that can't be fixed and I am starting to believe it.
My springer is built to upland hunt and that is what we try concentrate on. But, I've spent a lot more time duck hunting the last 10 years. So much so that I probably spend more days in a blind or in standing corn than I do chasing grouse or pheasants now. At least until freeze up anyways. Its just more convenient to be able to hunt and be home by 10 AM then it is to drive at least an hour or two minimum and not make it home until past the wife's designated time slot.
Anyway, I hate getting up in the morning and leaving my dog(s) behind. So, I've taken the older one with a few times the last 3-4 years. Usually when i don't have to be in a layout blind... hunting out of standing corn, edge of slough, etc... I keep her leashed to my leg or my chair. She sits and stays ok. Wants to chase the ducks right away. Which is workable. And she is getting better at not tugging on the leash until I release her. But, I absolutely can't get her to quit whining. And it can get loud at times. So, loud I would be surprised if the ducks can't hear it. Even if they can't, it annoys the shit out of me and I assume my friends if I go with someone. Although, they are great sports about it and don't complain... to my face anyway.
Just me and her went out yesterday morning and we shot our ducks in relatively short order. But, it was a miserable 75 minutes or so. Me scolding her in every way i can think of.... tugging leash, "no!", "shhh", a beating or two, some up close face to face confrontations/conversations... all well timed and for literally 75 minutes straight. She doesn't get it and I am beginning to think she has no control over it. In fact, I am not even sure she knows why i am scolding her. Which makes it more frustrating and sad for both of us. Yesterday was the worst day of it we have ever had.
Caveat... she is an excellent retriever. Found all six ducks yesterday without me ever having to leave my chair and 4 of them were doubles where she had to go back out and find them after bringing one back. Not quite to my hand. But, close enough for the women I date. So, I would like to keep bringing her with.
I am inclined to just put up with it and quit scolding her. But, if i can fix it, I will give it a college try. Anyone got any magic advice for this problem?
My springer is built to upland hunt and that is what we try concentrate on. But, I've spent a lot more time duck hunting the last 10 years. So much so that I probably spend more days in a blind or in standing corn than I do chasing grouse or pheasants now. At least until freeze up anyways. Its just more convenient to be able to hunt and be home by 10 AM then it is to drive at least an hour or two minimum and not make it home until past the wife's designated time slot.
Anyway, I hate getting up in the morning and leaving my dog(s) behind. So, I've taken the older one with a few times the last 3-4 years. Usually when i don't have to be in a layout blind... hunting out of standing corn, edge of slough, etc... I keep her leashed to my leg or my chair. She sits and stays ok. Wants to chase the ducks right away. Which is workable. And she is getting better at not tugging on the leash until I release her. But, I absolutely can't get her to quit whining. And it can get loud at times. So, loud I would be surprised if the ducks can't hear it. Even if they can't, it annoys the shit out of me and I assume my friends if I go with someone. Although, they are great sports about it and don't complain... to my face anyway.
Just me and her went out yesterday morning and we shot our ducks in relatively short order. But, it was a miserable 75 minutes or so. Me scolding her in every way i can think of.... tugging leash, "no!", "shhh", a beating or two, some up close face to face confrontations/conversations... all well timed and for literally 75 minutes straight. She doesn't get it and I am beginning to think she has no control over it. In fact, I am not even sure she knows why i am scolding her. Which makes it more frustrating and sad for both of us. Yesterday was the worst day of it we have ever had.
Caveat... she is an excellent retriever. Found all six ducks yesterday without me ever having to leave my chair and 4 of them were doubles where she had to go back out and find them after bringing one back. Not quite to my hand. But, close enough for the women I date. So, I would like to keep bringing her with.
I am inclined to just put up with it and quit scolding her. But, if i can fix it, I will give it a college try. Anyone got any magic advice for this problem?
