Should You Take Your young dog shed hunting?

Question: My pup is 7 months old I'd like to go out shed hunting in the next weekend. Tips or advice to help control the situation? Is she too young? 

Answer: I don't have an issue with taking a dog shed hunting "early" provided you have realistic expectations . In fact, I encourage it. I don't recommend taking a bird dog or gun dog "early" because there are too many variables that we don't control and if you don't have the right things in place, there can be issues caused that are going to create big picture problems. My recommendation is don't bore or burn them out and have fun. Control comes down to foundation and obedience. Thats a whole other can of worms...you have to have it in place in my opinion. At 7 months old, my hope would be your focus is building on that foundation. Taking them shed hunting should just be an extension of that training.

Question. What's your views on chessepeake bay retriever dogs? How they learn, there attitudes, etc.

Answer: As far as chessies go, I think they are real nice dogs. Bred and built for purpose, they are workers. I don't think the breed makes nearly as much of a difference as some like to make of it. A dog's a dog in my opinion, they all have their own quirks and different handlers have different preferences. As long as they match up, it shouldn't be an issue.

I hope that helps,
Jeremy

For more shed dog articles: Shed Hunting Dog: Transitioning from Fall to Spring | Shed Dog Training Quick Tips | Shed Hunting Dogs: Why & How to Train Your Own

For shed dog podcast episodes: Dogs that Find Sheds | Match Your Shed Dog Training to Actual Shed Hunting | Starting Shed Hunting Training with Your Puppy

For shed dog videos: Shed Dog Video Library

Next Journal: "Can You Place Train an Old Dog?"