As dog trainers and students of canine behavior, we can talk all day about the finer points behind every action we take in training, as well as the behavioral nuances of dogs. At Smith Kennels, every interaction with a dog is intentional and is designed to shape the dog’s mindset and behavior. With that, we can easily get hyper focused on assessing the slightest differences in an individual dog’s mindset and behavior at a given time. Taking a step back to simplify our desired goals and outcomes can be helpful so as to not get lost in the nuances. We structure our training around some common denominators that we call the Core Bird Dog Behaviors and Mindsets; these elements are the nucleus of our approach to training dogs.
A sound understanding of core behaviors and mindsets allows a trainer to identify and respond to all types of situations, dog personalities, disciplines, and applications. If we can maintain focus on these simple elements of core behaviors and mindsets all the time, we are better equipped to handle a wider array of training challenges and obstacles. Armed with that perspective, we can develop dogs that are consistently improving in both mindset and manners, paving the way for the advanced elements we look for in a well-trained, seasoned pointing dog.
Helping your dog create good mindsets will improve its quality of life. (Photo courtesy of Susanna Love Smith) The Three Core Bird Dog Mindsets In our Smith Method of Training, the Core Mindsets are Confidence , Composure , and Compliance . Dogs with these mental attributes tend to be more healthy-minded (and also healthier physically, as they experience less stress than a fearful dog), more capable of learning quickly, easier to live with and handle, and more consistent in the field. A healthy mind is the very first thing we look for and strive to develop in our bird dogs. A confident dog experiences less stress in general than an anxious or timid dog, and it does not exhibit fearful reactions. A composed dog is more likely than a reactive dog to make good decisions when responding to changing or challenging situations. A compliant dog will listen more readily, and respond more consistently, to instructions from a handler. A dog that has developed these core mindsets will be positioned for success in and out of the field and will also be able to participate in positive interactions between dog and handler in both training and hunting settings.
In everything bird dog-related, mindset trumps function/performance. When you can facilitate the right mindset in your animal, achieving the performance you are working toward becomes more straightforward. We always encourage dog owners to cultivate the core mindsets in their animals first and then to progress in implementing the formal training elements. The core mindsets are the foundation upon which the training is built.
The ability for a pointing dog to stand still is important in many areas of its life. (Photo courtesy of Susanna Love Smith) The Three Core Bird Dog Behaviors All of the basic training elements that we teach when training pointing dogs and teaching seminars are geared to developing one of the three Core Bird Dog Behaviors. Those behaviors are:
Go With You A dog who chooses to move with his handler is in a joined-up mindset. By joining up, a dog is showing that he trusts the handler, is willing to work with that handler, and is receptive to their instruction. This “go with you” behavior is generally most apparent during heeling and handling in the field.
A joined-up mindset should be the first priority when developing a good loose-lead heel. We teach heeling with our Command Lead (also known as the “Wonder Lead”). The reason that this lead works so well is that the lightest cue possible can be used to gain compliance. The complete release of the tension on the lead after a cue is key, as dogs learn the most from that release of the cue. By maintaining a loose lead while heeling, we are setting dogs up to make their own decision to go with the handler, rather than being physically held back all the time by a tight lead. We want our dogs to learn to watch us and mirror our movements and changes in pace, heeding increasingly subtle cues and body language. This mindset translates to the hunting field as the dog goes to objectives looking for birds, always keeping the handler in mind, and moving with the handler—just at a farther distance and staying to the front.
Come to you Every dog should have a solid recall and willingly come straight to you when called upon. Safety is the main reason for a good recall, as a dog that will come back to you is a dog that you are better able to keep safe when the unexpected happens. The recall is also the foundation for a good natural retrieve. Without a solid recall, a dog will never be a good retriever.
Stand Still It is imperative that pointing dogs be able to stand still, particularly in moments of excitement, such as while being on point or honoring during bird work. The ability to stand still also has applications in daily life. Pointing dogs should be able to stand still in a composed manner when waiting to be let out of a crate or a truck, when waiting to go through a door, when being examined by a veterinarian, when having boots or collars put on...the list goes on and on. Asking your dog to stand still at a door or at feeding time helps to strengthen their impulse control and ability to stand calmly during moments of excitement. This ability to calmly stand still directly translates to the dog’s ability to stand on point for a long duration and to better manage their impulses while on point, when the bird is close or maybe even walking around on the ground in front of them.
Core behaviors should be practiced regularly. In the Smith Method of Training, we encourage folks to work on these behaviors in a quiet, controlled environment. Strive to condition your dog to perform with such regularity that the dog does not have to think about any given cue and instead responds from habit. From that point, begin to build the level of distraction that your dog can withstand and still perform consistently. The final arenas in which to practice are those where the dog’s excitement is the highest, such as in the hunting field.
Once your training is completed and you are getting consistent results, keep practicing regularly. Training is never truly finished because dogs are always learning and shaping/ reshaping behavior (whether in a formal training session or not).
Incorporate practicing the Core Bird Dog Behaviors into your daily life with your dog. Never pass up an opportunity to train, and don’t assume that your dog’s behavior is set in stone or that he has ceased actively learning and adapting.
By focusing on practicing the basics in everyday life, you can strengthen the skills your dog needs to perform in the hunting field. Mindset is the most important factor in a dog’s success and performance, and if you can learn to diagnose your dog’s mindset, you will begin to see your dog through a new lens. A trainer who understands “the why” behind a dog not responding well at certain times will have a better idea of how to step back into a more controlled environment and better prepare the animal.
The Three Core Bird Dog Behaviors take time and practice to instill in your dog. (Photo courtesy of Susanna Love Smith) Consistently Practice these Three Core Behaviors Practice the basics—apply them in various areas to determine where your dog needs the work. Practicing the Core Behaviors while strengthening the Core Mindsets in the home, in the backyard, on an agility or challenge course, or park directly benefits the dog’s performance in the field. Practice builds strong habits. How your dog acts on a daily basis is the strongest indicator of how they will act in the field. If you do not want to see a behavior in the field, don’t allow it in any of the other environments your dog experiences.
As a final note, we recognize that many folks don’t have the ability to train on live birds before the start of hunting season. While not ideal, this is manageable and does not mean that your dog cannot be set up for success. In the absence of training birds, get your dog in good physical shape and focus on applying the Core Behaviors and strengthening the Core Mindsets regularly. You will find that your dogs, across the board, will be better prepared for hunting season, even without the opportunity to practice on birds. Your dog will be able to re-gain their focus on birds during the season, provided they get enough opportunity for consistent bird contacts.
No matter what stage of training your dog is at, or how soon you will be heading to that next hunt, focusing on the Core Mindsets and Behaviors in all environments pays dividends during any hunt, and throughout the life of your dog.
