Gun Dogs Hunt Like Their Owners

Gun Dogs Hunt Like Their Owners

Susan Allen
Susan Allen

 

A University of California study reported what we all knew all along, dogs and owners look alike. And I’ll take the liberty to say they hunt alike. Welcome to OpenRange, I’m Susan Allen. A study by psychologists at the University of California concluded that when people pick a dog they seek one that at some level resembles them. That got me thinking about hunting dogs. Like riding disciplines these dogs are bred for specific styles of hunting;  waterfowl, chucker, upland etc....So wise hunters select dogs that  reflect their hunting style. For upland hunting a methodical, detailed person might enjoy a pointer or setter while a more casual fellow would opt for a lab or wire hair. Match made in heaven. Then there’s hell. Hunting with the guy whose dog runs ahead and busts all the birds. He’s screaming  explicatives and apologizing profusely meanwhile his pup is now miles ahead flushing  pheasants  every direction. Miss match? Na,  most likely a weekend warrior who thinks dog training occurs on opening day. When I competed in Shoot to Retrieve trials with a odd breed,  Gorden Setter ( ha what does that say about me)  I got to observe lots of dogs  and styles of training.  I was always in awe of this frumpy older lady in a  canvas spit skirt who’d arrive in a tiny compact with a couple of bouncing Britney’s and  clean our clocks. She didn’t look anything like her dogs but she sure knew how to unlock their talents and instincts. In the end isn't that what it's all about.  I’m Susan Allen 
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