pup eating birds! HELP

[litlhitch]

i first introduced my 3 month old to a dove at 10 weeks. she tried to eat it. took her on a hunt with me last week and she tried the same thing (ate the head right off)...gave her a wing (ate the whole wing)! i feed her plenty of dog food so she is not starving!

is she going to grow out of this? i dont want to punish her for eating it at this young of an age because i dont want her to associate birds with punishment...should i just wait till she is older and re-introduce her to birds?

after she tried eating the 2nd dove i gave her, i didnt give her anymore because i dont want her to think that is what she is supposed to do. although, i was very surprised that she was by no means scared of a shotgun. she layed right beside me and slept while i was whacking dove. (hope thats not a sign that she could give a flip about retrieving my kill)

[LODI QUACKER]

I had on to do the same thing I was not in the vecinity when he did it the first time But I was the second, hopefully I got the message accross. It doesnt do you any good to have a dog that will not do anything but eat your game punishment association or not!!!

[Got Chocolate?]

have you forced fetched yet???? this could have a lot to do with it. provide more info, and im sure someone can provide some helpful advice.

[litlhitch]

no FF...she is only 3 months old and i still havent seen a great desire to fetch, period! ....she is doing great at puppy obedience though, thats the only thing i am optimistic about right now..

[Delta Hillbilly]

My book says to hold the bird in your hand and place the bird and your hand into the dogs mouth. The dog should not readily bite you. If the dogs does not bite you after several times of placing the bird and hand into the mouth, place the bird into the mouth without your hand. Do hold the dog by the nap. If the dog begins to bite or rough up the bird, correct the dog immediately by saying "NO". After you get across to the dog that the bird should not be roughed up, you can begin to let the dog go on short bird retieves. If the dog begin to rough up the bird correct immediately.

Hope the training goes well. I introduced birds to my dog at 6 months using this method. I have had good success with birds. Do keep in mind, that I introduced the dummy using the same method.


DH

[litlhitch]

thanks hillbilly! i know she got into my bowl of dove breasts while i was cleaning them and i tried pulling it out of her mouth and she drew blood from me, trying to hold on to that meat...but i will try it with a whole bird cause i dont think she will be retreiving any "meat" for me!

[MD11Pilot]

KEEP HER AWAY FROM DOVES! That has been said here several times before...I know, cause I've said it at least once. Reintroduce her to birds using FROZEN pigeons or thawed ducks. If she continues and wants to munch mallards, discontinue birds until she is thru FF.