gamedog pup training, pedigree, and introducing to mill

Post the pedigree for help there.

It is never too young to introduce a dog to a mill. We had Bolio dogs som years back that would spin the mill at 8 weeks old, almost like they were born for that purpose. We have had others that never really seen the point of running that hard but getting anywhere. And everything in between.

Don't force him to run and do not be upset if he does not do it as soon as fast as you want him to make it spin. Put him up on it and let him stand. Remember anything we ask a dog to do without his feet on the ground is as unnatural as all get out. Be patient. Most get it, some do not.

S

 

Lots of dogs wont run a mill and there is lots of other ways to build wind, the mill is just one of the easiest ways.

 

I feel like you need two or three exercises for a complete regimen that covers stamina and strength. Some resistance and strength work coupled with running of some sort is the ticket. Also don't sleep on hand walking, it's something i have seen direct results from and if you're up to 10 to 15 miles a day, you wont need a mill. Also swimming is great for stamina and less strain on the joints.

I keep thinking Fat Bills keep talks about Mill work VS hand walking, like how many miles of walking per minute on the mill. I could be wrong, it may not of been Fat Bills but i think it is.

Flirt Pole is good for both endurance and strength, it also helps a lot with targeting and aim along with short burst of power. My personal opinion is it also helps build drive.

 

The best thing to do is find what the dogs like to do, of my 3, only 1 likes the mill, one is still a pup but i don't see her ever being a dog that wants to work the mill. She does however love the flirt pole and spring pole and when you grab a lead? She turns into a little rocket, so the long hand walking will get it done with her, which is why i never leash train my dogs, i want them to pull and it pays off come keep time. I look to add a nice swim tank this year.

Keep in mind not all dogs will like everything the same, just work each dog on a individual basis.

 

Yes, i would add other things in with the walking. Drag work, spring pole, flirt pole ect. Like i said, swimming is really good also, doesn't take much to put together a swim tank. Also if you plan on them long walks, do it in increments. Start with so many miles and gradually work up. You can also add a weight collar if ya want. We use them here with good success.

 

Agree with all that was posted above. Maybe the most important piece was find what the dog likes to do and he will never know he is working. You can 'trick' him into top notch condition. LOL

Hand walking, like anything else is really dependent on the dog. If they are leisurely walking by your side with slack in the lead you will have to put in tons of miles and hours to see 'conditioning'. Remember that they were built to cover long distances. The flip side if he is dragging you down the road with you leaning back, elbow locked and lead it banjo string tight then that type hand walking will show benefits throughout the keep.

Dragging 25% of the dogs body weight for distance works wonders. It will not bulk the dog with big muscles but it will tone and provide muscular endurance. A good routing would be similar to pull the dog for 30 minutes and then walk him for 30 minutes, a brisk walk or even a jog. Swing back round and pick up the chains for 30 minutes. The runs will get the dog winded/worked and then the pulling will make the muscles work afte rebing pushed a little. Great results.

If your dog will chase a ball all out for as long as you keep throwing it. There is no mill that can keep up with that. Best two dogs I ever seen worked never set foot on a mill. One we had a baseball and played catch about 25-30 yards apart. She was a spazz over the ball. The other was a female that would hcase another dog who was chasing rocks. Converted that into weighted sprints.

Even seen one is superb shape that would do nothing. They hooked her to a pole and pushed her into the water. She thought long and hard about just drowning but decided to swim. She ended up being in really good shape with just swimming.

There are a ton of ways to work a dog into great shape. The flirt pole may be the most under rated tool in the shed for over all conditioning.

The best practice is to start early and find what the dog likes to do and then let that be the staple. Experiment and introduce him/her to other stuff. If he/she pours their hearts into 2 or 3 then it should be easy sailing from there.

S

 

I just read where you said he's 3 months right now so be very light on the work load for now, work into any kind of work slowly for now. Let the pup do what it does and monitor how long they engage with whatever work you putting in, if you don't some dogs will over work themselves if left to their own accord. At this age id focus on bond and drive.

 

Facts ^

Another tip is rub downs, they work wonders on your dog.