Training Pointing Dogs, 2nd :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

Good training tips until the burning of the nose technique

2008-04-03
I read this book in no time at all and was looking for some training techniques that would help my dog and I become better hunters. The book was informative although it was somewhat outdated and should be updated. If you could overlook the idea of burning your dogs nose with a cigar,cigarette or a lighter to get him to release a bird, then the book may be an asset. After I read that I was kind of turned off by the author for even suggesting such an idea. Was that the best idea that he could come up with to get the dog to release a bird? Other than that the book was helpful

Cigars to the nose

2007-06-11
This book is the worst training guide I have ever read. Suggested training techniques, such as applying burning cigars and cigarette lighters to a dogs nostril, are unnecessary, cruel, and illegal in most countries. I am a South African field trialist and have acted as field steward and learner judge, and can confidently state that if even the more reasonable of the techniques advocated in this book were applied at any Field Trial club or trial (or organized hunt) in South Africa the handler would be summarily expelled, his dogs confiscated, and he would be reported to the police. Ironically, most of the techniques suggested are sure to be counterproductive and break the dogs spirit. Pointers and setters do require a certain amount of discipline, but respond far better to positive reinforcement.

There are a number of far better training guides, which will provide you with a wide ranging yet responsive dog. Probably the best of these is a book entitled "Dog Breaking", written by a General W.N Hutchinson in 1850. Despite the title, the General advocates what later came to be termed positive reinforement and writes that "(The) brutal usage of a fine high couraged dog (by) Men who had a strong arm and a hard heart to punish - but no temper and no head to instruct (has) made my blood boil." He would probably have used a horsewhip on Paul Long.

Good fundamentals for training

2006-12-29
I bought this book on Amazon and literally read the whole text in about an hour.
It offers solid advice that is based on fundamental techniques to training a
pointer. I have applied SOME of the techniques to the training of my new Vizsla
puppy with solid results. He is coming along very well. If you notice....I used
the word SOME. Readers don't have to do everything Long writes about. The author
writes about what has worked for him in the past and works the majority of time.
What works for Long may or may not work with your dog. With this book, a few
DVD's on training, hours of time and patience working with your dog, you should
be successful. Just remember, Rome wasn't built in a day..training your dog should be approached the exact same way.

There are better birddog books available.

2001-03-27
This book is an o.k. read and offers some good information if you don't mind sifting through the outdated advice. (First Copyright in 1974).

Buy only if you plan to Hunt birds

2001-02-17
Had I known that the book was written for bird hunters I would have saved myself the trouble.

a book on dogs that makes perfect sense to dog owners

1999-11-23

Sage guidance and backwoods wisdom make this a valuable source for training bird dogs.

perfect

1999-10-03
gets you started off right. Helps you understand your dog's personality to prepare for training. If Long says "the dog will probably do ..." it will. My shorthair responded to these techniques instantly. I have little patience with my dogs and the book helped me to overcome that barrier and apply training that gets results. I read it cover to cover the day I recieved it, and have returned to it after each completed lesson. Longs approach agrees with my views on convincing the dog. Enough said,I am taking my dog out now.

easy to follow..written for average first time trainer

1999-02-21
Easy to follow. Made sense. Ten month dog doing more than 11 year veteran..its a must read for all first time and even veteran dog owners. Every breeder should give one with every pup.

A good book for newcomers to the sport

1997-03-10
This paperback book by Paul Long is a gem for newcomers tothe task of training a working setter/pointer. It was recommended to me years ago by some "old-timers" who knew I would be depressed and daunted by a weighty tome. It is not difficult to read or follow, and provides necessary basics. This book provides a good training foundation, and is one not to be missed.