I had a GSP that was an absolute natural at everything. Amazing gun dog, amazing companion, got rid of him because I didn't have the room to keep him busy with my schedule.
I will get another one as soon as I move to some land.
The dog was retrieving teal and pointing at 7 months with surprisingly little effort. His prey drive and diligence were unreal. All hand commands by 1 yr (heel, sit, stay, retrieve with direction, blind retrieve with a simple wave toward the bird). At that young of an age he was already positioning himself downwind like he was a vet - my buddies with labs couldn't stand it.
I used the book Gun Dog for all around training, didn't have to focus on one main aspect, he knew what time it was whether it was pointing snipe or springing through the dekes... Water retrieving like a machine too, crazy swimmer.
The wirehair is basically the same thing, I went shorthair for the heat down here.
I will NEVER own another breed. Got him from a guy in Church Point. A buddy got a female from him too and she is exactly the same caliber and natural ability, just more docile.
Sorry for the rant - got me reflecting....!
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