Dog first???

[pioneersnt]

I've decided to get an Irish red and white setter to hunt for falconry. The question of wether to get a pup now or wait till after I start with a bird is the problem I'm trying to figure out.

I will not be trapping this year, so I figure I'll have at least a year to start working with the dog. I've been told that it takes about 3 years to train an Irish red and white for falconry. This makes me feel it would be good to start now.

What are your thoughts. Dog or bird first?

[falco]

I say if you aren't trapping this year go for the pup.

[rdtle123]

I agree with Falco 100%

[pioneersnt]

Thank you both for your input. I felt that would be best to get a head start with the dog.

It was suggested that I wait to get a dog, so it could be raised with the bird. I wasn't sure what was the best approach, so I asked here.

[Modoc]

I think getting the dog this year since you are not trapping a bird is great advice,, it will give you plenty of time to get through the puppy stage and also get him familiar with the type of hunting you plan doing. I adopted my jack russel/beagle when he was 2 and i trapped my bird a few weeks later. At first the dog was curious but quickly learned that the bird was something special and it didnt take long before they were sitting at each others feet and they formed a pretty nice bond with each other.