What To Do Before Purchasing A Finished Gundog

Written By: Zach Miller

"The demand and stress that comes with properly training and caring for a high drive gundog can be overwhelming and very time-consuming. Lucky for these individuals, we can now purchase started, seasoned and finished gundogs from trainers."

            Purchasing a finished duck dog can be a great way to ensure that you have a well-trained hunting companion for the upcoming season. However, before making a purchase, there are a few things you should do to ensure that you are getting the right dog for your needs.

1. Determine Your Needs

This will forever be my number one point when discussing these topics. Before purchasing a finished gundog, it is important to determine your needs. Consider the type of hunting you will be doing, the size of your hunting party, and the terrain you will be hunting in. This will help you determine the breed and size of dog that will be best suited for your needs. On top of this, consider what you want from a dog of this caliber. Will you continue to compete with the dog, do you know how? These are some of the many factors people often overlook when they see the flashy pictures of a champion dog up for sale.

2. Do Your Research

I can’t say this enough, when you are making an investment and a commitment such as this, research should always be your starting point. Ask for references and speak with other hunters/trainers who have purchased dogs from the trainer. Don’t be afraid to show up to a trainer with a folder full of questions, always remember, this will be your dog the second you drive off the grounds. Depending on the level of dog you purchase, you need to understand that it will always require a certain level of maintenance. Depending on which level your purchase, remember that the higher you go, so do the upkeep.

3. Ask For A Demonstration

Before making a purchase, ask the trainer to demonstrate the dog's hunting skills and ability. You never want to purchase a vehicle without taking it for a test drive, the same applies here! This will give you an idea of the dog's abilities and whether or not they are a good fit for your needs. Ask the breeder to demonstrate the dog's retrieving skills, obedience, and ability to work in the field and blind. A dog marketed for a high level of training should be able to complete those tasks at that level. For example, if a dog is being listed at a Master Hunter Level, I would 100% expect this dog to be capable of retrieving at and beyond 150 yards on multiple birds. My recommendation here is when you have a dog in mind, look at the level it is currently at, look at what that level entails and there are its expected capabilities. 

4. Check The Dog's Health

Before making a purchase, it is important to check the dog's health. Ask the trainer for a copy of the dog's health records and make sure they are up to date on all vaccinations. Look for any signs of illness or injury and ask the breeder if the dog has any health issues that may affect their ability to hunt. Feel free to trace the lineage back a bit and be sure to ask about the dog’s parents, ask what traits did they show both positive and negative. The idea with this step is gathering information in regard to the dog’s quirks. What I mean by this is, yes the dog will retrieve to a certain standard but does the dog step on your feet when he/she returns. Does the dog get skittish around diving ducks vs puddle ducks? Little quirks like these are what I like to inquire about. You will find that most of these are discovered through light conversation.

5. Consider The Dog's Temperament

When purchasing a finished gundog, it is important to consider the dog's temperament. Look for a dog that is friendly, outgoing, and eager to please. Avoid dogs that are aggressive or overly timid, as these traits can make them difficult to train and work with in the field. As stated in the previous paragraphs, this dog is yours the second you drive off the grounds. You want to ensure you will enjoy this dog's company and that you aren’t purchasing a total robot. Gun dogs typically have a very good “light switch” effect where they can turn work mode on and off easily. When I am watching the dog I am looking at how the dog is right before, during and after it meets me and works in the field. 

6. Ensure There Is A Proper Hand-Over

When finalizing the process of purchasing a finished gundog, it is foolish to assume that you can sign some papers and boom, the dog is ready to work for you. A proper handover is always needed. Consider this, the dog has been working and competing/hunting with one handler for upwards of 2 years, then you come into the picture and expect to mesh immediately? I’ve seen many situations where a trainer will have you work together with him/her and the dog for a weekend or more in order to get used to the dog. Also to understand how the dog operates and works based on the trainer's respected training scheme. You want this to be a slow process, rushing anything in dog training is a recipe for disaster. When doing a process like this, you want to drive off feeling confident and prepared, never skip this part!

In conclusion, purchasing a finished duck dog can be a great way to ensure that you have a well-trained hunting companion for the upcoming season. However, before making a purchase, it is important to determine your needs, research trainers, ask for a demonstration, check the dog's health, consider the dog's temperament, and ask about the handover process. By doing these things, you can help ensure that you are getting the right dog for your needs and that they will be a valuable asset in the field for years to come.