Novice Question

[Tedward1]

Hi all! I am off to Scotland next week for some stalking, and wondered if I could take my dog out on the hill, and whether I should ask?

She's a working golden retriever, 19 months and isn't trained for it, but is very disciplined and enormous stamina and energy. I wondered if this would be much of a hindrance? Eventually I want to build things up so she can come out woodland stalking with me, which is what I mainly do, not really for any benefits besides being able to do the sport I love with my partner in crime. Was thinking of having her on a long lead off my pack/belt, which has worked well before when hiking. And also, if I were to take her out, any tips on the best way to get her into this gently?

Don't want to be a pain so not sure if I will even ask, but if anyone has a view I'd be interested to hear it?

Thanks!

 

[Stalker62]

No.

I am working on the hypotheses that you are a novice hill stalker?

If that is the case, you will have your hands fulls as it is. If you are going on paid hill stalks there will be (usually) you and the Stalker.
Who will mind your dog when you are both flat on your bellies crawling through burns, grass, shite, rocks and other delights?

Go and enjoy the hill without taking your dog.

The flip side.

It's your day. It's your money. Check with the Stalker (be guided by their response) take the dog and see what happens.

 

[75]

I'd not even think about taking a dog with me on the hill. Plenty of other things to worry about without whether your young dog is sitting where you left it 50 yards back, out of sight as you crawl through a bog to get your only possible shot after a 7 hr walk...

 

[Foxyboy43]

“Hi all! I am off to Scotland next week for some stalking, and wondered if I could take my dog out on the hill, and whether I should ask?”.
Nope! Now was there anything else?

 

[hw101]

Not being rude about the OPs dog as I don't know it so can't comment. But the only well behaved dogs I've seen have belonged to professional stalkers.

A quote from my favourite author which may give pause for thought and some amusement...! It relates to fishing, but I suspect could equally be applied to stalking.

'People who claim to have "fishing dogs" are blinded by love. There's no such thing as a good fishing dog. Most of these beasts are retrievers who think they can do to trout what they've been trained to do to ducks. It my sound cute, but it's not. Stay away from people who take their dog fishing'. - John Gierach

 

[jimmy milnes]

Not being rude about the OPs dog as I don't know it so can't comment. But the only well behaved dogs I've seen have belonged to professional stalkers.

Really. ?? Perhaps you need to see more dogs.....

 

[Lloyd90]

If the dog spooks the deer or causing an issue, are you still going to pay the gillie in full?

If so, take your dog and it’s up to you, as long as the gillie agrees.

Personally I would perhaps train the dog for stalking before even considering taking it out on a major stalk that could involve high costs.

 

[Lloyd90]

Really. ?? Perhaps you need to see more dogs.....

I would say (just my experience) that a lot of the dogs I have encountered on shoots or out shooting would be described as ‘part trained’, and some barely that.

I have only seen a decent standard of dogs recently because I have done a lot of training with trial lads who take it very seriously.

I think from what I have seen most people are happy with a dog that there about flushes a few birds, and comes back with one now and then.

 

[Stalker62]

I think from what I have seen most people are happy with a dog that there about flushes a few birds, and comes back with one now and then.

I have ESS.

I am happy if they just come back...

 

[jimmy milnes]

I would say (just my experience) that a lot of the dogs I have encountered on shoots or out shooting would be described as ‘part trained’, and some barely that.

I have only seen a decent standard of dogs recently because I have done a lot of training with trial lads who take it very seriously.

I think from what I have seen most people are happy with a dog that there about flushes a few birds, and comes back with one now and then.

Yes I'm not disputing there are some dogs on shoots that shouldn't be off a lead.... But.... My comment was referring to the very board sweeping statement made Lloyd.

Reference to trials in the spaniel world I've no experience but, if its owt like the hpr world then some dogs trialing shouldn't have the diesel wasted taking them.

 

[Lloyd90]

I have ESS.

I am happy if they just come back...

We must have the same lines

 

[sikamalc]

None of us want to appear rude with the OP. My advice would be not to take your dog on the open hill. I am taking my dog, a BMH with me this year, but he is only 9 month old.
I will be training him and using him on one area we have where there is some hill, but a great amount of forestry and rides.

If you are crawling in on a stag on the open hill, your dog will need to be left behind with someone. There are times on the hill where a great many miles will be put in, and believe me the less you take and carry and need to worry about on the hill, the better day you will have.

Enjoy your day, leave the dog at the lodge.

 

[Ant ler]

Not something I would do but its your money and day out. Ask the question if you want it that much.