To Shoot or Not to Shoot

[WI_LabLover]

If you don't train year round and plan on bringing your hunting partner out opening week. You have a decision to make. Will I shoot at the first opportunity or will I let my buddies shoot and focus on my dog, making sure he/she is steady and doesn't break.

What will you do?

[John Akehurst]

That's a great question.

I don't have a dog.  But I think the right thing to do for your blind buddies and your dog is to focus on your dog.

[Camo2006]

Let your Buddies shoot. You watch the dog. I even tried staking my dog off one opening Morning. Woodies came early, We knocked a few down. When I looked down to send my boy he was already to the first duck dragging the lead and stake right with him. Took all year to get him to stop Breaking.

[MallardMauler]

focus on the hound!  it will payoff!

[Adam McSparran]

Definitely pay attention to the dog. No need to have more issues later.. Plus working the dog is the coolest part to me!!

[craig]

Focus on the dog,time well spent

[dwinnett57]

defiantly focus on the dog i bet we all can tell stories about a dog jumping the gun... so defiantly focus on the doog it will pay off in the end and there will always be more birds there is only one first time in the blind with the dog. like my dad always says "do it right the first time or dont do it at all "

[Chance]

If this is a young dog then you should make sure the first few hunts are about the dog.  I know you said you don't train year round, I suggest you should, but at a minimum you should shoot some poppers or blanks over your dog in a hunting situation prior to the season opening.  Will your pup be on any type of stand or just "in the blind"?

Manners in the blind are of the utmost importance for safety and enjoying the hunt.  There should be a zero tolerance policy for any OB issue.

Edit:

OOPS, I just read your signature.  You are training year round.  So to answer the original question.  I do train year round as well but this will be this dog's first year in the blind.  I'll make the first few hunts all about him but he is well on his way now.