The Vizsla Newzsletter (June / July 99)
MY NEW HUNTING PARTNER

6.30am Saturday 1^st May, the first flight of Mallards circled the decoys. Shotgun at the ready, the dog sitting patiently, a quiet chuckle on the quacker and in they come. Bang! Bang! A Mallard Drake falls in the dam.

Ten and a half months earlier a young litter of Vizslas was born in Featherston. One of these was to be ours. He was registered Upbeat of Szep-Allat but we call him Makka.

Much preparation for the arrival had taken place. New food bowls, leads, scouting of walking areas and heaps of dog books read, mostly hunt training. This was to be a new experience with a pointer as my history was solely Labs. During the early stages Val Aubrey, a local experienced Vizsla owner, and her partner Dean were of invaluable help. I think everyone forgets those early puppy days.

As time progressed, Makka grew; so did his understanding of commands. The daily routine seemed amicable for everyone with twice daily walks and feeds. During the day in his kennel and run with nighttime sleeps inside on the couch! He also developed into a great guard dog when I'm away overnight with work and my partner, being top dog chef and joint dog walker, needs protection.

But as for real training. Going for an armed tramp for deer one day, just to see how Makka went in the bush. A sudden point put me on alert. No way could I see a deer, but I don't doubt the dog could sense something because the only other thing around was a fantail and he's been following us for awhile. There has been two deer since his arrival; he can't claim credit for those but his time will come.

Pointing started really early on in his young life as a lot of quail reside in one of our local parks. Every odd day we would come across them but as time went on it became a game of sneak and chase. A quick mental note, I would have to tactfully change that habit of chase but keep the interest.

Pheasants were easy. Down to Papamoa beach we would walk. Over a half hour we would put up an average of 7 or 8 much to the locals disgust. Obviously this is an urban area so no shooting but great training. I was really starting to read Makka and anticipate his moves.

Duck shooting season was approaching fast and my retrieving training was miles behind. Balls and other sundry things - no worries. But the duck wing bundles were a different story. Time constraints due to work left little quality time for training but the twice daily walks assisted in all other aspects. Opening week for duck shooting suddenly arrived ......

An excellent retrieve, I was rapt. His first duck. Maybe my limited training had worked, maybe his breeding, I didn't know; I didn't care. The second wave of ducks came in. Dad shot two, I got one. Makka didn't how a lot of interest so I though sensibly - I'll get these with the canoe. Quite a few more ducks were shot on opening day and Makka showed interest only when they were retrieved back to the mai mai. He swam out to a few with encouragement but didn't bring them back in. At 10 and a half months I couldn't expect miracles and I didn't want to push him. This was to be an introduction really and a fun day. He made great friends during the day with the local cows and came back covered in slobber while playing "sniff and kiss" with them. All in all we - Dad, Makka and myself - had a good day.

The real success happened a few days later while out pheasant shooting. Makka put up a bunch of quail and my friend Russell (a GSP breeder and a bias brown and white supporter) shot one. It landed in the roughest, tightest gorse it could. Makka went straight in, retrieved it and brought it to my side without me saying a word. I couldn't believe it. We had no more success that day but tomorrow was a new day.

Sam, a nine year old GSP, and Makka worked brilliantly together. Russell and I would walk into a new clearing - Sam would go left and Makka would go right. A flash of colour and wingbeats saw me drop a rooster pheasant. There was Makka coming out of the thicket looking pleased with himself. Not an ideal point but in fairness there was no way I was walking into that patch. He rushed over to the rooster, sniffed around then sat directly beside it. He didn't move until I picked it up and patted him. Still no retrieve but I was happy anyway. Ten minutes later Sam locked onto point, Makka took no notice and continued with his nose on the ground. A rooster rose in front of Sam and Russell shot it. Makka slowed to a semi point and the next second another rooster rose. Bang! Another rooster down. Confusion reigned with a double rise and two birds down in close proximity with Sam protectively looking over them. I called Makka in and patted him. We allowed Sam to retrieve both birds and then headed home. Two of those birds were Makka's and he knew it.

Certainly not a perfect opening week as far as absolute exactness in retrieving but for a young dog, and not trying to push or expect too much from Makka, I was very impressed and happy. Some modification to future training and some quality hunting, I'm sure my new hunting partner will be a great asset.