RE: Painting from my Sketch of Woman and Irish Setter
Isn't it funny @bigtom13 how different dogs can be. We might think a certain 'breed' does this or that, but they still have their own individual intelligence and personalities just like we people.
My brother had English Springers and they are amazing hunters. It is always brillant to see them in their hunting element.
I impressed my friend in England when we were walking Ivan. We were coming across a big field (all the footpaths in SE England are through field and wood and are great hunting of pheasant and such, when he began to slow up and walk next to me, looking up at me for direction, and sniffing the air.
I said, "What is it boy? What's up there?" and told my friend. "We should put his lead on him, he is hunting something" and my friend laughed. Then a few seconds later a horse and rider came cantering round the corner and he would have been off, if I had not had him on his lead.
Growing up with hunting gods and animals, you get to know their language, And it was funny to see Ivan, the funny poodle/schnauzer mix, acting like a good bird dog, well except that he would have chased the pray (but he doesn't know what he is doing, so I forgave him).
I'm trying to carve out mornings for myself. My family just have to accept it for now.
It is amazing the differences. The Shorthair was just an intuitive hunter who once started could not be stopped. The Springer was so calculated as to be unbelievable. I could whistle him off of anything. And I don't think he ever missed a bird. Ever.
Sam is a hound, my first. He's a good boy and incredibly trainable. He WANTS to do the right thing. I can call him off of almost anything except, so far, rabbits and squirrels. With the rabbits I have to just let him go, he is intense and fun to watch. After a quarter mile or so I can usually get him back... Sooner if he catches the rabbit.
He was funny the first time we encountered horses. He just simply wasn't sure what his response should be. Fortunately, I had him on the lead so could keep him under control. They are a lot more 'normal' now, and he's pretty calm. But he really wanted to check those creatures out the first time...