Gun Dog TV Season 2 Episode 3 Old Dog, New Dog

Gun Dog TV is a popular American television show that features hunting dogs trained for various different kinds of tasks. The show aims to help hunters who are looking for the ideal hunting companion by showcasing different breeds and their abilities, and by giving valuable tips and tricks on how to train and care for a hunting dog.

Season 2 episode 3 of Gun Dog TV, titled "Old Dog, New Dog," takes a deep dive into the differences between training older dogs and training new puppies. Host Tom Dokken is joined by his colleague, professional dog trainer Rick Stawski, as they show viewers the pros and cons of each method and demonstrate how to tailor training to fit the individual needs of each dog.

The episode starts with Dokken and Stawski explaining the importance of understanding the dog's personality, temperament, and previous training when working with an older dog. They also explain that older dogs may take longer to train and may have physical limitations that need to be taken into consideration. Stawski says that patience is key when training an older dog, and that the goal should be to build a strong, positive relationship with the dog.

Next, the show transitions to a scene where Dokken introduces viewers to a 10-year-old Labrador Retriever named Buck. Buck has been a family pet for most of his life, but he's never been trained as a hunting dog. Dokken explains that training an older dog like Buck can be challenging, but it's not impossible. He starts by teaching Buck basic obedience commands like "sit," "stay," and "come." Over time, Dokken adds retrieving exercises and teaches Buck to retrieve birds. Through this process, viewers see how patience and consistent training can help an older dog adapt and learn new skills.

Later in the episode, Dokken and Stawski switch gears and focus on training a new hunting dog. They introduce viewers to a 6-month-old German Shorthaired Pointer puppy named Duke. Dokken explains that training a new puppy is all about building a foundation of obedience and developing a strong bond between the owner and the dog. He demonstrates how to introduce Duke to birds and water, and teaches him how to "quarter" or search for birds in the field. Throughout the segment, Dokken emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and making the training experience fun and enjoyable for the puppy.

The episode concludes with a segment featuring Stawski training his own dog, a young black Labrador Retriever named Riley. Stawski explains that training a young dog requires a lot of repetition and consistency. He shows viewers how to use a "place board" to teach Riley to stay in one spot, and then introduces him to birds and retrieves. Throughout the segment, Stawski emphasizes that building a strong, positive relationship with the dog is key to successful training.

"Old Dog, New Dog" is an informative and entertaining episode that showcases the different methods and techniques for training older dogs and new puppies. The show offers valuable insights into the patience and perseverance required to train older dogs, and the importance of building a strong foundation of obedience and a positive relationship when training new puppies. With its expert advice and practical demonstrations, Gun Dog TV season 2 episode 3 is a must-watch for any hunting dog enthusiast.