Question: I have an eight-month-old female English Setter. My problem is that she hunts too close to me and acts timid at new places. She doesn't hit the cover when we are out but instead stays on the trail with me. I hate to get rid of her but I would like a dog with more fire. What can I do?
Jim H., Canton.
Aanswer: It sounds like she needs more socialization and more time to grow up. Take her with you as much as possible and let her experience new things and new people. Be gentle with her and give her at least another year to grow up. For now, run her in cut or mowed fields until she starts reaching out. Then start working in progressively thicker cover over a four month period.
Charlie Linblade
Mighigan Wing Shooters Hunt Club
Michigan Pheasant Hunting
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