Walking a hunting dog in city park with ducks

[Labradorian]

So I am getting a Brittany puppy in a few months and I have been telling my girlfriend that she cannot walk him at the local city park because the pond there is crowded with ducks, swans, pigeons and other birds. Obviously I do not want to expose the pup to this stimuli and then have to restrain her from chasing birds. If the dog is exposed to this and forced to stay put will it ruin her hunting drive when off leash in the woods and fields? Or can the dog learn to associate the leash with not chasing birds and off leash with chasing them?

[Sharon]

I don't think it makes a bit of difference.
Pup needs exposure to everything possible other dogs, cats, kids, vehicles, stairs, mesh covers, languages of other nationalities - everything.
When he's off leash you'll see him move, no problem.

I let my setters chase until they figure they can't catch a bird.
They will start to creep and WHEN THEY ARE READY they will point.
The dog is now telling you to steady him up.
I then start with a check cord.

I might be concerned about any disease pup might pick up around a manure laden pond Giardia? No sniffing of feces along sidewalks either.I would at least wait until pup has had his second shot.

Welcome to the forum.:)

PS I recommend this book.

http://www.amazon.com/Training-Pointing-Dogs-Paul-Long/dp/1599210673/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252344181&sr=1-1

[Spear]

Hmmm.... good training lessons for your dog. My Brit most often is not interested in the city pond birds. If he gets a scent however he is ready to go. Smell seems to be the biggest thing for him in the end.