Puppies Range/Independance?

[be2man]

It's been 14 years since my last puppy, a Brittany, and I can't remember how old she was when she started to get a little more independent in the field. My 4.5 month old Pudelpointer pup is getting out for lots of exposure to different types of cover and runs off leash in fields and forests. At this point he's usually within 25yds or so of me unless he see's something to chase. I know he's not gonna be a field trial contender, but was wondering with the bigger running breeds at what age do they typically start to open it up, range out and show more independence. At this point I'm trying to build his confidence, and I guess he'll be what he's gonna be.

[Huntingonthebrain]

I have a 1 year old brittany. We let him off leash about 3 months ago in a park and he tore off. Man they are fast. Unfortunately he would not come very well off leash at that point. Freaked me out. Anyways he was 8 months at the time. So I think your dog when he/she feels confident to do so will take off. I can't say enough about having an E-collar for when they do.

[Jixer]

With my current pup, at 4 months he was ranging out pretty good. Even lost him a couple times in a puppy stake. If you want him to range out, I would suggest finding some nice, low cut, flat fields to run him in. The farther he can see you at this point, the farther he can run.

[Big Bird]

At 4 .5 months depending on exposure to terrain they can still be closer working. You should see some increasing in the range depending on the type of cover, in the next couple months.

Question, where did you get the pudlepointer from? Pine Ridge? or imported?

[be2man]

Yes, He's from Pineridge. His Sire and Dam are both young dogs, just over 2yrs. The Sire is a German import and the Dam lists a Pineridge Dog as her sire and a Czech dog as dam. First time breeding for this pair so it's a wait and see what develops.

[jdbritt01]

Good advice from all of the above. When your dog feels confident in the field he will range out farther.