any owners of Chesapeake Bay Retrievers??

[cornfieldgooser]

Just wondering, when I figure out that I'm ready to handle and train my won dog, I'm thinking about a Chessie. I'll be hunting fast moving creeks and rivers and want a strong dog for those kind of conditions. I'm a beginner in the waterfowl world and don't feel confident right now to have a puppy yet to train. I think at this moment I'll feel like I'm letting the dog down.


So owners, what can you tell me about your chessie and more about the breed?

Thanks.

[Foilesmigrator92]

I had one...he was loyal to one person and that was my dad. personally id go with a lab

[ThePreacher]

my old man had a chessy... he was a good dog except he was protective... but i would take the three labs we had/have over him any day...

[HRK]

i myself own labs, but i do have a freind who breeds chessies and they can sometimes be one person dogs and a little stubborn but not always. as for drive and cold water hunting they are a very strong dog. my suggestion is do your home work while looking for a chessie. find someone who has both parents on site and be sure that they are very freindly twards eveyone and not hesitant, also pick up the videos by Richard Wolters "gun dog" and "water dog" very good info on training. if you need any more help or questions feel free to pm me.

[gcs71]

Chessies are excellent dogs for retrieving. Strong, loyal and very intelligent but they are not for everyone. They need for you to spend alot of time with them, if you dont keep them busy they will find something to do and it usually isnt in your best interest. I have mine with me almost constantly and does real well, however, when I am at work or whatever he goes into his 5x10 kennel. They definately need alot of romping room! I wouldnt own any other breed but then again I was willing to invest the time and energy into him. They can most definatley be a one person dog if you are the only one training etc. My 13 year old daughter helps me with his training and exercise and he will listen to her as well as me. My wife on the other hand, who does not participate in any of his training, he will just look at, then do his own thing. You must be consistant with this breed and being harsh in actions and words will just make matters worse. Research the breeds very thoroughly and make a careful informed decision. Check out this web site. It has good info in plain english, history, care, etc. Good luck http://www.chesapeake-bay-retriever.com/index.htm

[SDMF]

I will agree with GCS71.They are a breed of dog that require a sometimes different or more accurately a more dedicated training approach.Especially when young.They are loyal yet can be independent.Probably one word that comes to mind when training is Patience.I say this cause sometimes,instead of just doing, they're trying to figure out why.But once it clicks with them they nail it.Training with consistency is very important with any breed but should be priority with the Bay dog. I love mine to death and am on my second one.She is a house dog that loves everyone in the family.And a real machine in the field.Force or harsh punishment may shut a Chessie down.For all they're physical abilities, and toughness in the field they can be sensitive about discipline.Whatever breed you choose train with repetition,patience,consistency,and always fall back on something they already know and end on a positive note.Hope this helps.Oh yeah, one other thing to do alot with a Bay dog is socialize. Get them around other people and other dogs often WHILE they're young and continue as they mature.Whatever dog you get, look up a Ret. group in your area and join it. They're will be other more experienced trainers that can help the both of you out.Good Luck.

[MarshBlaster]

I own one. I would not trade him for the world. He is the most loyal dog I have ever owned. Talk about drive, that dog will hunt untill he falls over. They are a little stubborn, but once you figure out how they learn, you just modify your teaching methods to match their personality. Mine tips the scales at 135lbs, and eats like a heffer. But it all worth it. Good luck. Here's a picture of him, I posted this before, but it gives you a good perspective of his size.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e104/markagede/outside010.jpg

[duckmanIII]

I've trained/worked with a number of retrievers. If this is your first one, you might consider a lab. They generally require less time and a different style of training than a Chessie. They tend to be more forgiving of less than perfect training than a Chessie. I love both dogs but if I were to get another Chessie, I'd have him professionally trained. Mostly because I don't have the time nor the facilities for adequate training of a good Chessie. Keep in mind that these are generalities and EVERY dog is different. Good breeding makes the world of difference. Whatever you decide, patience is the key. Good luck

[GR8HNTR]

I had a Chessey once, he was an awsom dog. He was hell on doves, he loved to hunt doves. Also ane great water dog. I now have a lab chessey cross. He is still a pup, we are in the training process now. At about 2 1/2 months old we had him retriving partridge. Took him out goose hunting and he was a little to small to bring them back. He loves to fetch, can't wiat for this hunting season to get here. I think he is going to make one hell of a waterfowler!!!

[birdblaster]

i have two chessies.. They are very loyal to the person/people that will spend time with them. My male is very protective of me and his territory. He has bit a couple hunters and a game warden that got too close.. For your hunting style they would do great. they are very strong and determined dogs. They will hunt until they drop. If you socialize them around your family or kids they will be fine. And it all depends on the dogs disposition.
Have you decided if your gonna get one yet?

[Steve Nickerson]

Everything that has been said is true. I have had 3 Chessies and have gunned with all of them. They are very territorial (truck, house, yard, food dish etc). The people that spend sufficient time with them will be rewarded with a loyal, loving, protective, energetic friend. I have seen my Chessies retrieve until they couldn't make it back in the blind, boat or pit, coat covered with ice. I had a Lab and went back to a Chesapeake. Labs are friendlier, Chessies hunt better. Take your time to make your choice and good luck.

[gcs71]

After reading the original post again I feel compelled to say that fast moving water can be dangerous to any dog. Even though a chessie is very tough and strong they are NOT explosion proof! Same with ice. I am very worried everytime my dog goes out in the water because it is the unexpected that can hurt/kill them. Fast water is one of the most dangerous environments for hunter and dogs. Example: dog gets caught in swift current, dog gets his collar hung up on some brush you didnt even notice because, you were looking for the duck or whatever. Your dog depends on you more than you do him and a dog as loyal as a chessie will go where you tell him even if he dont really want to. Again just be careful and watchful.

[iowagooser]

What everyone said is correct but nobody said anything about how bad they STINK!!! :D :D

[SDMF]

Marshblaster that aint no dog.that's a bear :!: Wow what a big Chessie. You know most of us give our dogs a pig ear for a treat.What do you give him, the whole pig? LOL

[ThePreacher]

he is huge... although i used to have a lab nearly that big.... 120lbs.... he once ate half of a 10 lb northern pike...... :D :D

[MarshBlaster]

Yea, the pigs ears don't last too long. I get those giant rawhides and they usually make it 3 days. Most of the time he goes into the woods and drags out tree stumps and entertains himself with them.

[HRK]

Most of the time he goes into the woods and drags out tree stumps and entertains himself with them.

:shock: um..........................here boy fetch up that tree. :lol:

[iowagooser]

I bet he can pick up 10 or 12 Teal at a time

[Foilesmigrator92]

Dogs a cow