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Introducing Gun Fire (part 2)
Bill Gibbons likes to introduce gunfire around birds, at the instant the pup makes a dive to catch the bird he’s chasing. The pup is usually so excited he ignores the noise. Before Bill begins he wants the pup to chase and catch a bird. Until the pup does this, he’s not ready to be shot over.
Continue reading...Introducing Gun Fire
12. December 2009
Introducing gunfire is a big deal and something you really want to take the time to do right. Hunters have more problems with gunfire than field trialers because hunters use shotguns not blank pistols. Mix in the excitement of birds flushing wild and one or more hunters shooting when the dog isn’t expecting it, and you have a recipe for disaster. Think about how loud noises can startle you, and you can imagine what it is like for your dog. If you or your buddies are behind the dog and shoot, your dog isn’t expecting it. Even the most seasoned dog can become gun-shy. So, please be careful. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to gunfire. You can always find another bird.
Continue reading...Introduction to Field Trials
21. November 2009
A field trial is made up of different stakes (individual events). Each stake is defined by a dog’s age and ability. Here is some information about the different types of stakes that may be offered if you plan to attend an AKC walking or horseback field trial.
Continue reading...Introducing Birds
28. October 2009
The age that you introduce your Brittany pup to birds depends on the personality of your puppy. Three months old may be fine for a bold pup, but you might wait until the pup is 5 or 6 months old if he is timid. Your pup should be confident when he runs on different grounds. He may be self-assured in the yard, but he also needs to be sure afield. If he acts unsure in any way when he’s out running, he’s not ready to be introduced to birds.
Continue reading...Conditioning
21. October 2009
To hunt birds, a hunting dog needs to be able to work in the uplands for several hours at a time. During the summer months before the fall bird season, the best way to condition a dog is to “road” him—letting him pull in a harness, which is attached, to a moving vehicle (such as an ATV, bicycle, sled, and so forth) or to a horse. Start the dog with ten to fifteen minute sessions twice a week. Then at regular intervals increase the conditioning sessions to every other day. Follow with a gradual increase in the amount of time for each session to thirty or forty minutes.
Continue reading...Starting the Hunting Pup
4. October 2009
“Every time you take your pup out, some type of training is going on. He can learn some real good habits, but he can learn some real bad habits too.”
Continue reading...Picking a Pup and Getting Started
25. September 2009
When selecting a pup keep "in mind" that the gundog breeds including the Brittany will be going afield in pursuit of upland game birds. As the new owner of a pup, you need to consider that serious hunting and competition either in the show ring or at field trials should wait until pup has started to mature. This could vary from twelve to eighteen months. Puppies need to be puppies and have fun. When you push too hard with strict discipline too early, it can have adverse effects on the dog's desire to hunt, run in trials and perform in the show ring.
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18. December 2009
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