My new pup

[yellow dog]

I was waiting for someone to point that out.LOL

[zoli 16ga.]

Here is an update on how my pup is doing.

"April update for Chase

chase is developing nicely. Growing and gaining confidence every day.

Basic obedience:
Started sit, come, stay at a basic level. Introducing the lead.

Crate training:
Totally crate trained, no more accidents. Likes his crate and seems to be comfortable in his crate all night.

Water:
Chase has been to the water a few times to watch bigger digs swim. He has played on the bank and splashed around where he will soon learn to swim.

Retrieve:
Chase is retrieving well for a puppy.

Bird work/fieldwork:
Chase is learning confidence in the field. I have flown a few birds in the field to stimulate his pre drive and to make the association that the birds are in the field.

Gun work:
I and shooting the cap gun and cycling a shot gun action fairly aggressively during feeding time.

Socialization:
Chase is getting a lot of exposure to new people and new places. He gets a lot of play time with older puppies."

Chase is almost twelve weeks old, and been with the trainer 20 days.
Attachment 25462crop sniffing 3.JPGAttachment 25464Attachment 25465Chase crop pointing.JPG

Don.

[Redsoilreaper]

Chase is looking good Don.

[Grasu200]

Awesome little puppy Don - just a cpl of months and you'll finally get him. PP's are a great choice - you won't be disapointed.
Check YT - i posted a few more clips of Maxi working and having fun. He will be gone for the next 4-6 weeks to Mike P for his specialized training. Already miss him.
We'll do some bird hunting in the fall.

[Ugo]

To be fair to Cass, I have had success with dogs that completed their Field Dog certificate by just over 6 months HOWEVER they are far from being productive hunters on wild birds. In that respect, they have the theory and are well trained on pen-raised birds but the smarts/savvy that comes from looking in the right places for wild birds, understanding the dynamics of handling woodcock versus grouse (especially in southern/central Ontario), etc. typically evolves from the experience that comes from a number of hunting seasons.
Zoli, congrats! Sounds like you've done it right on a number of levels. Your headed for a lot of fun with your dog!

[TurkeyRookie]

Beautiful looking pup, congrats!

[zoli 16ga.]

Yup...always nice to fantasize about your mutt being a super hunter off the bat. I have no illusions though, lots of work to be done when I get back from Idaho..... and the next couple years! I have seen vids of guys trying to start their pups.....glad I chose this route. A little investment now, will pay off in the long run, I think. He'll be quite use to gun fire etc, and basic whoa, a couple of big steps to try to complete living in the city and working full time.

Some debate over self training v.s what I'm doing, so I'll keep everyone posted, as an example of this route. May help someone make a decision in the future(?)

He will have a crap load of grouse (100 or so presentations) to practice on before hunting season starts. I'll just get my covies warmed up to his presence....just a taste of things to come for the opener!


Don.

[Thinking]

Hard to go wrong with a PP, especially one out of Cedarwoods, Bob F builds great dogs.

[terrym]

Using a pro to start your dog as you are doing will pay back dividends far greater than the actual cost. Time, travel, birds, gasoline isn't without cost if you were to do it yourself. You will love hunting over your dog.

[zoli 16ga.]

Update from the trainer at 15 wks old -

Training is going well. He had his first swim, and he swam like a champ. He's a natural retriever, and will retrive birds from water and land. Killed his first bird, and seemed to not be worried about doing it. (That is new to me, only ever worked with labs, but I am told it is to entice his prey drive). Has a nice point. Sniffs the air, and ground, to zone in on the bird. Trainer said he's moved from puppy, to hunting dog.

Only 57 more days!!

Sink or swim.JPGnice point.JPGFirst bird kill.JPGgrowing up.JPG