My new pup

[zoli 16ga.]

Chase bounced back very well after the surgery, and was back to obedience training within a few days. Trainer constantly checked his condition and stool for blood, so it looks like a full recovery.

He will be ready for pickup on the 27th in Idaho.

My plan when I take hold of him, is a lot of cuddling and treats. No negative chastising if possible, to gain his trust. He'll be on a lead 100% of the time for the first few weeks or so, until the comeback command is 100%, even when tempted by something else. I'll take him to my covets, and let him pop up a bunch of birds. The trainer is going to give me a whoa harness to help him along if he needs it. I have access to a lot of water and a couple of frozen ducks I'll let him retrieve with.

I also have a coupon for four free pheasants at a game preserve, so I'll head out there in September or so.

Any other ideas or tips for acclimatizing him to his new environment?

D.

[Cass]

Just enjoy him and spend lots of time with him. Spend the first few weeks playing and hanging out - don't worry about birds and hunting. He's bred for it - he won't lose it. Lay the ground rules in the house and don't budge. Be consistent but most importantly have fun with your new pup. Birds can come later once he's settled in and you're the center of his world. Worry about your relationship - you have years and years to train and hunt with him. The first few weeks together will set the pace for how good of a team you will be for those future endeavors.

[yellow dog]

Chase bounced back very well after the surgery, and was back to obedience training within a few days. Trainer constantly checked his condition and stool for blood, so it looks like a full recovery.

He will be ready for pickup on the 27th in Idaho.

My plan when I take hold of him, is a lot of cuddling and treats. No negative chastising if possible, to gain his trust. He'll be on a lead 100% of the time for the first few weeks or so, until the comeback command is 100%, even when tempted by something else. I'll take him to my covets, and let him pop up a bunch of birds. The trainer is going to give me a whoa harness to help him along if he needs it. I have access to a lot of water and a couple of frozen ducks I'll let him retrieve with.

I also have a coupon for four free pheasants at a game preserve, so I'll head out there in September or so.

Any other ideas or tips for acclimatizing him to his new environment?

D.

Your doing everything right and keeping it positive.

[Grasu200]

Just spend time together, as much as you can afford, in and out of the house. Never over-do the training, allow lots of time for play, constant control as he will tend to push his limits and get away with stuff. Just dog stuff. Find a place where you can walk in different environments - at least 2-3 kms. I moved to Oakville and i realize how much we both miss the long walks we could have in Maple. I am now loooking for something similar in this area - they need space, be off-leash, just regular walks on the leash would not suffice for a PP's level of energy. They are runners and swimmers. Good luck Don.

Chase bounced back very well after the surgery, and was back to obedience training within a few days. Trainer constantly checked his condition and stool for blood, so it looks like a full recovery.

He will be ready for pickup on the 27th in Idaho.

My plan when I take hold of him, is a lot of cuddling and treats. No negative chastising if possible, to gain his trust. He'll be on a lead 100% of the time for the first few weeks or so, until the comeback command is 100%, even when tempted by something else. I'll take him to my covets, and let him pop up a bunch of birds. The trainer is going to give me a whoa harness to help him along if he needs it. I have access to a lot of water and a couple of frozen ducks I'll let him retrieve with.

I also have a coupon for four free pheasants at a game preserve, so I'll head out there in September or so.

Any other ideas or tips for acclimatizing him to his new environment?

D.

[Hawkman]

A little bit of a set-back for the young dog as far as us humans are concerned but I'm willing to bet that he didn't even acknowledge the pain! They are just amazing critters and seem to operate on a different level which we cannot comprehend.
My GSP paid zero attention to his operation spot when I had him fixed a couple of months ago! Of course I hate to ask how much that emergency operation cost you!
You have a beautiful animal to keep you company and hunt with. As others have said, enjoy every minute of bonding with him and good luck this fall hunting with Chase.

[zoli 16ga.]

Thanks guys. Had his stitches out yesterday, and today he pointed a planted bird, bird was released, shot, and he retrieved to hand. Surgery? What surgery? Looks like he will graduate his pupy training on schedule after all.

D.

[mark_t1012001]

They grow up so fast...lol. Enjoy every minute. Now you also won't be able to wait for opening day to roll around.

[zoli 16ga.]

Well, it was along journey, but finally met the mutt!

He'a gorgeous little guy, slick coat, with some nice furnishings growing on top and under his snout. He also has some feet/leg furnishings starting. He's a lot smaller then I expected....but then again, I really did not know what to expect. By all accounts he'll be on the smaller side....not that it matters.

We drove to some training grounds and went through a few exercises. A warm up, Shooting over planted birds, then a demo in how to use the whoa harness.

Now the guy is only 5 months, and 10 days old, and I've never seen a pup that young in action....BUT....his search drive and two stead fast points on planted birds really blew me away. I'll try to post a vid on Youtube of his fifteen second point (could have been longer), flush of the bird, shot, and retrieve to hand. Now he still chased the bird at the flush....but hey, we'll clean that up in a month or two Ok...in a year or two! His come back is near perfect, and directional control (whistle and hand signal) was all that could be asked for. then went to some water and time to swim for retrieves. Swims like a lab (I've owned a couple). Very impressed with the little guy, and especially his trainer.

He's a buddle of energy in the house but I'm starting to get a routine set up. 5:00am - take him for a walk to the local school yard, run with him on a long lead. Walk him home for food and water, then back in the crate for some relax time. Hit the sack for an hour or two, then let him out for a pee and chew time. A bunch of fun tennis ball retrieves in the back yard, more chew time, then in the crate for some down time.

I've started using the ecollar (he's conditioned) for the walks as he was taking ME for a walk to the park. I started on the lowest setting but had to ramp it up until he got the point. A much easier walk for both of use now.

the school yard is mostly fenced in so I'll let him off the lead (with ecollar) and practice the comebacks, over's, and sit and stays. He has great whoa's on local birds. I let him hold it fairly long then give him the opportunity to chase the bird to have fun.

I will definitely get him neutered as soon as it's good to do so....some advice here . I was thinking at six months, eight at the latest. He has quite the dominant spirit, humping me and the family, and trying to naw on our hands etc. Looks like he's starting to mark, and scrapping the grass with his back feet.

Hope this link works to the youtube vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwcMrnGAzyE

Of course any advice is welcome!

Don.

[Sharon]

Glad to hear you are enjoying your pup.

No need to neuter. PM sent.

[terrym]

Not sure why you feel nuetering him is needed. They outgrow the humping everything stage. I have been told by people who know that snipping them before 24 months when they are fully developed is not recommended.