If you've been following us on Facebook, you've seen how fast these pups are growing. Every day they are learning new things and it's so fun to watch. We're currently working on: sit (it's a little challenging with nine "students", but they are getting the hang of it) coming to a whistle meeting lots of different visitors kennel/crate introduction Soon we'll be showing them the doggie door. Shortly after that, time in a kennel by themselves. Here's some recommendations we [Read More]
09. 30. 14
Puppy Nipping
Puppies explore their world by mouth. If you've got a puppy at home, you've undoubtedly removed a variety of items from their mouth, including your fingers and toes. When they are with their litter mates, puppies play by wrestling and nipping each other. It is natural to them to play with their humans in the same way. But what puppies don't know is how sharp their teeth are and how much those nips can hurt! Other dogs and litter mates teach puppies when they bite to hard by stopping play. If [Read More]
08. 12. 14
Potty Training your new Brittany puppy
Potty training is one of the most frustrating parts of owning a new puppy. Young puppies haven't developed bladder and bowel control and often give little to no warning that they are getting ready to eliminate. We've worked with some basic crate training, which helps puppies develop a "den instinct." Puppies don't want to soil their den, but they don't immediately recognize that your whole house is their new den. Here are some of the top things you can do to make house/potty training your [Read More]
07. 23. 13
Fetch ’em up
Some dogs have a natural retrieve instinct. Some don't. Most hunting breeds fall in the natural instinct category. We start fetch training early and on a lead. And we practice. All year long. Even with our trained dogs, we keep sessions short (less than 10 tosses per session per dog). As with any dog training, it's key to set your dog up for success. Don't expect your dog or pup to pull off flawless retrieves at a dog park, there's likely too many distractions. Start training in a smaller, [Read More]
07. 10. 13
Training your hunting dog to drink water
It may sound silly to some, but I'm sure many of you have hunted with a dog that won't stop to drink water in the field. Here are some tips on keeping your hunting dog hydrated in the field: Train your dog at home - If you're going to use a collapsible bowl or water bottle in the field, introduce it at home first. It can help to use a command. We say "Drink up". Add a couple of pieces of kibble to your dog's water bottle. The water will get a little cloudy, but that added smell and taste [Read More]