Bird Dogs Afield host Paul Fuller is the gun dog columnist for Northwoods Sporting Journal. The Journal has granted permission to re-print Paul’s articles. Thank you Northwoods Sporting Journal.

New Puppy

Mid-winter is a popular time to decide to bring a new puppy into the household. We’ve written in this column previously regarding picking a puppy, however, it’s a major life decision and worthy of a repeat performance. It’s easily a ten year commitment which requires a clear and thoughtful path.

The first step is having a consensus in the household regarding a new puppy being brought in to the family. Everyone should be onboard. Everyone should want to contribute to making the new puppy a family member. It will require love, understanding and training from all family members. We’ll assume in this column that you’ll be looking for an upland bird dog.

After the family has voiced approval, selecting a breed is the next step. Since this column has always been about pointing dogs, that’s the category in which we’ll work. Maybe you’ve had pointing dogs in the past and have a favorite breed. That helps with the first step. If this is your first pointing dog, your author highly recommends you choose from one of four breeds. Those breeds are English setter, Brittany, German shorthaired pointer and Pointer (English). All four breeds are known world-wide for their upland bird finding abilities and pointing skills. The pointer (English) and English setter may naturally range a little farther than the Brittany and shorthair, however, range can be controlled with good training.

Attending a North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) event would give you an excellent opportunity to watch several breeds work in the field. Google NAVHDA and locate a chapter near you. They usually have their event schedule posted on their website.

Now that we have decided on a breed, we need to locate a breeder. I highly suggest you locate a breeder within a days drive. I’m not a fan of shipping puppies via air. Also, you’ll want to visit the breeder and check out their kennel. Is it clean? Dogs well cared for? Will they provide references? Can you see either the sire or dam work in the field? Keep in mind you’re buying genetics. Buy the best genetics possible. If you’re a wild bird hunter, you want genetics that hunt wild birds. Also, never buy from a breeder that releases the puppies to the new owners in less than eight weeks. Nine or ten weeks is even better. A good source for puppies is Gun Dog Central (www.gundogcentral.com).

Another point regarding breeders. My father was a veterinarian and a breeder of field trial beagles. He would run a pregnant bitch on rabbits up to ten days before the litter was due. He felt strongly that this genetic desire was passed onto the puppies. We did that with our first litter. We ran pregnant Dena on spring woodcock up to one week before she was due. That litter produced amazing bird dogs, including our beloved Cordie. Ask the breeder if the bitch had bird contact late in the pregnancy.

When it comes to actually picking a puppy from the litter, the breeder may do this for you. The breeder has handled these puppies multiple times a day and knows the puppies. They may be able to select a puppy that fits your family the best. If the breeder doesn’t recommend a puppy, sit in the grass with the litter and yell puppy, puppy, puppy and see which one comes to you first. That’s the pup for you.

Here are a few tips on training your puppy. Patience, Persistence, Praise and Consistency. Those are four golden words when it comes to pointing dog training. Don’t lose your cool; don’t become angry. Your dog will recognize and appreciate your patience. Training is a series of building blocks. You start with one small success and build from there. And, be consistent. Don’t keep changing your training technique or expectations. Many pro trainers feel that consistency may be the most important of the four golden words. If you praise and reward your dog for for an obeyed command and then next time offer no praise or reward, you’re inconsistent and the dog becomes confused.

Good luck with your new puppy. There is no greater loyalty than between a dog and their master.

Copyright 2024 Paul Fuller

Paul and Susan Fuller are co-hosts of Bird Dogs Afield TV show. All previous episodes (over 200) are available on their website: www.birddogsafield.com. Contact: paul@birddogsafield.com.