Sis will be heading back to Hideaway Kennels in a few weeks to get back on the field trial circuit with Ben Garcia. He is a great handler and an excellent bird dog trainer. His training DVD titled “First Steps” is all about starting your dog right and having a great first year. Can’t wait for him to film his next DVD. Sis will be going for her derby points and then on to be broke and compete in gun dog stakes. We are excited about this young dog. She is the first fruits of our own breeding.

When he is standing his birds I make a point to walk out in front of him a little more each time. Now I am able to walk around in front of him and even kick the brush a little bit. I usually have a friend help with holding him as I advance further and further to the front. If he moves or takes a step he goes back to the location of the first point. When I do flush the bird, I make him remain in place and watch the bird fly away. We have started adding in the firing of the blank pistol from some distance. The point being that the birds flushes, and then a shot is fired. Setting up the positive association of gun fire equals birds.

We are proud to welcome the latest addition to Annabella Kennels. Bandit come to us from Dave Walker kennels in Idaho. Bandit is a direct son of the late DC Chick’s Blaze’N Sawtooth Sam, JH who was by NFC Beans Blaze HOF. This is very well bred young brittany puppy who we hope to groom into a dual champion and foundation stud dog. He has been a joy so far and is loving his birds. He had a natural retrieve to hand the first time out and is very intense on birds. We hope to campaign Bandit in both field trials, AKC hunt tests as well as show competitions. He has the pedigree and the makings of greatness.

The first few weeks can sometimes be the most trying but can also be the most enjoyable. Potty training and basic obedience are often the main focus during this period. We prefer the “crate training method” when house training your young dog. Giving your pup his own private den will help a lot in laying the ground rules in your house. Dogs need a place to retreat for comfort and security. They rarely soil this den so it is very helpful with potty training.

We believe the best thing you can do for your puppies first 6-12 months is socialization. The more people, animals, and environments you can introduce him to, the better. Everything should be fun and positive during this time period. Try to avoid high pressure situations and set your puppy up for success. He is going to make mistakes, relax and don’t make a big deal about it. Enjoy this time with your puppy.

This is also a great time to introduce your dog to birds. Pigeons and quail are best because they are smaller and less intimidating. The goal is to build prey drive and confidence in your young bird dog. He will learn that birds are fun, they smell good, and they are fun to catch and carry around. Pointing will come along in due time. Some trainers let puppies chase and flush birds till they point on their own. While others begin holding the puppy on point with a check cord after they become confident around birds.

You can’t make a bird dog without using birds in the training process. If you want lot’s of bird dog, then you should use lot’s of birds. The time you invest now will help produce a well mannered brag dog when your dog is 4-5 years old. The number one mistake new bird dog owners make is rushing the first year. They want the dog broke to wing and shot at 6 months old. It is not gonna happen. And you will ruin a great dog in the process. Relax, let him be a puppy and enjoy the first year. Take your time.

Female 1 – Saige – Layton, UT
Female 2 – Dotty – Elsinore, UT
Female 3 – Molly – Reno, NV
Female 4 – Weatherbee – Montana
Male 1 – Clyde – Las Vegas, NV
Male 2 – Milo – Wyoming
Male 3 – Trigger – Wisconsin
Male 4 – Larry – Wyoming
Male 5 – Boots – California