Wanted to post a short video of intro to gunfire. A lot of opinions out there, but this the the building blocks of what’s worked for me.
Some like to use food, banging bowls / gunfire and meal time. These are tried and true methods, but I like to link “work” as the motivator and gunfire as an “announcement”that they’re about to retrieve game. This approach works well to develop desire to work on tracking drills.
I forgot to post this Tuesday. Azalea has been a great pup. Very excited to see even more positives her first time around some pups from the B litter. A few still available if anyone is looking.
I love how Pumpkin gets started on Housebreaking the pups. Awesome Dame!
Some pups available 08 April.
Day one of weaning, intro to puppy food is off to a great success! As it relates to puppies, one of my favorite things about Pumpkin is that she disciplines the pups.
Many different schools of thought on training dogs, but I’m a firm believer that “No” is the first command needed.
She’s an excellent mom, but she’s quick with a reprimand around the food bowl. Teaching “no” was a breeze with the pup I kept behind from the last litter, due in no small part to Mommas corrections early on.
Pups available, 7 weeks on April 8th Clover Breeze Pudelpointers, Orange Mills FL
Pups are doing extremely well, very proud of Pumpkin and Barley.
This is how I teach walking at heel. A lot of success with this. Simply stop when the dog gets ahead of you. A loop lead helps with stubborn dogs- but the trick is to be firm the first few times (so you get your point across) without hurting the dog. I have yet to own a spiked collar. It seems the belly check cord is uncomfortable when pulled but not painful or as harmful as a neck based correction can be.
Next litter spring 2023!
DIY vaccines are easy from the feed store.
12 week vaccine day, Spectra series from Tractor supply. Thanks Azalea!
#4 the harsh coat male doing extremely well. This pup is going to be quite the work horse, I love how well this one took to the water. Always the first one in and last one out!
#6, slick coat big white chest working his nose and getting more accustomed to the water. This is the very basics of the blind duck search. I find gradual steps towards the desired end state work the best. Every few weeks do it further and further- but ALWAYS setup a pup to find the bird.
When they’re older- stack the deck against them and their innate prey drive will couple with the lessons you’ve taught.
#9 working his nose on a thawed dove. I like the relatively tall grass for teaching them to use their noses. Love the energy and drive on this little guy- another “fired up for feathers” courtesy of the wing on a string drill!
Puppy paddle on the St. Johns River.
A flat kayak or Paddle board about 50’ away in still warm water is a great way to build a pups confidence for swimming and future duck boat water entry.
The hesitant pups will generally follow the more confident swimmers. At formal training day two, all 4 have entered from the kayak and swam to shore 3-4 times each.
At nine weeks the name of the game is small steps in the direction you ultimately want.
Only positive reinforcement at this point! Keep it short.
#9 medium coat bobtail, and #4 harsh coat taking to the water well. Very birds dogs.
How I simply develop prey drive.
A little encouragement from a litter mate does a world of good.
The started pups are off to a great start! 
#5, harsh coat, Very birdy, excited about distant gun fire.
Typical puppy day with a dove wing. Getting The boys fired up for feathers for their new homes. One slick one medium and one harsh coat are still available. 
Just some drills on a lazy Sunday.
