Hellfinger Bird Dogs

13/06/2024

Interesting article on genetics of dog size:

The genetic factor that plays a large role in determining canine body size was around thousands of years prior to domestication

15/05/2024

The Golden Empire Brittany Club held it's first field trial since reactivating after more than a decade!

Our Ted Foster and Ned Castillo Memorial Walking Field Trial was a resounding success. Huge shout out to Robert Lewis our GEBC President for chairing the trial, Dave Wickens for serving as our Marshall, Robert and Rick Green for gunning, Annette Pfister and Pam Lambros for serving as our Line Marshalls, Debbie Lewis for helping to organize all of our meals, and all the other countless volunteers. A shout out to our judges Sarah Hayes, Jim Simmons, Kyle Tetlow, and Jim Murphy. Of course, it would be remiss to leave out Hastings Island Hunting Preserve for graciously hosting us on their beautiful property.

We dubbed our Amateur Gun Dog Stake, the Ted Foster Memorial, and the winner received the Ted Foster Memorial Perpetual Trophy created by Dave Wickens. We dubbed our Amateur Limited Gun Dog Stake the Ned Castillo Memorial and the winner received the Ned Castillo Memorial Perpetual Award.

PLACEMENTS (in order of running)
Amateur Walking Puppy:
1) BO, R Desires Westward Bound; GSP; o-Clarice Bell; o/h-Chip Bell
2) PATSY, Voltas Walkin' After Midnight; GSP; o-William Jason; o/h-Karen Jason
3) GEORGE, R Desires Traveling Man; GSP; o/h-Ron Kusler
4) KELZEE, Siegervale & DoubleEE's Sassy @ V.D. Nacht; GSP; o-Debbie K. Lewis, Dolores Morris, Elaine Last; o/h-Robert R. Lewis

Amateur Walking Derby:
1) BRIAR, John 3:16 Silver State Fastlane; GSP; o/h-Jeff Eberle
2) JBEE, Double EEs Prince of Breton; Brittany; o-Debbie Lewis; James Cullor, & Mary Cullor; o/h-Robert Lewis
3) BO, R Desires Westward Bound; GSP; o-Clarice Bell; o/h-Chip Bell
4) WYATT, Rocky's Blazing Wyatt By Lexy of Breton; Brittany; o-Mary Cullor; o/h-Jim Cullor, DVM

Open Gun Dog:
1) CHUCK, Chip's Good Luck Chuck; Vizsla; o-Ben N Gina Galetti; o/h-Ben Galetti
2) TILLY, Red Dawn Tilly Running Towards A Dream; Vizsla; o/h-Pam Lambros
3) YARA, Moonlight Easy To Feel; Vizsla; o/h-Karen Lee Lake
4) DAAE, Sierra's Daae Rose; Vizsla; o-Kathryn & Michael Parks; h- Nelson Kennels, Scott Azevedo
JAM) ROCKET, Red Diamond's Chasing The Moon; Vizsla; o/h-Patsy Pope

Amateur Limited Gun Dog:
The Ned Castillo Memorial Stake
1) DANNY, Sherwood Forest's Mighty Oak; Brittany; o/h-Lupe Laguna
2) ZEPHYRUS, Shiloh's Sailing The West Wind; Brittany; o-Ted Foster and Bridget Heffelfinger; o/h-Heidi Heffelfinger
3) BUTTER, Whisper Ridge Hot Buttered Rum; Brittany; o-Rachel Elise; o/h-Terry Barnes
4) ROCKET, Red Diamond's Chasing The Moon; Vizsla; o/h-Patsy Pope

Open Puppy:
1) PATSY, Volta's Walkin' After Midnight; GSP; o-Karen & William Jason; h-Deanna Beals-Azevedo
2) LIBBY, Rugerheim's Lady Starlight; GSP; o-Athena Torre; o/h- Dominic Pettinato
3) GEORGE, R Desires Traveling Man; GSP; o/h-Ron Kusler
4) BO, R Desires Westward Bound; GSP; o-Clarice Bell; o/h-Chip Bell
JAM) RAINY, CRK's Lightningstruck; GSP; o/h-Katriina Vantassel

Open Derby:
1) QUAKE, ColdWater's Ready To Rumble; GSP; o-Daniela Doyne; h-Robert Lewis
2) COCOA, Frontrunner Backdraft by Otto; GWP; o-Emily Harrison; o/h-Corey Harrison
3) KOA, Toldin's California Dreamer; Vizsla; o-Jennifer Maloney; o/h-Dwight Maloney
4) DYNA, Graenit's Trax Moonshot Dynamo; Weimaraner; o-Esteri and George Hinman; h-Deanna Beals-Azevedo

Amateur Gun Dog
The Ted Foster Memorial Stake:
1) MILLIE, NMK's Million Dollar Baby; GSP; o/h-Michele Campo Brown
2) BUTTER, Whisper Ridge Hot Buttered Rum; Brittany; o-Rachel Barnes; o/h-Terry Barnes
3) withheld
4) withheld

Open Limited Gun Dog:
1) **TILLY, Red Dawn Tilly Running Towards A Dream; Vizsla; o/h-Pam Lambros
2) BERNICE, Chip's Bernice; Vizsla; o-Kimberly Eisentraut; o/h-Miles Eisentraut
3) SUNNY, R Desire's Airborne At Dawn; GSP; o/h-Cindy Smullen
4) withheld
** This, pending AKC confirmation, finishes Tilly's Field Championship/Dual Championship - CONGRATS Pam!

03/05/2024

May the Fourth Be With You!

01/05/2024

HELLFINGER BRITTANYS TRAINING BLOG - May 2024:
Governor Kristy Noem (SD) writes about shooting (requiring more than one shot) and killing her 14-month-old German Wirehaired Pointer puppy, "[I] took Cricket on a bird hunting trip with older dogs in hopes of calming down the wild puppy. Instead, Cricket chased the pheasants, attacked a family’s chickens during a stop on the way home and then “whipped around to bite me,” she wrote." As we know, 14-month-old bird dogs are most often not "broke" and the best will chase birds like crazy and when worked up in a birdy fervor, frustration biting is not all that uncommon. Just a dog who needed proper management and training, not a dog needing to be shot to death.

I have a 14-month-old Brittany puppy, Bix, who would love the opportunity to ruin a pheasant hunt and would most likely happily retrieve any and all chickens had me thinking about how we all train and how we navigate setbacks. We are currently working on increasing her independence and run and as a result she now forgoes pointing for full on chasing... which at some point soon we will begin the process of managing her so she cannot run willy-nilly and have opportunities to bust and setting her up for success as we begin to teach her the finer points of being a trained pointing dog.

Last Saturday, I made a serious training gaff... I had my ailing 9-year-old Field Champion, Zephyrus, out for a morning of training to get him back in shape for an upcoming field trial as I slowly keep chasing his AFC. I made sure I had all the equipment I needed and all was charged, loaded, etc... I even tested my E-Collar to ensure it was working properly, it was. But when I put the collar on Zephyrus, I thought I turned it on, but never verified. This resulted in delayed chase, rabbit chasing full bore, difficulty catching, break on shot... before I figured out the collar wasn't malfunctioning, it just wasn't on! Duh! He quickly towed the line, once it was back on.

This along with Bix's crazy antics had me thinking about training setbacks and I thought the topic would make an excellent BLOG, especially since it's over a year since my last one.

In our realm of pointing dog training, success is a challenging pursuit, it requires dedication, humility, and a growth mindset. Here's how you can navigate common setbacks and unlock the full potential of both you and your hunting companion:

Setback Traits:
1) Fear of Failure: Putting off or avoiding a particular aspect of training, such as backing, only makes the process longer. Ask others if unsure.
2) Perfectionism: Remember that perfection is the enemy of progress. Strive for improvement rather than flawless ex*****on.
3) Focusing on Results: Emphasize the PROCESS of training over the end results. Progress is made through consistent effort and dedication.
4) Expectations: Find a balance between setting ambitious goals and being realistic about what you and your dog can achieve.
5) Lack of Self-Awareness: Know what you know and know what you don't know. Being self-critical is not being self-aware.
6) Not Being Prepared: Ensure you're fully equipped and mentally prepared for each training session.

Overcoming these setback traits requires humility, self-awareness, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Tips to Unlock Full Potential and Improve Your Partnership:
1) Train and Practice Consistently and with Intention: Clearly define the objectives of each training session and focus on specific skills. Consistent practice builds confidence and strengthens your bond with your dog.
2) Set Goals: Make your goals specific and measurable, and limit them to three at a time to maintain focus and clarity.
3) Seek Feedback: Gather input from trainers and experienced handlers to identify areas for improvement and to stay motivated.
4) Master Fundamentals: Focus on mastering the foundational skills of pointing dog training, as they lay the groundwork for more advanced techniques.
5) Watch and Learn: Record your training sessions and whenever possible, have others record runs in trials to objectively evaluate your performance. Study techniques from winning handlers and always be open to learning.
6) Preparation is Key: Ensure you're fully prepared for each training session by having all necessary equipment ready, charged, tested, having birds to work with, setting up a suitable training environment, having training partners, human and dog alike ready, and mentally preparing yourself and your dog for the work ahead.
7) Believe in the Process: Trust in yourself and your dog, and believe in the journey of training. Success is not defined by a single outcome but by the progress you make together.
8) Have Fun: If you and your dog are not enjoying it; stop, play, come back and train another day.

Photo is from Pheasant's Forever, picture credit to Caroline Fenton Photography.

17/04/2024

Golden Empire Brittany Club Walking Field Trial - Entries open until May 5th.

Keep sending your entries in, lets get some more points if we can!
https://tinyurl.com/GEBCTrial

Current Numbers:
OGD - 18 dogs (4pt major, Ret credits 4, 1, 1, & 1)
OLGD - 12 dogs (2pt) - Entries needed for major
AGD - 14 dogs (3pt major, 2nd - 1pt, Ret credits 3,1, 1, & 0)
ALGD - 9 dogs (1st - 2pt, 2nd - 1pt) - Entries needed for major
OD - 6 dogs (1pt)
AD - 5 dogs (1pt)
OP - 3 dogs - no points - Entries needed for points
AP - 4 dogs (1pt)

Please share!

05/04/2024

Golden Empire Brittany Club Walking Field Trial - May 11 & 12, 2024 at Hastings Island Hunting Preserve in Rio Vista, CA.

Premium:

25/03/2024

Brittany peeps, does anyone have an image of the old Golden Empire Brittany Club logo?

I have a club patch, but am hoping for a print version I can more easily make into a digital png.

17/02/2024

I cannot believe the last litter turned 1 yesterday!

Here’s Bix celebrating.

30/01/2024

Hellfinger Brittanys has lost one of our founders, Ted Foster.

Ted passed while on the field trial grounds of Camp H at California City. He was where he loved. His dedication and friendship will be greatly missed.

Ted was a mentor, a friend, a second father, a bonus grandfather to Francis who called him "Grampy Teddy". RIP, Ted.

No information on memorial services at this time, I will update once we know.

30/01/2024

We are happy to announce the reactivation of the Golden Empire Brittany Club, GEBC. I have joined Jim Cullor and Robert Lewis in this effort. We would appreciate your support in joining the GEBC. Here is the application to join the brittany club. You can join as full or an associate member. New or renew. For the regional club, GOLDEN EMPIRE. For more information, please email at, [email protected]

04/11/2023

Breeder Brags:
This is “Dotti” - Hellfinger Vera Brie

She’s 8 months old and already holding steady to wing and shot. Nothing more pleasing than seeing a mentally and physically sound puppy we bred doing what she was bred to do, hunt birds!

Dotti lives in the East Bay with her hoomans and hunts mostly in California’s Central Valley and the Sacramento Delta.

23/10/2023

Hellfinger Lady Whirlwind “Bix” taking a break while out on her daily field run.

2/16/2023
FC Shiloh’s Sailing The West Wind x CH Cross Creek Lady Lawyer

05/10/2023

4.5 inch tail and all… too bad because Bix is built nice. Just shy of 8 months. She’s not roan just filthy from tar w**d encountered on her daily field run.

21/07/2023

HELLFINGER HILARITY: Laughing Through Bird Dog Training

Empowering Pawsitivity: The Art of Positive Gun Dog Training - Our First BLOG post on our approach to Bird Dog Training for Pointing Dogs

Introduction:
Welcome to our blog on positive gun dog training, where we delve into the world of effective and humane techniques that foster strong bonds between handlers and their gun dogs. As responsible dog owners and trainers, it is essential to embrace positive reinforcement methods that prioritize the well-being and happiness of our loyal companions. In this blog, we will explore various aspects of positive gun dog training, from foundational principles to advanced techniques, all aimed at creating a harmonious and productive partnership.

Understanding Positive Gun Dog Training:
The philosophy behind positive reinforcement: Explaining why rewarding desired behaviors is more effective than punishing unwanted ones.
Building trust and respect: How positive training strengthens the bond between handlers and their gun dogs.
Creating a positive training environment: Tips for cultivating a safe and supportive atmosphere for your gun dog.
Foundations of Positive Gun Dog Training:
Basic obedience training: Teaching essential commands like whoa, down, sit, recall, and heel using positive reinforcement.
Focus and attention exercises: Strengthening your gun dog's ability to concentrate and respond to commands in distracting situations.
Crate training and socialization: Tips for introducing your gun dog to new experiences and people in a positive manner.

Positive Retrieval Training:
Introducing the retrieve: Step-by-step guidance on teaching your gun dog to fetch and return objects with enthusiasm.
Overcoming common challenges: Addressing issues such as dropping retrieves, handling distractions, and reinforcing steadiness.

Gun Dog Conditioning and Fitness:
The importance of physical fitness: How positive conditioning can improve your gun dog's overall health and performance.
Fun exercises for field readiness: Engaging activities to maintain your gun dog's agility, endurance, and muscle strength.
Balancing mental and physical exercise: Mental stimulation and puzzle-solving activities to keep your gun dog sharp and happy.

Positive Reinforcement in the Field:
Teaching steady to shot: Encouraging your gun dog to remain calm and focused during gunfire.
Gun safety and positive training: Strategies for ensuring safety while using fi****ms around your gun dog.
Celebrating success: How to reward your gun dog for a job well done in the hunting field.

Overcoming Behavioral Challenges:
Blinking: Rebuilding confidence through positive exposure.
Addressing chasing and bird aggression: Redirecting instincts and promoting controlled behaviors.
Curbing excessive barking and whining: Positive techniques to manage vocalization in the field.

Conclusion:
Positive gun dog training is a journey of mutual respect, understanding, and growth between handlers and our beloved companions. Embracing this approach not only results in a well-trained gun dog but also fosters a deeply fulfilling and positive relationship. We hope this blog has provided you with valuable insights and inspiration on your path to becoming a compassionate and effective gun dog trainer. Remember, through patience and positivity, the possibilities are boundless for you and your gun dog!

14/07/2023

Zephyrus babies! Ready for new homes in mid-August. 5 females, 3 males. If interested, I will get you in touch with Kelly’s owner, he will have more information.

Field champion bloodlines, Zephyrus is a nationally competitive Field Champion finishing the hard way before the rule change and beating over 350 dogs in his limited trialing career. He descends from multiple dual champions and NBOB winners as well as National field champions including Bean’s Blaze, Scipio’s Little Chick, and Lobo’s Cotton Candy.

Kelly is the granddaughter of 2009 American Brittany Club National Gun Dog Champion and 2009 ABC National Amateur Gun Dog Champion FC AFC Peter Gunn and great-granddaughter of 1997 ABC National Amateur Champion FC AFC Walker’s Gunner of famed Nolan’s Last Bullet and Bean’s Blaze bloodlines as well as great-granddaughter of 2004 & 2006 ABC National Amateur Champion and 2005 National Field Champion FC AFC Just Call Me Roy.

08/07/2023

Training with our Nor Cal NAVHDA group at Grizzly Island this morning. Just brought pup, doing a little bird work and water work.

28/06/2023

My ride or die… Bix.

She’s 4 and a half months old now and didn’t fit into her crate today so she got to ride free. At the direction of her person, my son Francis, she goes everywhere with us. Today we dropped the kiddo off at soccer camp and went for an adventure hike around Mcinnis Park.

And yes, we think she may be a phantom tri.

19 weeks tomorrow, she’s 18.5 pounds now. She’s smaller than all her siblings and will be on the smaller size as an adult Brittany.

15/06/2023

Bubble!

28/05/2023

Francis and Bix are constantly snuggling, cuddling, and napping together.

26/05/2023

Bix chewing on her first turkey neck today and her daddy Zephyrus chewing on his first turkey neck a bit over 8 years ago 😊

24/05/2023

Sometimes you‘ve just got to laugh. We don’t expect Bix to be perfect, even with her angel wings.

22/05/2023

Pixie Bix graduated from her Pup 1 class today. She starts Pup 2 in a couple weeks.

She’s doing great. So far she knows:
Sit
Down
Here
Stay
Take It
Leave It
Off
Touch
Walk With Me (loose leash walking)
Kennel
Take A Break
All Gone
Ah-Ah

19/05/2023

Hahahahahahahaha!

19/05/2023

Find the puppy…

12/05/2023

The last puppy to go home was “Stevie” née “Vel”, Hellfinger Enchanted Wild Heart. She gets to be a companion dog extraordinaire in Northern California.

10/05/2023

Took my pup Bix and kiddo Francis to catch the last of the wildflowers behind our home. We are in love with this pup!

03/05/2023

We happily feed and recommend Muenster Milling Co. dog foods!

29/04/2023

Bix starting out right. Pointing and holding to flush.

Hellfinger Lady Whirlwind (Z & Markie)

Patricia
Ted

28/04/2023

Hellfinger Sir Ashwood “Ash” of the Andor Litter left with his new dad today and got to spend some time in the field with some birds while his new papa got to meet Deanna & Scott of Nelson Kennels to learn about the bird dog training process and when to start.

27/04/2023

Hellfinger Miles Pierce “Nitro” went to his new home today!