The majority of pups out of any given litter will become a family hunting companion. We make sure every single Brittany pup that leaves here at 8 - 12 weeks of age has, at the very minimum, been introduced to scent from a frozen gamebird wing. Friends often will save and freeze the wings from gamebirds they have shot to give to us for this very purpose. As soon as our pups are up on their feet and stable they are allowed to play with, chew on, maul, and carry the wings in their mouths. It's so fun and you really get a good idea early on who has the strongest prey drive and potential retrieving skills! Then, depending upon the time of year a litter is born, the are also taken down to the nearby training grounds. John loads them up in the dog topper for their great adventure, we drive to the field, plant some birds and let the pups have some fun! (We have our own homing pigeons who are happy to return back home safely once they have been 'flushed.' )
We always offer to help with any pup which we have bred. Because we are both retired we have the time to give 110% into preparing for an upcoming bird hunting season. John and I are firm believers in getting pups on birds as young as possible. We also feel strongly that the first year of a Brittany pup's life should be full of fun and enjoyment. There is plenty of time for instilling discipline, perfect manners, and obedience. We've both seen the results of placing too high an expectation and too much pressure on young dogs that are just not ready for it. Every trainer has their own philosophy. Ours is similar to that of Mike Gaddis who says "The desire in an exceptional pup is like a rare young wine, kegged from a proven vineyard. Nurture it slowly to perfection and it will pleasure the years. Tap it prematurely, and you will squander it’s bouquet in infancy”.
The first few summers after John retired he enjoyed hanging out a lot with his friend Bob Paucek who has been training bird dogs since the age of 18. There's been many articles written about him, Bob is also featured in a book authored by Jerome Robinson and titled "Hunt Close!" It's a great read and covers techniques used long before the use of remote tracking, training, and e-collars became so widespread. He's been been interviewed many times for various publications, videos and programs. Bob bred, handled, campaigned and finished some of the best Pointers and Setters in New England in years past. He was American Field's 2013 Legend of the Game. Bob had also trained Brittanys for us in the past before John retired and before we had found grounds nearby our home to do the same. John always enjoyed helping Bob out anytime he could at the Paucek Kennels in Buxton, Maine plus there were always other friends there and they simply had a good time with all the dogs.
(Personal observation: Besides, as any newly retired couple knows, finding yourselves face to face with each other 24/7 does require some getting use to (she said with a straight face)! Seriously though, I've enjoyed how this has all come together and I do hope it continues to develop and grow, especially now with our daughters involvement too. She is becoming a great dog handler in her own right with Toph and Zuko! )
These days we do have nearby grounds to run dogs on thanks to the generosity of a local land owner. For several years now John has mowed and groomed the field to suit his needs for planting birds and running the dogs. In addition to the fields there's also acres of woodland. There are sometimes a few grouse or resident woodcock but we have a couple of johnny houses set up for bobwhite quail and chukar partridge being licensed in all that we do. Friends may join John throughout the week and especially on weekends. Recognizing the amount of work involved usually everyone pitches in and helps in one way or another. There are other times when folks from away will make a trip up so John can spend a little time offering them tips and advice. We will not run the dogs when it's too hot or during a downpour.
We appreciate those in our ATB family who recognize they may not have the time, resources and/or the experience to get their Brittany ready for an upcoming hunting season regardless of age. Such is the reason we have Bella and Brook with us. The door is always open to work with Brittanys we've bred, to welcome them back to our home and to their canine relatives. The methods that John has developed over the years are specific to the Brittany. He knows how to read them and it is uncanny how quickly they will respond to him. A lot of folks have said he is a dog whisperer. Although he's also known to bellow at times, I will totally agree that he has a remarkable way with the dogs. John is not harsh or heavy handed and always is careful to set a dog up to succeed and not to fail. Even when they must be corrected for something they know better not to do, John will always end the time together on a positive note including lots of praise for whatever dog he's working with His greatest fault? Being way too humble and generous with his time but that is just part of who he is, and that's not a bad thing at all.
Hope you enjoyed the video. And if you did or if you enjoy posts about training etc., why don't you leave a comment? Thanks! As always take care and God bless. Thank you for your interest in All Things Brittany. John, Ann, and our canine crew
