Spring truly has
sprung here in Maine! It was predicted to be in the 70's today which
meant a much earlier start to our usual Saturday field work with the
crew. John is getting into a regular schedule now which means the dogs
are enjoying at least three days during the week in addition to Saturday
mornings. It has really been nice getting a later start as we all know
mornings can be a struggle for me. From now on we will exercise/run/work
the dogs before the heat of the day is felt. By mid-summer this means
starting as early as 6:30 a.m.! (That's when John left the house today. I
came to the field a couple of hours later with Revere.)
As I turned onto the dirt road leading into our training area this
morning Revere, crated in the back, immediately recognized where we were and
joyfully expressed in no uncertain terms his delight at being there.
Likewise, a couple of hours earlier at home, he had not so joyfully expressed
his discontent at staying with me when John left. Revere's registered
name "Awaken The Dawn" has significance of varying levels.
Driving in and approaching the johnny house I was so happy to be greeted by several
familiar ATB 'family' faces who had brought their Brittanys. Yay!
One thing that has been constant over the past 16 years is
understanding the importance for Brittanys to have frequent opportunities to
run freely in an open area. Early on, we were really blessed to have use of
wonderful fields less than 4 minutes down the road. It was so fun to meet with
a few others and their dogs for a great morning of running dogs. Not just
Brittanys but English and Gordon Setters, Pointers, and others. Several years
ago, those fields became unavailable to us and the search was on! Thanks to a
good friend we were introduced to the owner of another property who has been
just wonderful to us. It is worth the extra time it takes to travel there. I
simply must get up early enough to go!
Today the liver and white Brittanys and their owners rocked! They
were in the majority. How wonderful to see little Remi for the first time since
leaving last fall. For such a young puppy she is doing exceptionally well on
her birds. I loved seeing Franklin there this morning too. An outstanding grouse and woodcock dog he is full brother
and littermate to my Revere. It also was a joy to see Wesson today. He
has really come so far and makes me smile. One thing these owners all
have in common is a commitment to consistent, ongoing training suitable for the
age level of their dog. The goal is to tap into the dog's inherent
natural instincts, recognize and gently nurture them to eventually result in a
skilled and effective gundog. To understand and learn to 'read' your dog takes
time, practice, experience and a whole lot of birds!
John enjoys setting new owners of gundogs up to succeed. He
does not train the dogs belonging to others but instead provides an opportunity
to observe him working our own dogs. Offers support and guidance when they
handle theirs. He works our dogs according to their specific and various skill
levels. John knows each one is different and proceeds accordingly with them.
Through the years he has been called a dog whisperer, or more specifically, a
Brittany whisperer. I do not think it is possible to explain it, it
simply is. I have seen my husband help develop confidence in people of
their own abilities to train their own dog. Even folks previously frustrated
with their gundogs, or who have never trained a bird dog before. Ultimately,
they have reached a satisfying level of success for the next bird hunting
season which is, as far as I am concerned. what it is all about. Simply said,
the emphasis is on fun while kicking the obedience up a notch as needed. When
it comes to the younger pups, John is cautious about giving them too much to do
too soon. He keeps the skill list short for them, recognizing it is so easy to
break the spirit of a Brittany.
There is often an understandable tendency to try to do too much
too soon. Especially when we know the potential that rests in that beautiful,
intelligent being in front of us. But to a young pup what we call 'gundog
training' is still just a game to them. I remember a phone conversation I
had with Frank Pride of Pride & Joy Brittanys about 20 years or so ago. I
was asking what I should be doing with my 12-week-old puppy as far as
training. He basically told me "keep that first year all about fun.
Go easy on the obedience. There is plenty of time for that. Let the pup learn
about the birds on his own while providing the necessary guidance. Observe the
pup's body when he is 'birdy' or has hit the scent cone."
Tonight,
is a perfect early spring evening here in Maine. It is approaching the midnight
hour, the windows are still open and the sound of peepers singing 'cold feet,
can't sleep' can be heard outside. The sun is setting later and later.
Earlier this evening the sound like that of a woodcock was heard but I cannot
say for sure. In the past we have been surprised to find them here and
refer to them as resident woodcocks. This is the time of year where they will
begin their mating ritual and if you'd like to read more about it this is a
link to a great article called "Dances With Woodcock".
Speaking of "PEEPS"!
I sure do love all of ours and enjoy the times we are together. You know
who you are, near and far, recent or otherwise. Our wonderful All Things
Brittany 'family'. We thank God you are in our lives.
Take care and God
bless,
John, Ann, and our
canine crew
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