NEW JUNIOR HUNTERS:
J&A’s Golden Abundance of Life JH,
NA Prize1
Sire: J&A’s Apple Jack of Acton JH
- Jack
Dam: J&A’s Carry the Dream of
Acton JH, NA Prize1 – Holly
Loved, bred, handled, owned by John
and Ann.
(She earned perfect 10's on Saturday with her overall average score a 9!)
J&A’s Country Boy’s Prayer JH
Sire: J&A’s Keeper of the Stars of
Acton SH – True
Dam: J&A’s Birch Spring Breaking
New Ground JH, NA Prize1 – Toph
Bred by John and Ann Short
Loved, owned, handled by Jeff Patry.
It's been rewarding to see Jeff and Franklin become a great handling team. Franklin, Revere's full brother and littermate, has had great success hunting grouse and woodcock in Rangeley Maine.
NEW Junior Hunter QUALIFIER (1/2 way
there!)
J&A’s Treasured Autumn Dreams Remi
Sire: Son-of-a-Gunn – Oly
Dam: J&A’s Carry the Dream of
Acton JH, NA Prize1 – Holly
Bred by John and Ann Short
Loved, owned, handled by Steve &
Charleen Parker
It has been a lot of fun to work with
the Parkers and 7 month old Remi. She was Breezie in the Autumn's Treasures and has come a long way in a short time.
(uncertain of actual registered name!)
Sire: CH J&A’s Quiet Courage MH,
NA Prize 1 - Wilson
Dam: Merrymeeting’s Morning Skye of
Birch Spring SH, NA Prize 1 - Skye
Breeders: Walter Longley, Christine Longley
Loved, owned, handled by Dave Molyneaux.
What a joy to see to see this pretty two-year-old
pup from New York again. I saw her at 7 weeks old at the Longleys when John and I did her P.A.T. evals. Reminding me not only of her sire Wilson, but of her
grandmother who was Treasure, Emmy is closing in on her Master Title!
J&A’s Rubies Are Heaven Sent SH -
Ruby
Sire: J&A’s Soaring White Sequoia
-Scooby
Dam: KJ’s Ramblin’ Molly Rose – Molly
Bred by: John and Ann
Loved, owned, handled by Roger &
Marilyn Gilman
It was a wonderful surprise to see
Ruby at the hunt test! She had just had
her birthday the day before. Already an AKC Senior Hunter, she is currently
testing for her AKC Master Hunter.
There's one more young pup who has also come a long way with his owners. They had planned to participate in the hunt test last weekend but it didn't work out for that to happen. Wesson already has one bird season behind him, and will definitely have his day!
Thanks to the 'rona, most dog events we enjoy were cancelled in 2020. Ginja however did participate in a NAVHDA pre-test clinic followed by the actual NAVHDA test, where she earned her NAVHDA Natural Ability Title – NA 110 Prize 1. Later in the year, Revere finished up his AKC Junior Hunter title at the same hunt test where Ginja earned her first two ‘legs’. (The Central Maine Brittany Club aka CMBC cancelled their hunt test, dog show, and field trials as did many other specialty and breed clubs.) We were immensely proud of Ginja and Revere’s 2020 accomplishments! We continued with field training throughout 2020 several times a week spring through fall and early winter. John did a little bird hunting in the fall. I was very content to remain at home raising “Autumn’s Treasures”!
I will not belabor the point but by the time Mother's Day 2020 rolled around, I was fed up with the pandemic, self-quarantines, social distancing, mask mandates and more. Unwilling to accept the situation as the ‘new normal’ I reclaimed my personal responsibility, set my mind on things above and began to look forward to what 2021 would bring with friends and family. I was determined not to succumb to the oppression which tried to permeate all aspects of day-to-day life. It was bad enough that numerous personal situations broke my heart in 2020. But I digress!
In closing, I just want to give a
shout out to John who always remains as a valuable
resource for our puppy people and our friends. John understands the best path to a
finished and happy Brittany gun dog. While remaining modest without pretense he knows this breed and particularly our line very well. He discerns how to
bring the best out in them no matter their age or level of training, if any! John's methods utilize the 'slow but steady wins
the race' approach. He has been referred to as a 'Brittany dog
whisperer' but also has had success helping owners of English Setters, Gordon Setters, Pointers, even Field and Clumber Spaniels! John can recognize the precise timing of each level of
training according to an individual dog's readiness. We are never in a hurry
and do not encourage rushing through any process for any dog, no matter the age.
Not a fan of harsh methods, John counts on praising the dogs to be the best
motivator and always ending on a positive note where the dog succeeds in the
task being asked of them. Pleasing their
owner is a Brittany's reason for living so that is not too hard to figure out! John informally and naturally shares his years
of experience with Brittanys with those who come to the field to run dogs with
us. During the summer early mornings in the field are enjoyed on a regular basis. And yes, I occasionally rise at sunrise to join everyone!
Perhaps the biggest takeaway here is to remember it takes time and there are no
shortcuts on the road to a well-mannered, finished gundog for the walking
upland game hunter! Again, the first year in our opinion should be about fun,
developing teamwork, learning about and loving each other. A dog should be
going through the paces with a happy demeanor without being mechanical. There
is all the time in the world for a Brittany's obedience training beyond basic
puppy manners. Here is to the summer of 2021 with our ATB family of all ages!
As always thanks for your interest in All Things Brittany! Take care and God bless you and yours always, John, Ann, and our canine crew!
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