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I grew up in a family that had bird dogs. I've had the good fortune to hunt behind the many bird dogs – triple digits for sure – of friends, colleagues and acquaintances. I’ve witnessed a dozen or more breeds work, including pointers, flushers and retrievers. Just one problem: I've never had a bird dog to call my own. Well, the times they are a-changin'.
Plans to get my first four-legged pheasant hunting machine were recently set in motion, and I'll be chronicling the experience here at the Pheasant Blog in the special "My First Bird Dog" series. In the coming weeks and months, I invite you to follow along as I choose a breed, breeder, a litter, a pup, take the little he or she home, name it, train it (well, as best I can), and head out pheasant hunting in October 2012. Since I'm starting from square one, dog gear, nutrition and healthcare are topics sure to be covered plenty as well. Whew!
To veteran bird dog owners, your shared thoughts and experiences throughout the series in the comments section (also on Twitter @AnthonyHauck) are welcomed not only by me, but similarly circumstanced young, dog-less upland hunters. And to those planning on, or daydreaming, about a future first pup, I hope "My First Bird Dog" is inviting, informative and inspiring. Bird dog ownership, from what I've seen, is fun, life changing, and leads to a more committed hunter and wildlife habitat conservationist. And at Pheasants Forever, we can't have enough of them.
Coming up next in the "My First Bird Dog" series: What I'm Looking For
Anthony’s Antics Afield is written by Anthony Hauck, Pheasants Forever's Online Editor. Email Anthony at AHauck@pheasantsforever.org and follow him on Twitter @AnthonyHauck.
My First Bird Dog
[caption id="attachment_5394" align="alignright" width="328" caption="In search of the right bird dog, there are sure to be many questions, chief among them, "What breed?""][/caption]
I grew up in a family that had bird dogs. I've had the good fortune to hunt behind the many bird dogs – triple digits for sure – of friends, colleagues and acquaintances. I’ve witnessed a dozen or more breeds work, including pointers, flushers and retrievers. Just one problem: I've never had a bird dog to call my own. Well, the times they are a-changin'.
Plans to get my first four-legged pheasant hunting machine were recently set in motion, and I'll be chronicling the experience here at the Pheasant Blog in the special "My First Bird Dog" series. In the coming weeks and months, I invite you to follow along as I choose a breed, breeder, a litter, a pup, take the little he or she home, name it, train it (well, as best I can), and head out pheasant hunting in October 2012. Since I'm starting from square one, dog gear, nutrition and healthcare are topics sure to be covered plenty as well. Whew!
To veteran bird dog owners, your shared thoughts and experiences throughout the series in the comments section (also on Twitter @AnthonyHauck) are welcomed not only by me, but similarly circumstanced young, dog-less upland hunters. And to those planning on, or daydreaming, about a future first pup, I hope "My First Bird Dog" is inviting, informative and inspiring. Bird dog ownership, from what I've seen, is fun, life changing, and leads to a more committed hunter and wildlife habitat conservationist. And at Pheasants Forever, we can't have enough of them.
Coming up next in the "My First Bird Dog" series: What I'm Looking For
Anthony’s Antics Afield is written by Anthony Hauck, Pheasants Forever's Online Editor. Email Anthony at AHauck@pheasantsforever.org and follow him on Twitter @AnthonyHauck. Tags: bird dog, bird dogs, October 2012, pheasant hunting
15 Responses to “My First Bird Dog”
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Excited for the series! Just picked up a yellow pointing lab pup to hunt along side my 9 year old red setter. Can’t wait to hear what you and others have to say!
Hey Anthony, Exciting decision for you! Patience is my first piece of advice for the puppy years. The first several weeks are tough (especially at night!). My Father in Law just picked up a Pudelpointer. Seem like an interesting breed, plus they shed far less then your normal dog. Can’t wait to follow along. -TB
I got a great black British Lab from Royalty Labs near Hinkley. She’s a great puppy – 7 months old now.
I pick up my French Brittany pup at the end of June. Did what you said about researching the breed and then finding a breeder. I bought him almost exactly a year ago and had to wait for the ‘marriage’ and then the litter.
I will also say the epagneul breton (French Brit) you will be really happy if you put the work in.
Steve an epagneul breton is a nice choice. Where are you getting the pup from?
Good luck Anthony, I will be following along as I just had the same experience myself after endless research and 3 yrs of waiting to get my Vizsla pup from POINTBLANK GUN DOGS in Norwood Ontario.
She is now 7months old and I couldnt be happier with my selection and Breeder/trainer. She just recieved her Junior title at 7 Months old.
I love my french Brittany (epagneul Breton). He excels in the field as well as at home. He is such a smart boy, he was potty trained in about one day…not a heavy shedder. I would recommend this breed to anyone, as well as the breeder. Good luck, I cannot wait to watch your experience along the way.
I can’t wait to read your progress in this endeavor. My wife and I bought our first dogs (we now have 3) last year and love every bit of it. We have two GSP’s and a Weimaraner. They are excellent dogs and we love them so much. We couldn’t have asked for better dogs than what we got.
Congratulations in your choice and keep posting. Once you bring the little puppy home there won’t be a regret in your mind. You might think “What did I get myself into…” a time or two, but in the long run you’ll absolutely love it and you will look forward to every single day with your new companion. I know we do!!
If during your research you want to learn about Irish Red & White Setters just let me know!
Good luck Anthony. We just picked up our new GSP puppy last week. We got her from 6R Upland Kennels in Grinell, IA. We coudn’t be happier. We found a great breeder and tranier. Check Chris Riddle out in your serach for your new hunting buddy!
Thanks all for the interest, excitement and early recommendations, this should be fun! – Anthony
I know , I know! See you in the fall……… I can not wait to put Nola Jazz on some roosters………..
Great fun! With your motivated endeavor, I recommend you look at several breeds and meet with many breeders, with a goal of narrowing to one breed. Have them show you the sire and dam in the field on game. If your dog will be in the house have them show you dogs in the house. Breeding is across the spectrum in all of the breeds. Once narrowed to one, find that premium litter and quality breeder. Best of luck. – Bud
When do you introduce an electronic collar during your dogs training and how do you use this device? My dog knows the commands, but he only performs the command over a short period of time. He won’t do it forever or until I tell him. What should I do?
@Gordon – A great place to start are these online videos by SportDOG: http://www.sportdog.com/Support/Training-Information/Videos.aspx#12079 – Anthony