Next week will mark Buck's 2nd birthday and his sixth month with me. We had a couple great days afield this weekend with some training. It was his first time around a 12 gauge (previously just cap guns and .22s) and after a few blank shells and dummy retrieves he is very excited about the shotgun- he knows it means there's something good to go fetch after the shot. We haven't spent as much time in tall grass as I've hoped but he zig-zags within range and is taking my hand signals well.

I still can't believe his first family didn't bother with getting him out to enjoy these things because he is by FAR happiest to be hunting, but at least he can do them now. I have a lot of fun just watching him work, with a dog grin on his face the whole time.







Good boy!



Back at home his obedience and behavior is steadily improving... he hasn't touched the trash can or counter in weeks and his personal best is six treats on his nose now.

Can he catch all six before they hit the ground?

quote:

Originally posted by brad may:
Can he catch all six before they hit the ground?

It's a flurry of fur and kibble.

Good for you Evan. You now understand the only true love money can buy. Cherish every minute of it b/c it ends all too soon. The best to both of you.

Great pics thanks for sharing

Buck is a lucky puppy...as said above, enjoy every day!!

Thanks fellas... tomorrow is his 2nd birthday/6th month with me so we'll celebrate with another trip to the river. I'll throw sticks for him to retrieve as long as he wants to.

go easy or better yet not at all w/ sticks. They can be dangerous and even deadly.
Get him a Dokken duck for his b-day !

quote:

Originally posted by Texas Killartist:
go easy or better yet not at all w/ sticks. They can be dangerous and even deadly.

What's the danger in that? I was tossing wrist-thick sections from a birch limb.

A Dokken duck is a good idea regardless- thanks!

I have heard stories of people throwing sticks. The stick ends up sticking in the ground/mud pointing upward. The dog runs out to make the retrieve, pounces on the stick and ends up w/ the stick through his mouth, throat, neck or chest. Real birds, Dokkens or bumpers are safer. Plus, you don't want Buck going for a retrieve, not finding the 'bird' and coming back w/ a stick and thinking he did good b/c he brought Daddy "something".

quote:

Originally posted by Texas Killartist:
I have heard stories of people throwing sticks. The stick ends up sticking in the ground/mud pointing upward. The dog runs out to make the retrieve, pounces on the stick and ends up w/ the stick through his mouth, throat, neck or chest. Real birds, Dokkens or bumpers are safer. Plus, you don't want Buck going for a retrieve, not finding the 'bird' and coming back w/ a stick and thinking he did good b/c he brought Daddy "something".

TK's dog is impressive. I never thought the best part of a hunting trip would be watching a dog in action until I saw his. I don't know anyone who puts more effort into becoming knowledgeable on subject than him. Take it for what its worth.