|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
The MAX Update by Andy Kohly Gun Dog Section Leader
Having finally found that utopia of a free Sunday afternoon, I decided to go up and visit my GSP Max. As you may recall I had sent Max to Gene Wullkotte of Blankenburg Kennels for an education….
When I arrived and saw Max for the first time in a couple weeks, I have to say that I was amazed. My timid, almost insecure little GSP puppy was tearing all over Gene’s place with a boldness I had yet to see in a young dog. On top of that Max didn’t look like a little puppy anymore but rather a finely tuned canine athlete. His shoulders and haunches were well muscled and his endurance was much better than it had been before.
Gene invited me into the house to chat and as I scraped my jaw of the ground we headed inside. Gene explained that there had been a couple transformations. First off, Max was made to feel safe and secure in his new environment. In doing so Max could focus on the work at hand which was getting the beginnings of an education. Secondly Gene had been working with Max and his willingness to range out to find birds. Up to now Max hunted much too close to stand a chance in a Derby Stake and Gene was working on correcting that problem and enjoying some real successes.
In addition to boldness, Gene had been working with Max and how he reacted to birds. In most cases a young dog will charge in on a bird like the Light Brigade. What Gene had done though is use Max’s natural, genetic disposition to freeze (point) upon scenting a bird. Having done this Gene then focused on getting Max used to the idea of pointing rather than charging. Gene did this by setting up a situation in which Max found a planted bird and pointed it. Gene then styled Max up as needed and most importantly said and did nothing that would draw Max’s attention and focus away from the bird. Gene also increased the time of each of these sessions to get Max accustomed to the fact that not only is pointing a good thing but that once a point is established, holding that point for an extended period is a requirement.
As is always the case anytime I talk with Gene I realized that I once again learned a valuable lesson, which is to let the dog use his instincts and merely provide some reassurance, rather than an overwhelming training regimen. As I said my goodbyes and began the trip home, I looked forward to seeing the fruits of Gene’s labor in the upcoming Desert German Shorthaired Pointer Club Field trial.
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
About
AZOD.com
|
Privacy Statement |
Submission of info Policy|
E-mail the Editor |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
.jpg)
.JPG)
