Gundog Development offers a limited number of puppies, from our breeding program each year. With only two or three litters produced from only our best proven females, it can be assured that every puppy receives the attention that it deserves.
From our experience, in order to have a blue ribbon bird dog, it must be started properly while still in the confines of the litter.
In the wild, about three days after whelping, the mother dog begins leaving the nest seeking food and water. During these periods of separation, the litter experiences its first environmental stresses of the world, and as the litter ages, the periods of separation increase. It is all part natures perfect plan to make each pup ready for the world. Modeling after mother natures, and backed up with scientific research, puppies whelped at our kennel, receive everything at our disposal to facilitate their development both physically and neurologically.
We strongly believe in keeping the litter together until twelve weeks of age.
During this period, puppies learn important social skills from each other. Skills such as how to read body language- probably the most important skill a dog most know to keep it out of trouble. These skills a pup learns much more readily from other canines, than from humans. If a pup misses out on this learning opportunity, he will have a difficult time making up lost ground, and will have a difficult time interacting with other dogs in the future. In addition to the canine socialization that takes place during the first twelve weeks, the pups are given plenty of human socialization, field and play time, and most importantly bird contacts. By waiting until twelve weeks of age, the puppy you take home will be well rounded and have solid foundation become not only a good hunting dog, but a good companion for you entire family.
Media Gallery
A gallery of memorable photos taken from our training sessions, hunting adventures, or from some of our clients.
Our comprehensive puppy development program that takes advantage of a young puppies imprinting stage. The program includes human and canine socialization, introduction to birds and gunfire, and time to just be a puppy.
Four to Six (4-6) Months
Your pup returns home for continued socialization and indoctrination to the environment and lifestyle it will live within. During this time you will develop the pups desire to hunt and introduce him to the rules of your pack.
Six to Eight (6-8) Months
Handling and Boldness Training. In this developmental program, the focus is on handling and boldness. The young dog will be allowed to quest and find birds, as well as learn to go with you in the field. Although given plenty of time to just be a puppy in the field, the dogs enrolled will begin introductory yard and obedience training as well.
Six to Ten (6-10) Months
Nothing is better to develop a young dog than wild birds. If you only do one thing for your young dog, give him a lot of time to run on wild birds. Our wild bird camp held in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan will give your dog the chance to fill his nostrils with both grouse and woodcock scent.
Fourteen to Twenty-Four (14-24) Months
During this time period you need to hunt your dog. Wild birds are preferred, but liberated birds are better than none. Ask us about our four week wild bird programs held on the bird rich prairies of South Dakota hone your young dogs bird finding skills and prepare him for his final stage of training- finishing.
Twenty-Four to Thirty-Six (24-36) Months
Finishing, Force Fetching- if necessary, and then enjoying a bragging rights hunting dog.
Latest News
January 2011
During the late Spring of 2010,
we bred our guide dog Bella ( a daughter of Grid Iron) to Smarty Smith, one of the top setters in the country. Now at roughly seven months, we feel this is one of the most bird-savvy litters of English Setters we have ever raised. Bird crazy, the pups are pointing birds, and love the gun. Handling and going with us in the field, the pups are now beginning basic yard work and being introduced to the inside environment of the home. We feel these pups will make excellent companion-hunters that will set the field on fire and have perfect manners in the lodge or house at the end of the day. If you are looking for that one special dog, please call us for more information.
