wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
100%
Feather Point Retrievers?
- Thread starter wncdeerhunter
- Start date
Sportsman
Old Mossy Horns
Reminds me of my Hank (RIP). I can look at those pics and tell she's smart. Congrats and keep us posted!
wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
Little update - I’m ready to have my pup home! Looks like I’ll be meeting the Feather Point crew at a hunt test in Mebane on 4/15-4/16 and will be running Katy in her first Junior - I believe she’ll have two passes to try for. 10 days later we go back to G’ville to spend some time with her and the trainer (mainly so he can train us). That will be the first time my wife has seen her since October. As a bonus, they have started her on upland work. I’ve always had Brittanies and have scoffed at “pointing labs” - but I’ve also seen some of their labs working quail and may have to eat my words. If they give her a good foundation, I feel sure I can hone that since I actually know a little about training pointing dogs (just enough, not much).
Looking forward to having her back home soon. We pick her up 4/26.
Looking forward to having her back home soon. We pick her up 4/26.
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wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
And she’s back. We picked her up today (and she turned 1 today also). Spent several hours at Feather Point so they could teach me and show me where she’s at. Very impressed with what they’ve done with this girl and I plan to continue it. Duck season won’t get here soon enough this year. She’s got her Junior Hunter title now and is back with her Brittany sister. We’re taking a few days at the beach before heading back home. Can’t say enough good things about Feather Point Retrievers - both their pups and their training - as good as they get.
Katy’s had a big day and a busy 6 months -
She’s resting with me on the couch now - never spoil your gun dog!
Katy’s had a big day and a busy 6 months -
She’s resting with me on the couch now - never spoil your gun dog!
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TH7
Eight Pointer
Does the Brittany usually sleep like that? Haha
wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
She has a variety of positions that all look equally uncomfortable
wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
Introduced Katy to boats today - you’d think she’d been on them forever. She’s really coming along and we are both looking forward to this upcoming season.
shurshot
Ten Pointer
One little bit of advice….spend as much time as humanly possible with her! And I mean in all venues you inhabit. Once bonded, this will create an inseparable and trustworthy relationship that will strengthen your ability to achieving your desired tasks. Confidence between both owner and dog is paramount in producing a great retriever and I’ve been a firm believer that you must spend as much time with them (like your child) in order to create that bond. They love you as much as you love them.
Jimbob78
Twelve Pointer
Are you running any tests this fall with Katy? There are a few in and around NC.
wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
That dog stays glued to me most hours of the day. She’s been to more real estate closings than most agents now
wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
Yes sir. We are planning to run senior tests in Mebane and Advance in September and October I believe
Jimbob78
Twelve Pointer
Good deal, there are a few hrc tests around in the fall as well, I know big elkin is having theirs in mt airy in September
wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
I’ll have to take a look at that - we just recently got her registered with UKC also
Jimbob78
Twelve Pointer
Huntsecretary is where you can register for some of the ukc tests.
shurshot
Ten Pointer
Lot of fun watching how your dog grows! I miss the circuit but hopefully the wife will let me get at least one more lab to start all over again. Too old to find a new wife, lol.
Sportsman
Old Mossy Horns
Excellent advice. I'm no pro expert, but I worked with a few trainers (I'm willing to bet you know them if you trained in NC over the last 25-40 years) while in college and trained a few dogs myself. My last lab, Hank, was the best gun dog/companion I've ever been around (I admit I am biased). I have always told people that I believe a large reason for this was the amount of time I was able to spend with him. Like wncdeerhunter said, we were together all the time for years. Makes for an incredible relationship. They don't call 'em "man's best friend" for no reason.
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wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
Katy’s first “real” hunt. She picked up around 25 birds on the opener. Long day but she loves it.
shurshot
Ten Pointer
Good job, looks like you all were in a good position to keep her comfortable and pretty much isolated from all the distractions that normally occur on an opening day AND a first hunt. Nothing better than hunting with with your dog and watching them do their thing!
wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
Mostly. It was a smaller field with only around 10 people hunting, so a pretty good place to cut her teeth. Enough birds flying to keep it interesting too. It was a long day - but she had a pond to cool off in and shade to hang out in- pretty pleasant all the way around.
jbaldwin
Six Pointer
Looks like Katy is well on her way to making you a great dog.. Thanks for sharing.......
wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
Sure enough - I’m looking forward to what lies ahead for us. I took my Brittany out first yesterday, but then had to run back out around 5 so Katy could get in on the action. We picked up 4 more and she found/retrieved them all well
TH80
Eight Pointer
Won’t be much longer and I’ll be expecting to see some pics of her with ducks she retrieved. Katy looks like she’s going to make a fine dog for you
wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
They're coming. We have a couple local hunts planned, but we have our first big trip in December to Missouri for 3 days hunting pits in flooded ag fields. Can't wait.
wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
She retrieved 3 of 4 (fourth one was right at the blind).
All three retrieves were actually blind retrieves as it worked out and she did an excellent job.
Jimbob78
Twelve Pointer
Solid work, blinds are important to master for a serious waterfowler, separates the frustrating hunt from the enjoyable yet impressive dog work.
TH80
Eight Pointer
Glad y’all had a better day than me. I know there will be plenty more pics of Katy and her retrieves this year. I’ve enjoyed the post from being a pup up to her first ducks. Looking forward to more updates this year.
wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
It’s pretty cool reading back through these threads and seeing her progress.
wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
Yes sir. Two of the mallards were actually tucked back in some brush piles near the bank, but still in the water. She handled them like a champ
Jimbob78
Twelve Pointer
To me handling and watching the dog is better than shooting the birds myself
wncdeerhunter
Old Mossy Horns
I’ve frequently left my shotgun behind when quail hunting. I’ve shot a thousand quail - prefer watching and seeing the dogs work over anything. I like shooting ducks but same applies there too