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  1. #1
    Senior Dog IRISHWISTLER's Avatar
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    Jun 2014
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    CT
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    The Forging Of A Gun Dog

    Aye Mates,

    Granted though we start with a pup from a breeding of carefully selected genetics in hopes that traits passed on will be those which we hope to see in the prospect, t'is me contention that great gun dogs are not born, rather, they are forged. I love the opportunity to start with an eight week old pup like MAC and bring him along with the continual shaping that will produce a gun dog of distinction. Proper attention to socialization and stimulation within the context of a wide array of people, other dogs, and environments early on make for a really nice canvas on which to create a masterpiece.

    Numerous hours will be put into laying down the foundational obedience that is so critical to the platform upon which to train to the highest standards achievable. The "forging" will be the result of a well designed training plan that is executed with due diligence and the highest degree of commitment. Basic obedience will be solidified through proper e-collar conditioning, the pup's natural retrieve will be enhanced to the point of compulsion through the processes of HOLD and FORCE FETCH conditioning. Careful introduction to gunfire, water, and birds will result in those elements becoming signatures of fun times afield and will become significant in the motivation of our young recruit. Progressive drills designed to build on a continuum of success will shape the pups desire and motivation to learn and love training. Both land and water based training in the retrieval of both marks and blinds will become a continuing way o' life for the trainee and the complexity of such challenges will grow to include multiple marks, blinds, and diversions all designed to create a highly proficient working dog that will be a most wonderful gunning companion. MAC will be cross trained to proficiently hunt both waterfowl and upland birds, that adding to his versatility and to the amount of time he will spend afield. Additionally, MAC will likely become a hunt test K9 athlete, his participation in our wonderful dog sports providing him with a highly rewarding activity when bird hunting afield is not an option.

    So here we see the wee pup MAC as he begins this most special journey toward becoming the gun dog that has been prescribed by his genetic potential, a journey I will be blessed with in accompanying him along the way.

    Faugh A Ballagh,
    THE DOG WHISTLER 🍀🇮🇪🇺🇸

    Retriever gun dog recruit "MAC" is returning to THE DOG WHISTLER 🍀 whilst softly carrying a live Chukar, the proper elements of a classic retrieve being shaped early.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails -_mg_4642_fotor-forgingresized-jpg  
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    DUBLIN DUCK DYNASTY

    Joanie Madden, Mary Bergin, Adrea Coor, and Nuala Kennedy, each an Irish whistle goddess in her own right.

  2. The Following User Says Thank You to IRISHWISTLER For This Useful Post:

    zd262 (05-21-2018)

  3. #2
    Senior Dog
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Ellicott City, MD
    Posts
    6,626
    Thanked: 3641
    At least in pictures, he sure seems to have a very adult way about him already. I love seeing photos of him...please keep sharing!

  4. The Following User Says Thank You to SunDance For This Useful Post:

    IRISHWISTLER (05-21-2018)

 



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