buxndux
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Extremely Sensitive Mod
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Reged: 09/29/00
Posts: 3287
Loc: Sequim
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What qualities do you look for in a good bird hunting puppy? I am pretty sure I am going to get a Brittany. Why should I choose one pup over the other? 
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Team JACE
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BW
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steelie
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Reged: 01/08/02
Posts: 161
Loc: Lakewood /wa
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I will take a shot at this. When you go to pick him,or her out take a pigeon with you. Using black tape, tape the flight feathers together so it cannot fly, but can flap it's wings.
Take the whole litter out side and let them chase the pigeon around. even at 6 to 8 weeks of age there should be some interest. Any pup that ignores the bird completely should be eliminated from contention. Don't forget, no matter how cute they are you are not primarily after a pet. This dog has to work so cute doesn't cut it.
Look the contenders over. Good strong LONG, legs are good. Short will be a problem. Make sure eyes and hips are good.
With Brittany's it is not as much of a problem normally but keep in mind that a lighter colored dog will stay cool longer hunting on hot days. Yes it really dose work that way.
If you are going to hunt mainly on the west side I would like to make an observation.
Very few people over here teach their dogs to honor a point. That means you could have someone's dog crashing in on the bird your brit is pointing out for you. Make great arguments. It is a little better on the east side.
Just to let you know, I have a springer,and if I had it to do over again it would be a field bread cocker. You should see these dogs hunt.
So you know I am not making any of this up I have included a link to our club web site. Not to brag but check out the pictures.
http://home.comcast.net/~mearle5/
Hope that works.
Anyway hope this helps.
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Will fish for food
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Thick Tail
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Reged: 08/28/02
Posts: 2166
Loc: South West Washington
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I take the whole litter out side and blow a whistle and every pup that looks and comes stays and the rest go back.
I sit down and look at the pups and look for a dog that is hunting and pointing with out a wing on a pole.Don't use a wing on a pole if the dog will go fishing with you. Now check teeth for over bite,pick it back legs up with it's tail not had and if it doesn't care keep them out now make some loud noises away from the pups and watch for shyness and remove those pups and now I hope you have some to pick from.
Steve
I have GSP that is 13 years old and he turned out great now all he dose is sleep and eat and poop and he earned it.
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Take A Kid Fishing It Will Be Good For Both Of You
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BennyBlack
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steelie
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Reged: 07/17/04
Posts: 179
Loc: Spanawania
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Pedigree is a big factor in selecting a dog. I've helped my friend train dogs, his and mine, field trial style and what you start out with makes a big difference. I know because my first lab was hard to get to do some stuff and my next dog just "had it". Breeders also make a big difference with how they socialize new pups. Do your research and be VERY picky. Don't just "go get a dog". Remember, they are going to be your responsibility for the next 8-15 years
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It's a Chum, you can tell by the eye's.
-Me
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