Versatile Hunting Companion

We wait until 9-10 weeks to send our puppies home. 

1. 8 weeks is a fearful period.  From 4-12 weeks puppies are in a primary socialization period.  This means they are in a period of development where they can rapidly learn many behaviors, experiences, and social skills.  It also means they can rapidly learn to be fearful if experiences are bad.  During the 8th week, puppies often enter a fearful stage that lasts through the week.  Taking pups away from their secure home and littermates, and going to a new home is stressful, and this week of development is already tipped toward being fearful.   2. We vaccinate our pups at 8 weeks old.  Earlier vaccines are usually ineffective, so we wait until there is a natural decrease in maternal antibodies from mom (these can interfere with an immune response to vaccination).  We can then observe the pups after vaccination to make sure they are feeling well, and aren’t stressed by moving to a new home.  It also allows some time for the pup to develop an immune response.  This doesn’t mean your pup will be completely immune, but it allows time for your pup to be as protected as we can before he goes to his new home.  

 3. Potty training.  Puppies are just developing the ability to intentionally “hold it” at 7-8 weeks.  We teach the puppies to seek an area away from their play area to urinate and defecate, as well as get them used to going out upon waking, after playing, and after eating.  However, trying to completely housebreak an 8 week puppy is an uphill battle.  Allowing that extra week to develop the nervous system a bit more, is going to set you and your pup up for a less stressful introduction to your home and full potty training.    The biggest fear people have about waiting is that their puppy won’t bond with them.  This is not at all true!  Your puppy will have had lots of good interactions with people by the time you come to pick them up, that they are primed to bond easily and seek out people for their needs and attention.  They will quickly learn that you provide this and will bond incredibly well with you! .

I highly recommend the book “How To Help Gun Dogs Train Themselves” by Joan Bailey.  Also navhda.org is a great place to find your local NAVHDA chapter.  Chapters hold monthly training days and are an excellent resource as well as a great way to network and find others to train and hunt with.

We have had very good results with Pro Plan.  These dogs do not do well on grain free diets, as they often do need some energy from carbohydrates.  We also supplement ours with human food when we can. It is important that your dog is fed a balanced diet for their age and activity level, but equally important to give them fresh home cooked treats.  We will provide some guidance on how to do this safely when you pick up your pup.