The executive decision has been made.... Im going to keep the pup, as long as he checks out with the vet, that is. Im changing his name to Shadow, to remind me not to pressure and expect him to be another Barry right off the bat, its something I can pronounce the same every time, and he wasnt all that responsive to Django anyhow... Hes raw, but I like him. Only correction he hasnt taken onboard is to not chase the cats... prey drive can be trouble if not managed. But, it is also nothing to shut down or diminish either, and thats what makes the correction of the one difficult. I want him driven to hunt, pursue, and retrieve. Cats are already keeping hidden, but well work that out of him in time. Hes very smart, but still on his own program.... will sit on command when close and ignore when a few feet away. Hes taken to loading and unloading on command, is keeping his paws off the bed rails in the pickup after being corrected on it twice. He did better yesterday running alongside the four wheeler than he did this morning, but part of that was I had to pay attention to the trailer full of irrigation pipe and less attention to where he ran. Barry always worried me by cutting in front of me and circling the vehicle or four wheeler. Shadow is going to learn to run alongside only, no racing. We did stop and visit Barry this morning and I sure wish he was here to help me out training this new guy.... His memory is a heavy influence on how Shadow will be worked, but that doesnt bail us out when a toy, or bird, is floating away. There are moments when Shadows mannerisms are identical, but he looks quite different and is at a different place than Barry was at this age... Im investigating a fast paced bird dog method by getting a new book tomorrow. Came highly recommended by a hunting buddy whose opinion I trust, and the reviews I read online were all high praise. I believe this boy is smart enough, and I want to work his instinct while hes energetic and learning all the time.... Oh, and he quartered away naturally today while walking through a pasture.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 15:45:32 +0000
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