Summer Run,
congratulations on the new pup! I'm sure you'll have many a memorable day.
You don't need much! Most things you can get at the local pet store and the rest from cabela's.
You only need four things to start with. A portable crate, an old fishing pole, some line (about twice the length of the pole) and a pheasant wing. Start training right away like yesterday. Figure out a few commands (for me its, whoa, sit, stay, here, kennel and easy) and stick with them. Do not however discipline bad behavior. If he starts nipping or challangeing you in any way just place him in the kennel for a short time out. Remember he will do his best to rule the household. At this age everything is positive. You'll soon learn to foresee good behavior and bad. Promote one and ignore/avoid the other. Several times a day introduce and repeat the commands you've chosen. By the time he's 12 or 13 weeks old he will know all of his commands and is ready for mild discipline. And don't forget lots of walks.
Now the fun part. Twice a day take the pheasant wing out into the backyard and let him chase it. Do not ever let him get it. He will soon tire and begin to point (don't forget to say "whoa" and pat him on the head)! Yea baby!!!!! I don't know who has more fun, the dog, the owner or the neighbors watching the spectacle.
One word of caution. No matter how tempting do not take him to the river with you. He will find a dead chum to roll in and eat long before you can find a live one. Yuk!
Keep us posted on your progress. My 17 mo. old Brittany has had a much better season than I. Although we have only run into a couple of pheasant (no shots, damn hens) she has several beautiful points on quail this year. She is a much better pointer than I am a shot!
Have fun and good luck!!!!!
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