Steve Ries, Top Gun Kennels & Native Dog Food
What breed should you consider for your next hunting companion?
The best way to answer this question is to list your goals before you start the search process. While there is no guarantee of a perfect match, answering the following questions will go a long way in ensuring the success of your hunt for the perfect pup.
– Will you be hunting upland birds, waterfowl or both?
– Do you want your dog to live in the house or a kennel?
– What size is ideal for your needs?
– Do you need a dog that works close or ranges to cover a lot of ground?
– Is hair color or length important?
– Are there breed clubs or organizations in the area to support your training efforts?
– Are there health issues with certain breeds you should try to avoid?
– Do you plan to participate in test or trials with this new canine companion?
These are a few important questions to consider and that good breeders should ask if they have your best interests in mind.
Finding a Breeder That Fits Your Needs
Once you’ve narrowed down your potential breeds to one or two, it’s time to search for a breeder. Don’t be afraid to ask these questions to protect your investment:
– What methods do they use to monitor genetic health in their program?
– Do they provide a written guarantee for health and satisfaction?
– How do they measure sires and dams for use in their breeding program?
– Is there an opportunity for training support after your purchase?
– Do they select for certain traits to use in field trials, hunt tests or other events?
– Will they provide a list of references for customers they have done business with?
– What are their puppy selection criteria?
Do your homework on a breeder and spend some time around their dogs. A breeder that matches your hunting needs is just as important as selecting the breed.
www.nativedogfood.com and watch for more dog training tips on the USA website.
