Sticks50

Coffee is an amazing dog....not because of me, but for all that she taught me....she trained me very well. She is my service dog, my construction helper, my upland bird hunting partner, my "survival" dog, my stability in life. She taught me about raising litters for manners, and so very much more.

Known for their high energy, you'd never think that a GSP would be such an incredible "tool" for mobility challenged hunters. The videos speak for themselves....Their ability is only limited to the amount of time you spend teaching them their jobs. I gifted Mac as a puppy to Jennifer and Pat Lynn just for that purpose. They did an amazing job training him. What an asset he became.

Since my pups can do multiple disciplines with ease, I make sure they are exposed to as many disciplines as I can in order for them to be comfortable in each activity. I want them to know where their feet are and to think their way through various situations.

GSP's are hunting dogs and hunting dogs need to love the water, especially if hunting water fowl. I make water FUN! I never use a spray bottle for discipline....water is FUN and NOT a punishment! Water is an essential part of raising a GSP!

Dogs know how to exist in a dog pack but domesticated canines will be living in a human/canine pack where the rules are totally different than what a canine pack would require. By teaching my pups the rules of canine/human co-existence, manners/rules become their way of life and don't get confused (as bad) when they go to their forever homes. I require them to "sit for attention", teach them about "my space" and the requirements associated with entering "my space" in a calm fashion. I teach them how to watch where I am so they don't body slam or trip me during play. All rules are taught for the benefit of their humans safety and partnership.

Even if you never plan on crating your dog, in the case of an emergency, teaching them their crate is their "safe" place will help reduce stress. The crate should not be a prison, but a place of relaxation and feelings of being safe

Nature provides the instinct. I provide the opportunity. My pups are toilet trained via a doggie door at about 4 weeks old. Nature is such a wonderful teacher!

They imprint horses at birth, why not dogs? I start imprinting for handling from about 5 days old and through the 8 weeks my litters are with me. I don't do litters very often but when I do, my sole objective is to offer a pup that is easily handled and well mannered. I use a gentle and loving massage on my animals as their reward for calmness and adhering to my rules of co-existence. The massage is an incredible tool as they will comply to just about anything in order to receive it.