Written By: Zach Miller
"One of the most common questions I get asked when it comes to the overwhelming process of gundogs is, what to do before it starts. Most individuals simply want to get it right as they have typically gotten it wrong in the past."
Photo Courtesy Of: ArtBarbarians.com
If you're considering purchasing a duck dog from a reputable breeder, there are a few things you should do before making your final decision. Although you can never get it right every single time, you can do your best to better your chances. Here are some tips to help you make an informed choice:
1. Know What You Want:
Far too often I see individuals who have the right intentions but the wrong dog, and that goes both ways. When I say, know what you want, I mean from the dog you select. For example, if I want a meat dog, or simply put…a dog who will bring my birds back, I don’t necessarily need to get a finished retriever with a stellar background/bloodline. When making this decision, do not overthink it, if you know what you want, pursue it. If you think you’re reaching a bit too out of hand, ask yourself, can I facilitate the training/upkeep if I get a higher level retriever? Moral of this story, be honest with what you decide.
2. Research The Breed:
Before you start looking for a breeder, it's important to research the breed of gundog you're interested in. Falling back on rule number one, knowing what you want, the same goes for selecting the breed. Understand that not all gundogs are created equal. Different breeds have different temperaments, energy levels, and training requirements, so it's important to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and needs. Understand as well that some breeds have different variations and unfortunately some have been improperly bred for designer purposes. …And no, silver labs are not labs.
3. Find A Reputable Breeder:
Breeders unfortunately get a bad reputation, in the training community, they're a bit on the crazy side, respectfully! With the demands they have put on them, most of it is understandable, unfortunately, the few ruin it for the many. Once you've decided on a breed, it's time to find a reputable breeder. Look for breeders who are members of breed clubs or organizations, and who have a good reputation in the community. You can also ask for recommendations from other duck dog owners or trainers. This would be my number one suggestion, nobody knows the breeding industry better than the ones running the dogs from said breeders. Trainers and old-timers will be able to tell you who serves what purpose for what you want.
4. Ask For Health Clearances:
Before purchasing a gundog, it's important to ask the breeder for health clearances. This includes testing for common health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and heart conditions. A reputable breeder will be happy to provide you with this information. In most cases you won’t have to ask, if a breeder is of any value, they will be more than pleased to provide you with more than you’ve asked for. The biggest recommendation with this step is to understand what you’re reading. There tends to be a lot of abbreviations and medical terminology and we can never seem to get away from acronyms. I look at this like buying a new truck, there is about 50 pages of stuff I have no clue what I’m reading, don’t be afraid to go home and digest it all.
5. Meet The Parents:
If possible, try to meet the parents of the litter. This will give you an idea of their temperament and behavior, which can be a good indicator of what your puppy will be like. This is a good point to go into in detail. You are getting a 50/50 split with the parents. If you are going for a high-end/high-drive gundog who you are possibly competing with, this is almost a must. You want to make sure you are thorough and see these dogs in action or at least in person. Depending on the breeder they may or may not have the dogs in-house. Some breeders will foster out their breeding so don’t expect everything to be in one place. If that happens, ask for footage of the dog working, this has always been my biggest point to ask for. I want to see what my dog will partially look like in action. Remember, be respectful and understand it may take time.
6. Ask About Socialization:
Socialization is important for all puppies, but especially for gundogs. Ask the breeder how they socialize their puppies, and if they expose them to different environments and experiences. Working in obedience for a short period, the biggest upset I would see is the “what if” dogs, the dogs that had everything lined up perfectly to be great but were not socialized early enough. This topic is commonly up for debate but I am a firm believer that a brief portion of socialization must begin with the breeder as they are the first contact with the new litter of puppies. When meeting/talking with a possible breeder, ask what their socialization plan is, you’ll be able to tell if they have one by how they describe it.
7. Be Prepared For The Commitment:
Finally, be prepared for the commitment of owning a duck dog. These dogs require a lot of time, energy, and training to be successful in the field. Make sure you're ready for the responsibility before bringing a puppy home. I hate seeing the posts online of a gundog who was half-trained and became too much for the owner(s). I think this goes without saying, but these working breeds must never be a Christmas present in the sense that they are kept and then given up. I look at gundogs like this, they were purposely and responsibly bred for a purpose, we must not fail them by not providing them with what they need to succeed.
In conclusion, purchasing a duck dog from a reputable breeder requires research, preparation, and commitment. By following these tips, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect companion for your hunting adventures. Be responsible, be thorough and be respectful. The purchasing and beginning stages of this are the dawn of a new life with your four legged friend.
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