Getting a new puppy this spring?
I acquired two 7 week old GWP's from a reputable kennel last spring 2020. I started their training immediately, not intense demanding or harsh procedures rather just exposing the pups to the natural world, as well as laying ground work for further more formal training.
As the owner of BLUE Collar Kennels I have had the opportunity and good fortune to raise many puppies. Being a breeder, hunter, and devoted dog trainer I have after many years of experience developed a step by step program that will make pups and older dogs the best they can be. My program does involve participation in testing programs such as the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) and the American Kennel Club. (AKC) hunt tests for pointing breeds. I have trained several Blue Collar dogs to the highest level of both venues, NAVHDA Versatile Champions and AKC Master Hunters and Advanced Master Hunter.
Testing is required to get the most out of your dog . What testing will accomplished is to set goals for you and your pup, It will make you allocate the time and resources needed to give your pup the best possible chances of doing well in the test. This will make you spend time with your pup in a controlled goal oriented setting, What also needs to be done beside testing is hunting, which is just as important or even more important in developing a great hunting dog. To make the best hunting dog possible you must give your dog days in the field.
To prove my methods work I tested last springs pups at the tender age of 6 months in NAVHDA'S Natural Ablity test. Both pups received Prize 1 maximum score 112 points without club assistance or ever being at the test site prior to test day. Don't get me wrong NAVHDA clubs provide a invaluable amount of support and knowledge especially to the novice, and the comradery you will obtain with folks getting together to share and pursue their dreams of having great hunting dogs will forever be part of of your life. Being a hunter and a dog enthusiast you will make friends and memories that will last a life time. That being said I after many years of being involved in the Utah Wasatch Mountain Chapter of NAVHDA, moved to a isolated area in South Dakota where its impossible without several hours travel time to be near a club. I had to do it on my own enlisting anyone that was willing to get out with me.
NAVHDA'S Natural Ablity Training can be done on your own but for higher level training such as NAVHDA'S UTLITY or AKC MASTER HUNT training, this will require assistance. That's where club involvement is so important. I do encourage if possible for you to get involved in a club, volunteer, you will gain an immense amount of knowledge from being involved and testing your dogs. Here are some pics of my girls at test day. Bone Points Liza Jane and Bone Ponts Lefty Sept 27 2020 . The test was put on by the MIDWEST TRI STATE chapter of NAVHDA, 
In my next posts I will outline and describe what I do for my puppies to get the most out of them. The first thing you need to do is prepare yourself for the responsibility of having a puppy and decide where your puppy is going to live.
