Father's Day Fishing

Got a few of the fathers and sons out for a day of fishing at Strawberry Reservoir. Sure did enjoy ourselves. We rented a pontoon boat for the day and took off for some trolling early in the morning till 7 that night. It was a gorgeous day, sunny, warm with a little breeze. The fishing was alot slower than we had expected but we all had a blast. Pop caught the most fish so that makes it worth it! Can't wait to get back out and do it again. Here's a pic of Bizkit with his fish and my dad with one of his. Wish i could of got more pics but someone had to drive the boat! 

"Hold" in Pleasant Valley

Took another trip out East to Pleasant Valley to get some tips and an evaluation on all the training I've been doing from the guru's. Met up with a couple fellow addicts and their dogs.... Zac and Grizz and Justin and Kaz.Everything is going very well! We are right on track! Those are nice words to hear when you are new to handling dogs. Turned out to be great weather, we were wondering at first. Hessian got to go for a real run chasing four wheelers, behind the pack now i bet a few more sessions of that and he will be leading. Was able to get there impression of his search and basic obedience, he even Platzed(down with chin on ground) when fellow addict Zac just spoke it in conversation! Impressive. We were able to get the HN certification done and over with, just waiting on the paper trail now. HN is a toughness certification (Haertenachweis) in which the dog must demonstrate its fearlessness and toughness in the face of furred predator or feral game in a hunting situation. All part of the breeding system and mandatory for breeding certification. Next on the agenda for breed certification is the Hip Dysplasia where i will need to have x rays of his hips examined in Germany, more on this later.

 I was also able to get some tips on FF. I found out that during my training of the "hold" command I was repeating it over and over, (hold, hold, hold...) and saying hold before i put it in the dogs mouth, that is fetch.Hold means hold whatever i tell you too, fetch means reach for it, go get it, on one command only. So after a few tries we were opening the mouth placing the object inside commanding hold once and walking with it. Excellent! Also got help transferring over from the ear pinch method to e collar, which i think is especially important because on "hold" if item is dropped it needs to be an instant correction and I find this much easier than fumbling around to grab the dogs ear. We have been practicing since and as you can see in these photos he is holding everything now, no mouthing no dropping and he is more comfortable in the holding situation. Just about ready to move to fetch!

 Last two notes. Grizz is looking great, training is going well, running with the pack and closely behind the leader who was Nic. Searching well, whoaing and obeying nicely. FF has officially began for him too with hold introduced this weekend!

 Received an email from a man named Jim today (posted in this posts comment section) wanted to talk to me. Talked with him for quite a while doesn't have a dog yet but is addicted none the less.He has been doing his research and enjoyed the sites info. People like this is exactly why I started the page. Looking for a pup now and hope to see him around soon.

 Thanks again Jon and Brian see you soon!

 Oh ya check out the slideshow Fellow Addicts i have added 3 more Jon, Brian and Justin with dogs.

Force Fetch Update (Hold Training)

 Since my last post on FF. I found out I was skipping a major step in my training. I think as a beginning handler I am anxious to get to the final product therefore causing me to hurry through and skip steps. FF training is not something that should be rushed, take time, baby steps and real time progression will be noticed.

 So what happened was I skipped hold almost all together I used "fetch" instead and had him holding only bumpers, it was working well actually had him lunging for the bumper right away and before long even going away from me to fetch bumper. He would hold bumpers great with a little bit of mouthing. Thats where the skipped steps reared it's ugly head. After getting the advice of others I started over with "hold". The problem was he would fetch a bumper or hold a bumper with some mouthing, no mouthing allowed! And never being introduced to fur or feathers there was no way he would fetch up a bird or rabbit. So out came the Tri Tronics trained retrieve dvd! I have been following that method by the book. I must say everything is really working out much better. I currently have him heeling while holding everything from bumpers to pipes to frozen ducks,chukars,pheasants, frozen rabbits and fox tails! Oh he was definitely hesitant at first with all these things but most definitely the fur. As you can see in these photos this was the beginning of the frozen game hold training he is not happy. Expect any dog to be reluctant at first but with constant repetition it will soon pass. Fur is the biggest obstacle to get past in hold training in my opinion. I will update soon with photos of our progress as of now. Good Luck to any of you who are currently in the process of this same training. Don't forget to send those photos or info on your training.

Pleasant Day at Pleasant Valley!

Took a trip out to Pleasant Valley Hunting Preserve with a fellow addict. What an amazing experience! I feel like my brain is going to explode with all the information I received. First off this is a fantastic preserve, the layout is great lots of land, huge bird pens, streams and ponds and helpful friendly people. I have not yet had the opportunity to hunt but when the season begins i plan on spending alot of time here. 

 Our purpose for heading out there was to get in on some professional dog training and boy was it worth the trip. Jon and Brian really know there stuff and are ever so helpful and informative in explaining everything in detail, from the how's to the why's and eager to answer all the never ending questions of any newcomer. Being knew to dog training it is extremely valuable to see it done with my own eyes and explained in detail, I really want to do right by the dog and the breed and as a "newbie" this is the way to go. We were able to see the training in action from one of our own dogs to the many others that were being boarded there for training. From running the dogs in multiple groups for a good hard run, bird work, retrieving work, handler/dog evaluation to basic obedience work. These guys are methodical and almost ritualistic in the way they train and you can really see the connection in Jon and Brian as they practically can read each others minds. Anyone can feel completely secure that your dog is in great hands if left here. If you are having questions in handling or training look up Jon and Brian you will not regret it.

 Thanks Guys for the advice, the opinions, the great lunch, the hands on expertise, tour of the preserves and lakes,and most of all the experience.

Force Fetch

Force Fetch has begun, I thought it would be a bit rougher but so far so good! I have read up on the subject pretty well and have watched a few dvd's and even saw it done for a minute. So the training hat is on, I am remaining calm and Hessian seems willing to learn and surely wise enough to catch on fast. More info and pics to come.

 Force Fetch officially started on May 1st, I started with physically placing the bumper which is a paint roller to start in Hessians mouth all went well without a struggle he accepted the roller.

 I have been doing multiple 10 to 15 minute sessions throughout the day, I think we are both catching on fast. After he was holding the roller well i began the fetch work. I am not using a table only because i did not want to regress when we went to the ground. We worked our way into the ear pinch and commanding "fetch" right in front of his face with the roller and a bumper. All went fairly well, we had our struggles but once he figured out how to stop the ear pinch by grabbing the bumper i knew we were on our way!

 I worked our way up to fetching the bumper from about 6 feet me still holding in the air, but having to tell Hessian to "wait", because he started lunging at the bumper before commanded to fetch kind of a self reward. So he would wait and fetch when told to. At this time it has been about 8 days and he is holding it well and long, i can smack the bumper, grab and shake the bumper walk away and around him and he will hold until told to "give". We are even walking around a bit. Think it is going well.

 It has been 2 weeks to the day since i started this adventure and Hessian is Fetching from the ground! Up to 8 feet away now, he will fetch either the bumper or the roller that I set out for him and with huge desire! He really wants that bumper! I still have to remind him to "wait" sometimes but that drive is insane. He is holding great we are walking more with it, he carries it proud, and for a long time. We started with the ecollar method a few days ago and what a relief that is going better, we had a few struggles but we have worked that out and are on our way I think. 

 I have been trying t do it in different areas too so he doesn't get used to doing it all in one place. These are some pics i took in a field we frequent just to show him holding and me taking and the beginning of the ground work. Hopefully i will have some more pics and possibly video this weekend.

VJP TEST COMPLETED

Well the day finally arrived after alot of anticipation and training and Hessian passed the VJP with a 69! Figuring the reasonably highest score is a 77, I feel great about our accomplishment. We arrived in Malta, ID on Saturday morning to watch some of the dogs that were scheduled for that day. The weather was extremely windy and cold, overcast but dry. The testing area was high desert country, sagebrush,dry dry dry dirt and tons of cactus. Alot of dogs.
All the judges, handlers, spectators, helpers and breeders are great people, very informative and very helpful, one could just hang out all weekend chatting and socializing with everone.Thank you all very much! I know i learned alot. Alot about what judges look for, what handlers,hunters and breeders look for and how each dog though the same breed vary in their own little way, either in appearance or just style. Sunday was our big day, met with the judges and handlers at breakfast, 6 in the morning and the test started at 7. The weather was very cold, extremely windy,cloudy, even flurried for a minute. Brrrrrrr. Off to tracking we went, after a four hours at that it was off to another field,we did a field search with gunfire sensitivity, then it was off to another spot for pointing. Finally they checked the tattoos, teeth and entactness. Final judging, scores and Certificate in hand at 5. Not bad.
Came back happy with the results and that it was over, sore and less weight from all the walking and whole lot more educated from everyones info, most importantly a whole lot more Addicted!
Hessian is........... Goshen von der Salzmarsch
Track 8
Nose 10
Search 11
Pointing 11
Cooperation 11

Thanks again to everyone. Great job Judges that is a tough gig. Excellent work handlers those were some tough conditions. Good luck to all others, its (Test 2) the HZP or Armbruster from here!

Cost of Addiction

Just to be aware this is no joke, do not play around with Drahthaars. These are highly addictive dogs. It all starts with those cute little puppy pictures you see everywhere then next thing you know you are talking with breeders, driving endless miles to see the new member of your hunting party. Then it hits you a year later, YOUR ADDICTED! From having to buy new clothes to train in so your dog always recognizes you, to all the leashes, collars, dummies,bird launchers, bird traps, bird carriers, small furred game cages, training tables, and kennels.  You will rack up countless minutes on the phone and internet talking with other drahthaar addicts. Spending every weekend along with others in the fields. To the special call you make once every few weeks to your dog food dealer. Thats right! This is an addiction not to be taken lightly. If you think that spending most of your free time outdoors, walking fields, searching for fur and feathers, playing and bonding with a little whiskered puppy, visiting and socializing with dog lovers alike sound like fun then..... What are you waiting for? Get Addicted.

  ACQUIRED DRAHTHAAR OBSESSIVE SYNDROME (ADOS)

 This new disease ADOS has been identified by researchers. At first ADOS was thought to be psychological in nature, but researchers soon realized they were dealing with an infectious agent among Drahthaar owners. Epidemiologists have identified 3 stages of this disease. The associated symptoms for each stage are:

STAGE I- You have early symptoms if:

   * You think that any GNA test that is within 300 miles is nearby.

   * You begin to enjoy gettin up at 5 am to feed and water your Drahthaar.

   * Every gift you get has something to do with Drahthaars

   * You can't remember what it was like to own just one Drahthaar.

   * Nobody's feet is allowed on the furniture, but your Drahthaars are welcome to sleep on any piece of furniture they choose.

   * It takes an entirely separate trash can to handle all the poop.

STAGE II- You definitely have the disease if: 

   * The most important thing you factor when buying a new car is, how many crates can you fit in it.

   * When you look for a new house the first thing you look for is, how many Drahthaars you can kennel on the property.

   * Your Drahthaars food bill is higher than your families.

   * You and your family haven't had a check up in 3 years, but your Drahthaars are all medically up to date.

   * You can only remember a person by associating them with their Drahthaar.

   * You have more pictures of your Drahthaar than members of  your family

   * Most of your conversations revolve around Drahthaars

STAGE III- You are a terminal case if:

   * You wake up in the morning and find out that you put the kids in the crates and the dogs in their beds last night.

   * You've traced your Drahthaars family tree farther than you have your own

   * You start barking at your kids to "sit", "stay" and "heel"

   * Your cookie jar has never seen the likes of people cookies.

   * You rip up the carpet and lay tile to make clean up so much easier.

   * You readily allow your Drahthaars to give slobbery kisses, but you don't dare to wipe your toddlers nose.

   * Drahthaar hair in your food is just another spice.

   * Your family tells you "It's the Drahthaars or us!" and you choose the Drahthaars!!!

(thanks Jill)

VJP Test April 18-20 Malta Idaho

The final day is near our first breed test. The VJP (Verbands-Jugend Prufung) german to english translation would be Association Youngster Test. This is the first in 3 tests that the dog needs to pass 2 in order to be chosen for breeding. The purpose of these tests is to determine the natural abilities of a young dog as they pertain to the dogs suitability for use in versatile hunting and as a breeding dog. The tests also serve to recognize the genetic value of the dogs parents. Hunting especially for the germans is meant to be extremely ethical, therefore a dog and hunting tests just like this are required to even hunt there.

 In the VJP test the dog will be tested, evaluated and scored on Tracking, Use of nose, Search, Pointing, and Cooperation. The judges will also evaluate Gun sensitivity, Manner of hunting and Obedience, there is no scoring on the last three.

                                                 

                                                           SCORE SYSTEM

 The 3 or more judges will be evaluating and scoring the dog on Tracking,Nose,Search,Pointing and Cooperation according to this score system:

                                                           Excellent - 12 points* 

                                                           Very Good - 11 to 9 points

                                                           Good - 8 to 6 points

                                                           Sufficient - 5 to 3 points

                                                           Deficient - 2 to 1 points

                                                           Insufficient - 0 points

(*The 12 points can only be given as an exception for truly excellent work, demonstrated under difficult circumstances.)

 Tracking and Nose get a multiplier of 2 so are worth double points. 

                                                                  EVALUATION

 Tracking: is tested on tracks which the dog is able to sense via it's nose of a hare that is not visible. The dog will be evaluated on the will to track and track sureness. The will to track is recognized by the way the dog adapts to tracking work, how it starts the track,if it works the track willingly and with self control, if the dog makes every effort to follow the track.

 Track sureness is in the way the dog shows mental stability by controlling prey drive, how the dog follows the track independently and confidently.

 This is evaluated by working the dog, handler, judges and spectators through rabbit rich areas in which when a rabbit is spotted and the track visualized a dog that did not see the rabbit will be brought up by it's handler and released on the track.

 Nose: is demonstrated during the search if the dog finds game frequently, catches game scent from long distances, marks scent spots of game and during tracking when it loses, crosses and relocates track. This will be evaluated by closely watching the dog and its scenting abilities throughout the test.

 Search: is industrious, persistent, and shows will to find.Dogs that just trot through a search will only receive a "good". This will be evaluated by watching the dog work through a field in search of game.

 Pointing: is evident when the dog locks up or points or lies down before game it has scented. It not need be a staunch point nor does the dog need to be steady yet. This will be evaluated by working the dog in a search pattern in a field that is rich with or has previously planted game birds.

 Cooperation: is the dogs desire to maintain connection with it's handler. How the dog makes eye contact with handler during leashing, release, search, pointing, how it desires a connection with its handler even at a distance. This will be evaluated by watching the dog and handlers connection during all aspects of the test throughout the day.

                                               UNSCORED EVALUATION

 The dog is evaluated but no score is given for, manner of hunting, gun sensitivity, and obedience.

 Manner of hunting: Scentloud, Sightloud, Questionable, or Silent, is evaluated during a search or track for a hare. If it barks upon scent or sight or if it is silent during this time. This will be evaluated during the tracking portion of the test.

 Gunfire Sensitivity: is fright level in response to gunfire. it shows in how a dog reacts to gunfire. If it continues on with its search, if it seeks out the handler, refusal to continue work or ignores the sound and continues on. This is evaluated by the judges firing 2 shots usually during the search portion of the test when the dog is searching within 100 to 150 feet. Severely gunshy and hand shy dogs cannot past the test.

 Obedience: is evaluated during the course of the test but not scored. Judges will be looking at the way the dog can be handled during it's work and by the fact the dog obeys when it senses a command from it's handler. Obedience in connection with game is not required. Dogs cannot pass if they constantly evade their handler jeopardize their test or the entire test.

 I have been trying to prepare for this test for some time now. I am very excited and anxious to get on with it. I think we will do well, Hessian really seems to be catching on. So off we go. Hope the weather cooperates and I wish all the dogs and handlers luck. Game On!