Search found 51 matches

by Qwernt
Fri Jun 14, 2013 12:52 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Pig Pen Contest
Replies: 9
Views: 3653

Re: Pig Pen Contest

I don't have pictures, happened to long ago, but when I was a toddler, my parents left my three older brothers and I at home (ages 12,8,6,2). There last words were something along the lines of "and clean up your rooms, it is a like a pig pen in there". Boys being boys, my brothers heard "clean up th...
by Qwernt
Fri Mar 29, 2013 12:18 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: female what to expect
Replies: 13
Views: 4681

Re: female what to expect

Before we spayed, we dealt with 2 sessions of dog being in heat (after which she appeared fully mature which was my bar for spaying). Our dog didn't bleed as much as other people have described. Generally we kept her in a play pen instead of full range of the house, with blanket and plastic sheet un...
by Qwernt
Mon Mar 25, 2013 4:24 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: I am having trouble deciding which breed???
Replies: 17
Views: 6838

Re: I am having trouble deciding which breed???

Versatile dog forums is a good spot for people who do both fur and feather. Lots of DD WPG GWP etc owners happy to tell you their breed is the best (of course we all know it is the EB) :D
by Qwernt
Tue Mar 19, 2013 12:14 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Crate Training Questions
Replies: 16
Views: 5045

Re: Crate Training Questions

++ to Ezzy on this one. When we had something to do, she was out of the crate. Otherwise she was in it. I left it a little larger than most people, just so she had a little more room. I also cheated at night the first week or so. I slept on the couch (same room as the crate) the first couple of nigh...
by Qwernt
Thu Mar 14, 2013 12:19 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: "Come" vs. "Here"
Replies: 34
Views: 13929

Re: "Come" vs. "Here"

While 3 whistle blast carries best, and in the field I usually use it to get her back by me. However, when working close, I picked up my recall command from a lab show - "Place". In theory, "Place" and point where I want her and she goes there. In practice we haven't only gotten to which side of my ...
by Qwernt
Fri Mar 01, 2013 12:51 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Training with doves instead of pigeons
Replies: 8
Views: 2309

Re: Training with doves instead of pigeons

While morning doves would be illegal, in many states you could use eurasian collared doves (in many states they are considered an invasive species and are completely non protected, just like rock doves [pigeons]). Of course, you would want to be careful to not catch morning doves by mistake.
by Qwernt
Fri Mar 01, 2013 12:34 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Leasons Learned......
Replies: 9
Views: 2840

Re: Leasons Learned......

We have a nice 30-40 acre off leash park we go to everyday. The only major problem is no gateso at the parking lot. After going down every day for a year, one day my britt realized that if she ran across the parking lot, she could get to the soccer fields on the other side (where there was serious r...
by Qwernt
Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:46 pm
Forum: Off Topic Forum
Topic: Wives and Minivans
Replies: 37
Views: 16589

Re: Wives and Minivans

2 words: Sliding Doors. Best auto related invention since they first put doors on cars. If there was a vehicle with 4 sliding doors I would buy it in an instant. ALL vehicles should require sliding doors - we could save inches in every parking lot. no more dings from the next car opening a door into...
by Qwernt
Mon Feb 04, 2013 11:36 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: brand new puppy and a mostly outside pet cat?
Replies: 19
Views: 6281

Re: brand new puppy and a mostly outside pet cat?

We have an indoor cat (still has claws though) and she put the puppy in her place long before it got to the point of worrying about eyes (though it does happen). That said just yesterday dog went up like it was going to mess with cat, and suddenly yelped and ran, apparently the nose got bopped a bit...
by Qwernt
Fri Feb 01, 2013 12:58 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: list of things before bringing puppy home
Replies: 31
Views: 12113

Re: list of things before bringing puppy home

Most important thing you can do right now is not keep the dog a secret. You need to have everyone in the family on the same page before you bring the dog home.. First, i agree with Cajun raising a pup in a family environment takes every member of the family to be on board and understand how to prop...
by Qwernt
Fri Jan 25, 2013 2:55 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: I have to ask...
Replies: 8
Views: 2158

Re: I have to ask...

Is that why they call them "Setters"??? :mrgreen: Risking going on a tangent... Setting is actually crouching to the point of laying down, just doing so very intensely. It was bread into the setting breeds (and most of the original brittany lines) so that the hunter could net the prey without getti...
by Qwernt
Wed Oct 10, 2012 4:04 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: I think we need to get rid of our britt...
Replies: 95
Views: 32143

Re: I think we need to get rid of our britt...

The bad news: YES, it is an investment. And it may not get much easier for 1-2 years depending on the bloodlines and your families abilities. You have a bird dog. They are bred to have energy. From 6 months to 18 months, I was taking my french brittany to the offleash park (40 acre) 2 times a day, 1...
by Qwernt
Tue Sep 25, 2012 5:44 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Should I be worried...Springer question.
Replies: 11
Views: 7486

Re: Should I be worried...Springer question.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Springer_Spaniel

"At this point in time, both cocker spaniels and springer spaniels were born in the same litters" (1576)

Maybe a bit of a throw back... Personally, if I had wanted a flushing dog a mini-springer would be ideal.
by Qwernt
Mon Sep 24, 2012 12:56 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Wife MADE me do it!!!
Replies: 22
Views: 9988

Re: Wife MADE me do it!!!

On subject of guns, As Patrick McManus said "Learn to sneak man, learn to sneak!" :lol:
(Book Title, "THE GRASSHOPPER TRAP"; Story: "Gunrunning")
by Qwernt
Fri Sep 14, 2012 12:11 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Water
Replies: 11
Views: 3990

Re: Water

Ducks. My pup wasn't so sure about water, not even puddles to run in, until she found some ducks feeding in 3 inches of water at the dog park when she was about 9 months old. She now has an association: water == ducks. That said, it took a year after starting to swim for her to decide she wanted to ...
by Qwernt
Thu Sep 06, 2012 11:24 am
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Feeding and Hunting
Replies: 20
Views: 6564

Re: Feeding and Hunting

No harm and no offense. And don't worry, the 5 or 6 of is in the back of the pickup were a bit shocked too. Back to the subject: My current plan: move 80% of food to evening feed, find a little pick me up for lunch snack (something similar to runners gel - but for dogs... maybe just a little peanut ...
by Qwernt
Wed Sep 05, 2012 11:10 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Feeding and Hunting
Replies: 20
Views: 6564

Re: Feeding and Hunting

He didn't swallow a pheasant whole or because he was hungry I am sure. I' have seen dogs try to eat them rather than give them up to you. ... Ezzy I will not argue with your advice regarding feeding before hunting as you are probably correct. In fact I will probably change around her feeding patter...
by Qwernt
Wed Sep 05, 2012 5:52 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Feeding and Hunting
Replies: 20
Views: 6564

Re: Feeding and Hunting

Usually I feed twice a day. My hunting generally breaks down into two kinds of hunts: Daily, Special. Last season, I fed Momo in the morning, normal amount regardless of the hunt. For the daily hunt: After she eats, it is a 20 minute drive, 1 to 1.5 hour hunt, back home to rest. Basically the same a...
by Qwernt
Wed Sep 05, 2012 4:38 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Looking for a Cull!
Replies: 85
Views: 40263

Re: Looking for a Cull!

No comment on using Dogs on Hogs. I would like to thank Nick for being honest about his plans for the dog. Agree or disagree with the goal, at least you didn't lie about your plans: to breed a "bad bird dog" hoping to improve your hog dogs. That said, I doubt other are correct in suggesting you go t...
by Qwernt
Wed Sep 05, 2012 4:32 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Dog Naming?
Replies: 6
Views: 2121

Re: Dog Naming?

As I understand it, French Brittanies have even more confining guidelines. All puppies born in a given year are named with the same starting letter and should be french followed by "de" and the kennel/breeder name (call name can be anything, but registered name should be consistent). Hence, my Momo ...
by Qwernt
Tue Sep 04, 2012 1:58 pm
Forum: Off Topic Forum
Topic: What is your dogs favorite toy or chew?
Replies: 41
Views: 14383

Re: What is your dogs favorite toy or chew?

While she has gotten much better, my dogs favorite list used to include: My shoes woodwork around the house her bedding carpet the top of the blueberry bush cherry limbs As for stuff I actually want her to chew, she either doesn't like it (either non distructable - example: Black Kong rubber made it...
by Qwernt
Fri Aug 31, 2012 4:06 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Getting enough to eat?
Replies: 4
Views: 2964

Re: Getting enough to eat?

While they may not "get tired" of it, I know my dog certainly has types she likes and types she doesn't. When I first got her, I had to try different chow because the breeder used a local brand that we don't have. It took me two or three brands to find one that she liked (for those she didn't I woul...
by Qwernt
Fri Aug 31, 2012 3:47 pm
Forum: Product Ratings & Reviews
Topic: Time for an E-Collar
Replies: 9
Views: 6081

Re: Time for an E-Collar

Is the "buzz" setting a vibrate or a tone? I know Dogtra has a Vibrate "pager" setting but I would rather get TT if they have vibrate (if dog doesn't listen to me yelling, won't listen to a beep beeping either).
by Qwernt
Fri Aug 31, 2012 11:54 am
Forum: Hunting
Topic: Doves?
Replies: 9
Views: 4226

Re: Doves?

Oddly enough, Momo's first real hunting trip last year was a dove trip. It was not on opening day, so just a a friend and I and his female lab and Momo. Only saw 5 birds or so, but Momo did get a nice point in the sagebrush. She also got to find dead birds (it was fun to watch her hunt dead better t...
by Qwernt
Fri Aug 31, 2012 11:42 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Epagneul Breton (French Brittany)
Replies: 38
Views: 14383

Re: Epagneul Breton (French Brittany)

[quote="C.painter] Just took Ellie to the vet.. I was like WOW.... 43 lbs at 7.5 months! Needs to slim down a little:). She will be hunted hard so not to worried going into the season. Someone mention they can get fat quick... Real quick. She doesn't look heavy.. but could loose about 6 lbs. She get...
by Qwernt
Wed Aug 29, 2012 3:28 pm
Forum: Off Topic Forum
Topic: Occupations
Replies: 239
Views: 156168

Re: Occupations

I am a web server performance and problems analyst for a certain major software company based in Redmond Washington.
Which leaves me precious little time for the family, much less the dog.
by Qwernt
Wed Aug 29, 2012 3:22 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: What Breed Did You Start With
Replies: 40
Views: 9961

Re: What Breed Did You Start With

As I recently said in another (long) post: Grandpa had pointers that I group hunted with, but the Irish Setter was the daily "let's go get a bird" dog for us boys. After she passed we went through GSP and lab. After 20 year break, I hunt over some springers but get myself a French Brittany. While I ...
by Qwernt
Tue Aug 28, 2012 8:11 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: This one got me, kids got it right.
Replies: 12
Views: 4755

Re: This one got me, kids got it right.

Where is the like it button? Great story.
by Qwernt
Tue Aug 28, 2012 1:32 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Epagneul Breton (French Brittany)
Replies: 38
Views: 14383

Re: Epagneul Breton (French Brittany)

I will let the experts talk about the breed, I can only comment on my dog. My background: Grandpa had 400+ acres and ran English Pointers (yes, I still call them english pointers). My father went with a field bred Irish Setter, which was the dog I grew up hunting over (a boy, his .410, and his dog, ...
by Qwernt
Mon Aug 27, 2012 4:06 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Blackberries?
Replies: 22
Views: 9038

Re: Blackberries?

I read cherries are poisoness to dogs. Anyone know how accurate that is? I ask because I might need to take out the cherry trees. Pup loves cherries, even just cherry pits the birds leave behind. I read about cyanide poisoning and a little worried.
by Qwernt
Mon Aug 27, 2012 3:51 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Delivering to hand
Replies: 11
Views: 2960

Re: Delivering to hand

I had to use two tennis balls to get my pup (now 2) to fetch all the way back to me. To get her to actually put things in my hand, I just wouldn't throw the second until I had the first. Oddly enough, I say "in my hand" and tap my hand. It took a little time, but she got it. Of course, since no one ...
by Qwernt
Mon Nov 08, 2010 10:27 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: At what age is a child ready to hunt upland game?
Replies: 19
Views: 5649

Re: At what age is a child ready to hunt upland game?

Watched my 10 year old brother shoot the car window out (hey watch me shoot through both open windows... oops that wasn't open) when I was 6. We both learned a WHOLE bunch about gun safety that day (he much more pointedly than I, his was first "hand", I learned through listening). Got to start shoot...
by Qwernt
Mon Nov 01, 2010 8:52 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: New Pup
Replies: 14
Views: 4322

Re: New Pup

While by no means an expert, I followed the "a tired pup is a happy pup" mantra and just wore my puppy out each evening for the first few nights we had her home. Seemed to help. That said, I also slept on the couch (she was in the kitchen in the crate ~20 feet away) for a few nights which probably a...
by Qwernt
Wed Oct 06, 2010 9:16 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Letting off some steam.
Replies: 52
Views: 13326

Letting off some steam.

Not looking for any answers on this, or necessarily any replies, I just need to vent some frustration. I take my 6 month old French Brittany down to the off leash dog area on a regular basis (at least 3 times a week). Lets her explore and run through grass and I get to work with her outside the back...
by Qwernt
Mon Oct 04, 2010 3:29 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Walking Puppy
Replies: 25
Views: 7325

Re: Walking Puppy

Thanks All. I have tried the "switch directions often" approach and her response was simple, after she realizes which direction we are going, 100% sprint that direction (to the end of the 5' line and pop - but didn't care). I tried the 1/2 hitch around the flank (before posting the question here). W...
by Qwernt
Mon Sep 27, 2010 12:58 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Walking Puppy
Replies: 25
Views: 7325

Walking Puppy

Now that puppy has put the muscle on (almost 30 lbs at 5.5 months), my wife can no longer take puppy for a walk. I can, but she LOVES to pull the end of the leash. We tried a "halty" (basically a muzzle) but all she does is fight it. Any other ideas for helping the "little" girl walk nicely. And yes...
by Qwernt
Mon Sep 27, 2010 9:48 am
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: How big should puppy be?
Replies: 3
Views: 1534

Re: How big should puppy be?

@BigShooter: 99.995% sure who the father is (breeder owns both and only had 1 breeding male at the time.

@JCorcoran: Thanks, that is what I have been hoping and assuming, good to know she may not be way off base.
by Qwernt
Wed Sep 22, 2010 11:38 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: How big should puppy be?
Replies: 3
Views: 1534

How big should puppy be?

Does anyone have a weight/growth chart - specifically I am looking for French Brittany. I ask, because we weighed our 5 1/2 month old girl and she is already pushing 30 lbs. Given that her parents are both around 35, I was a bit surprised. If the internet calculators I have seen are correct, then sh...
by Qwernt
Tue Sep 21, 2010 10:22 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Is 5 1/2 months old to early to nueter a dog?
Replies: 24
Views: 9018

Re: Is 5 1/2 months old to early to nueter a dog?

Hopefully I am not pushing the thread too far on a tangent, but I have a 5 1/2 month old female (French Brittany if that matters). I am on the fence on the subject of spaying. As she is the first dog I have owned (grew up with dogs, but I wasnt in charge) and also the first dog I have had in the hou...
by Qwernt
Wed Jul 28, 2010 11:26 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: What to play with Puppy?
Replies: 4
Views: 2913

What to play with Puppy?

So, what kind of games should I play with puppy? Searching for more ideas. Things I try: Fetch (in a hallway/enclosed space) New tricks (wife and daughter are working on "shake" and "roll-over") walks "find the ____" - usually cheese, hotdog, etc dropped in the grass. Sit and pet (this one is gettin...
by Qwernt
Wed Jul 28, 2010 10:48 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Training rewards (treats)
Replies: 65
Views: 15503

Re: Training rewards (treats)

Thanks Sharon. Yeah, I get disobey == win. I don't even give commands anymore unless she is on the leash/in control. She recently had an ear infection and treating it has changed the relationship. She now knows I am in charge, but I don't think she is too happy with that fact still. Obviously still ...
by Qwernt
Tue Jul 27, 2010 8:50 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Training rewards (treats)
Replies: 65
Views: 15503

Re: Training rewards (treats)

After talking with the breeder, I recently quit training my 4 month old pup with treats. The problem is, she has never really enjoyed people petting her (used to bite at people who touched her), so I am having trouble coming up with "reward" beyond "not in trouble". I am not sure avoid upsetting mas...
by Qwernt
Tue Jun 29, 2010 11:21 am
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Flea and Tick preventative
Replies: 31
Views: 12695

Re: Flea and Tick preventative

Are there any minimum age restrictions on these products? IE, how old should my puppy be before I can put this stuff on her?
by Qwernt
Thu Jun 24, 2010 12:21 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Pup help (long post)
Replies: 13
Views: 4933

Re: Pup help (long post)

I have a very similar pup (well, behavior wise). At 10 weeks old she loved to chew on people and clothing and just about anything else. I got some great advice here and from the breeder, but most of the solutions (tap under chin, put fingers down mouth, etc) just get her mad (more chewing with growl...
by Qwernt
Wed Jun 16, 2010 12:13 pm
Forum: Health and Nutrition
Topic: Combining foods
Replies: 10
Views: 2805

Re: Combining foods

I can leave a raw steak on the floor and my dogs will not touch it. How do you go about training this, and how early do you start? at 10 weeks my pup can sit just fine... if I have food in my hand she can wait 5-10 seconds, but if something interesting (other food, toy, etc) gets near, then she bre...
by Qwernt
Tue Jun 08, 2010 1:25 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Walking on a leash, or Hunting on a leash?
Replies: 2
Views: 1324

Walking on a leash, or Hunting on a leash?

Well, Momo the French Brittany is getting a little better at not biting (that is going to be a long struggle). However, as a new dog owner/trainer and first time with a dog in suburbia, I have a question: Should I walk my Dog, or let her hunt? When I read the generic dog training info & watch dog tr...
by Qwernt
Tue Jun 01, 2010 7:14 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Help, Berserk Puppy and othe problems
Replies: 12
Views: 4422

Re: Help, Berserk Puppy and othe problems

Thanks again all. We have been using a different approach, and it seems to be working. The whole "say no and then distract her with something that she can chew". It does mean we have to be prepared, but "just walking away" wasn't working as she tended to hang on and follow. So far, there has been an...
by Qwernt
Mon May 31, 2010 10:51 am
Forum: Training
Topic: Help, Berserk Puppy and othe problems
Replies: 12
Views: 4422

Re: Help, Berserk Puppy and othe problems

Thanks All. We don't play tug of war (for the same "don't want to tug over a pheasant" reason), and I was starting to wonder if I should since she doesn't have a lot of games to play with people yet (haven't started fetch yet). The only times I have dropped her on her side hard was when she went for...
by Qwernt
Sun May 30, 2010 11:59 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Help, Berserk Puppy and othe problems
Replies: 12
Views: 4422

Help, Berserk Puppy and othe problems

While I grew up with hunting and cattle dogs, this is my first time owning a puppy. I was expecting a happy bouncing ball of fur that liked to follow you around and might give you a good natured nip or two. What I have is an eight week old, beautiful french brittany girl that loves to run (ie, doesn...
by Qwernt
Tue Apr 13, 2010 6:43 pm
Forum: Training
Topic: Helmet cam for training aid
Replies: 13
Views: 4796

Re: Helmet cam for training aid

Only problem with strapping them to you gun - you won't see your dog all that much... at least you don't usually want your gun pointed at your dog.