As far as getting him ready for the field, the following procedures have been done. I have been retrieving with him on a check cord using various objects. Mostly his favorite toys tennis balls, footballs, basketballs, hockey pucks, stuffed toys and my socks. (He's more into sports then I am,
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
House manners and basic commands NEED to be touched up on. The one basic command that I'm mostly concerned with teaching the little guy is "stay". He doesn't have a clue what it is... how can I teach this easily? Now house manners is a different story that is frustrating me day in and day out. The dog whines and begs whenever I'm eating. He doesn't bother anyone else but me, heheh. OK, some spoiling has been done but in moderation. Depending on what I'm eating I'll wait until I'm completely finished leave him a small scrap and let him clean the plate. Plus, sometimes when I eat tuna I pour some of the tuna water with his food. Lastly, treats are given now and then when he refuses to come inside on command. I forgot the one main thing thats pissing everyone off . He's getting his sneaky paws on the counters and eating meals, I mean full MEALS. Bowls of chicken (not raw), pasta, a cookie or two, and I can hear the little bugger checking 'em all the time from the basement. But by the time I go and try and correct him hes off doing something else or escaping. The "bleep" sneak. Just from what I told you, what can or needs to be done?
My situation as far as bird hunting capabilities goes is opening up immensely. We are inheriting a cabin in Central Northern Michigan brightening up all our recreational dreams. The mutt and I, will be chasing wild birds as much as we can, no matter what species. This I hope will be a good turning point in our training process. Being able to commute from Metro Detroit to bird country as often as we please.
If you made it this far through the post, I thank you. ANY help or constructive criticism will be beneficial to our training and thoroughly acknowledged.
Take it easy.