Taking a young or inexperienced Epagneul Breton out for its first hunting experience is both exciting and challenging. The journey from puppyhood to becoming a seasoned bird dog involves careful preparation and patience. Here are some essential tips, shared by our members, to ensure you and your French Brittany are ready.
Essential Preparation Tips
Timing and Maturity
Building early experiences is vital for your puppy, but you also need to ensure the pup is physically and mentally ready for the hunt. Chip Hidinger, Treasurer of the CEB-US and veteran woodcock and western upland hunter, reminds us that basic training sets up the dog to mentally handle the hunt. While your French Brittany puppy will be intoxicated by the allure of birds, make sure the pup has proper recovery time. Watching your puppy point and hold its first wild bird is the magic that all bird dog owners crave.
Mastering Recall
Ric Haulenbeck is an active member both with the CEB-US and our regional clubs in MT and the Southwest. Ric added two puppies to his already two adult EBs at home, so his upcoming season is a mix of seasoned bird dogs and aspiring puppies. He recommends ensuring that your puppy responds reliably to recall before heading into the field. The stress, anxiety, and frustration of a pup not returning when called can be overwhelming. Solid recall training helps maintain control and safety, making the hunting experience more enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Introducing Hunting Gear
Gradually introduce your pup to hunting gear, such as collars, leads, GPS, vests, and training equipment before you hit the uplands. Don Rice has been a part of the CEB-US for over two decades and has seen countless puppies venture into their first bird seasons. Don says early gear introduction will help young dogs become comfortable with the gear and not be distracted or stressed in the field. This familiarity with the equipment allows them to focus on the hunt.
Learning from Experienced Dogs
Hunting a puppy with experienced dogs can be incredibly beneficial. Woody Brickley, a member from San Diego, has trained and hunted his young EB alongside bird dogs of various breeds to foster drive and enthusiasm. He emphasizes that observing well-trained dogs teaches the pup valuable lessons. Ric Haulenbeck reiterates that young EBs can learn a great deal about hunting techniques, behavior, and expectations by mimicking more experienced dogs. If you’re a new hunter or handler, you can also learn from watching other handlers work their dogs in the uplands. Remember, it’s generally considered polite not to interact with someone else's dog without permission, so be sure to communicate expectations with your hunting partner beforehand to avoid misunderstandings.
Solo Hunting for Puppies
Since not everyone has veteran bird dogs at their disposal, it’s understandable that many EB’s first hunting experience will be a solo mission. Until your dog is comfortable hunting, try to ensure the environment is safe and free from major hazards. Kevin “Stump” Grant hails from South Carolina but hunts his string of EBs across the nation. Stump has seen more EBs than most and he’s constantly introducing young EBs to the uplands. Stump recommends patience throughout the dog’s first upland season to allow the pup to discover its instincts and nurture its abilities. Keep solo hunts relatively short to avoid over-exhausting the pup and keep it fully engaged in hunting the field. Expect birds to be bumped and chases to ensue. Let the birds do the teaching and keep commands to a minimum other than for safety reasons. The first upland season is about building a bond between you and your EB for the decade to come.
Basic Training
Josh Ruiter, who grew up as a member of CEB-US and focuses on training puppies and started EBs, suggests building a solid foundation of learning and excitement for accomplishing tasks. He shapes behaviors through clicker training and positive reinforcement (no negative consequences) to strengthen the bond between the puppy and the handler while giving the puppy the confidence to tackle the uplands. Wild birds can be frustrating and confusing for young dogs, so Josh sets up the pups for success by emphasizing how the puppy gets rewarded, consistently stacking wins and having fun. This ensures that each time the tailgate drops, the pup is learning and growing into an upland hunting machine.
Introducing Game Birds
Rob Winchester, a CEB-US member and UKC Field Trial judge living in South Carolina, doesn’t have easy access to wild birds, so he has to improvise for bird introduction. Keeping sessions fun and engaging for a few weeks, he starts with hiding wings around the yard, allowing the puppy to find them and get praised. Next, he introduces a dead bird, letting the puppy explore and become comfortable. Then, live birds with clipped feathers are used to let the puppy chase and catch them. Finally, the puppy is exposed to gunfire at a distance to avoid startling them. Rob prefers to have the dog fully engaged in the chase of the bird when introducing gunfire, typically using a starter pistol. This gradual approach ensures a positive and effective introduction to hunting. There’s no set timetable or process for bird introduction, so depending on your circumstances and access to birds, the steps may vary.
Final Thoughts
Taking a puppy or rookie Epagneul Breton hunting is a rewarding experience that requires patience, preparation, and careful observation. By mastering recall, allowing them to learn from experienced dogs, and providing opportunities for solo exploration, you set the stage for your pup to grow into a confident and skilled hunting companion. With the right approach, you and your French Brittany will enjoy many successful and memorable hunts together.
Have questions or need help with introducing your EB to the uplands? Send us an email and we will connect you with a local club or nearby contact to help you and your EB start the bird dog adventure.
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