I am looking to purchase an Upland bird dog

[caddisman]

I am looking at purchasing a dog within the next year or so, most likely a Brittany for pheasants.
Any ideas about training your own dog or contacts of a good blood line around Calgary?

[alacringa]

You will get as many ideas about training, as there are dog owners. Look into Wildrose NAVHDA. My membership with them has been very helpful to me. Lots of great advice, activities, etc.

Not close to Calgary, but I got Schaffer from Prairiestorm Kennels (Saskatoon) and he's fantastic. Danielle was great to deal with, and definitely did a great job of pairing me up with my pup.

[densa44]

He is a dog guy and he should be able to help.

[wildside2014]

Could always go with a lab and get the standard all putpose mutt? Should be easier to find one with an off switch too

[aulrich]

For a self training first timer a well bred dog will make the process smoother, Prairie Storm seems to come up often as “one of the good breeders” so worth a look. In the grand scheme of things the purchase price of the dog is merely a drop in the bucket.

X2 on participating with Wildrose and running the tests.

It does take time, my wife calls my dog “the other woman”

[Take Em!]

Maunty at Ringneck Kennels trained my GSP. He tends to prefer working with labs but will work with other dogs if they have the right temperament.

[Johnny Huntnfish]

I bought Chesapeake from the top breeder in Alberta.....parents were both field and show champions.....sire flown in from Oregon to ensure pure blood lines. Cant remember name of kennel but it was based outta Rollyview, AB.

[Redspy]

Maunty at RingNeck Kennels trained my GSP and did a faboulus job! As for species i recommend a GSP one of the best upland dogs i have seen.

[happy honker]

If you want a great all around hunting dog with(as previously mentioned) an "off switch"....consider a lab from Wagging Tails north of Edmonton.
I have a chocolate lab from them and he is an unreal hunting dog, in spite of his trainer.
Also, when he is at home or in the truck, he is the most laid back dog I have ever owned or seen.
When it's go time, he's relentless, when it's home time, he more resembles a pillow that needs a wash, lol.

I really wish I didn't cut him, as I'd sure love to have one more of him.

[wildside2014]

Originally Posted by Johnny Huntnfish

I bought Chesapeake from the top breeder in Alberta.....parents were both field and show champions.....sire flown in from Oregon to ensure pure blood lines. Cant remember name of kennel but it was based outta Rollyview, AB.

That would be mallardsway. Unfortunately i would not classify them as 'the top breeder' in alberta. They breed show dogs and typically wont even sell to people looking to work the dogs. Not sure where you heard that from?

[alacringa]

Originally Posted by wildside2014

Should be easier to find one with an off switch too

Hahaha...the crazy energy is one of the things that I love. At almost 13 months, my boy is starting to recognize when he can go full-bore and when he needs to contain his excitement for a little while (usually while whimpering quietly and dancing in place ).

[shell_guy]

I chose to go with a GSP this time around, had labs in the past. I know Jeff at Champion Sporting Dogs is having puppies soon.

[catnthehat]

I grew up with labs , my son was so focused on getting a GSP fir his first dog however .
He got Louie from AO member on point, and he's a tremendous dog.
But, he's not a lab!
That being said, he's not my dog either!
If I were to get another dog ( haven't owned one in 30 years) it would be a lab
Cat

[Deemoss]

German Shorthair Pointer or the original more versatile version; Deutsche Kurzhaar
German Wiredhair Pointer or the original more versatile version, Deutsche Drahthaar
Britney Spaniel or the original version; Epagneul Briton
English Pointer
Cocker Spaniel
Setters

All these are great upland dogs and any advice will be very subjective.

I personally have a DD & love her. Yet I've also seen a lot of good work from all the aforementioned breeds.
Training is crucial to your dog's performance/success.

good luck

[elkhunter11]

After hunting over GWPs for about five years, I have a deposit on a DD for the spring of 2016. My choice was based on the fact that I much prefer pointers to flushing dogs, and the GWPs seem more suitable to the colder conditions than the GSP.

[shell_guy]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

After hunting over GWPs for about five years, I have a deposit on a DD for the spring of 2016. My choice was based on the fact that I much prefer pointers to flushing dogs, and the GWPs seem more suitable to the colder conditions than the GSP.

I believe Jeff at Champion has a litter of wire hairs due this fall as well.

[bang_on_sk]

Originally Posted by alacringa

Hahaha...the crazy energy is one of the things that I love. At almost 13 months, my boy is starting to recognize when he can go full-bore and when he needs to contain his excitement for a little while (usually while whimpering quietly and dancing in place ).

Mine stands in the bow of my canoe and shakes like he has epilepsy every time we come anywhere near ducks. It took me forever to cure him of his "need" to throw himself overboard at every bird, squirrel, bag or leaf. 50lbs of dog hurling himself out of a canoe at the drop of a hat can make things interesting.

That being said, I love my Britt, and I hear they calm down at about 17... and that energy comes in handy towards the end of the day when all the other dogs are fading.