Woohoo!!!

I picked up Otto this weekend (he was at winter "bird" camp in Texas for 10 weeks).  Prior to this trip, I had an impossible time walking my dog.  I literally thought I'd have one chubby arm and one Popeye arm from all that pulling on the collar (and I've tried lots of them).  Well, a few days ago, we took a walk and 90% of the time there was actually slack in the leash.  I couldn't believe it!  The weather was really foul--wind, sleet, just plain yucky, so I wasn't sure if "Skeletor" was just using me as a windbreak.  But yesterday afternoon, he was just as pleasant.  Still needs some corrections, but I actually have enough time in between the corrections to say, Good boy!  What a concept!

When it comes to knuckleheads like us (dog and human included), I can't recommend the help of a pro highly enough!!!

Sorry, I don't hunt myself--but I'm doing 99% of the exercise and obedience training.  Walking with slack in the leash is HUGE to me! 

Greg said that Otto did really well.  He's got a great nose, would hunt all day long if you let him, is hard-driving and is starting to hold his birds very well.  Starting in May, he's invited us out to his place on Wednesday nights so that he can work with us one on one.  He said by fall, "he'll be a star!" 

Alice--our trainer is Greg Dixon, a GWP breeder, field trialer, and trainer.  He's fantastic!  He'll give you a very honest assessment of your dog, really knows how to bring the best out of each dog he works with, and will take great care of your guy as well.  It's very obvious he just loves dogs.  He and his wife are really kind, hardworking people to boot.  You can check out his site at:

rockcreekwalkers.com/BACKWOODS.htm

Oh, I've also heard LOTS of great things about Chad Hines (Willow Creek Kennels)--and he'd be several hours closer to you (Little Falls).  His website is:

www.willowcreekkennels.net/

Prairie.... I think I missed something

YOU sent your dog to a training camp 4 hunting birds...BUT U don't hunt ???

IS THAT LIKE SUMMER CAMP FOR KIDZ  ???

I just came off of  a two day GRANDKID   visit....so I may  have read that wrong ???????????????

CLUE ME IN ??? K ????   I thought I was the only NON hunting    GSP LOVER

Renee'

My husband hunts--and I have three boys that he wants to introduce to pheasant hunting.  The heeling training thing is just a very nice side benefit for me!

I love my dog--but not enough to pay for professional training I wouldn't be taking advantage of!