Roger and I spent more time talking about the hot striped bass bite than about the pup in his kennel. His pup had a lot of the same bloodlines as a few of my own, I knew the sire and dam, and I didn’t have any questions. Besides, Roger liked to fish, and last week’s hot skinny water surface action needed to be discussed.
But before I loaded the pup into my truck, Roger asked me a question.
“Angela’s ok with a puppy? You did just pick up that five-year old…”
“I haven’t told her yet,” I said.
“For real?”
“Yup,” I said, “but she loves your dogs, so she’ll be fine with him.”
I must confess to having had a little heartburn when I saw my wife as I pulled into my driveway. But when I pulled Rebel out of the box, she lit up with joy as expected. There are three things to say about that. First, if you’re single, you can do whatever the heck you want. Second, if you have a good-sized kennel, then you, too, can do whatever you want. But third, if you’ve got commitments—meaning that if you’re married, have a significant other, and already have several dogs—then you might want to have a little chit chat about the timing of the new arrival. Here are some thoughts on when to get a new gun dog or puppy.
If you're looking for a puppy from a specific breeding, you may have less flexibility on the tame frame of when you get it. (Photo courtesy of Tom Keer) When to Get a New Gun Dog Puppy Picking the litter: Which is different from pick of the litter. When picking a litter, you’re looking for a specific pup from a pedigree of your choice. Sometimes, the timing fits into your schedule, but since heat cycles aren’t always predictable, the timing is when it happens. Getting on a waiting list is key, and when the litter is on the ground, you’ve got about eight weeks until you pick up your new pup.
Work off of a Timeline: Training dogs takes time, so it’s always a good idea to have one coming along. As your senior citizen ages out, you’ll have some in their prime. Having younger dogs and puppies keeps the pipeline full. My personal preference is a three-year spread between dogs, and most of the time it has worked out. The senior, at 11, will hunt one or two pocket coverts, while an older dog at eight is running great. Below that dog is a prime-time five-year-old with a two-year-old derby learning the ropes. A new puppy joins the mix as the senior enters retirement, and the process continues.
That spacing doesn’t always work according to plan. A few years ago, I lost a prime time 7-year-old to testicular and liver cancer. To fill that gap, I picked up a dog about the same age. Figure out your own time and expense models and stick with them as best you can. Be mindful that other Acts of God will challenge your spacing and be open to them.
An Act of God: My insurance guy calls an Act of God “an instance of uncontrollable natural forces in operation.” As you all know, he’s talking about that tree limb that fell in the driveway during the storm and wiped out your duck boat. While an Act of God usually means earthquakes, floods, fires, or hurricanes, it can pertain to getting a pup or a dog too.
While many people get puppies for their new dogs, there are also options for adult dogs that are ready to hunt. (Photo courtesy of Tom Keer) Where to Find your Next Gun Dog Acts of God never seem to be planned, and they usually arrive as an unexpected call, email, or text. They usually fall into one of the following categories.
Field Trial Dogs: These are often titled but not living up to expectations are frequently rehomed. Many have excellent pedigrees, but if they’re not consistent performers they are moved on to make room for a new pup. These dogs are broke, and in their prime. If you’re looking for a hunting dog, then they might be a great acquisition. Many are free to new homes which creates a win-win for the trialer, the new owner, and most importantly the dog.
Retired from Commercial Hunting Operations: These dogs usually come available at the end of a season. Like field trial dogs, they are well trained and have had lots of bird contacts. Their pedigrees typically are good, and these dogs have a lot of hunt left in them. Age or an injury just precludes them from the intensity and sustained high pace of a commercial hunting operation, and if you know the head trainer, you may get the dog free of charge.
Rehoming: This includes dogs that just don’t fit in someone’s kennel. Sometimes the dog just doesn’t get along with the other dogs, a cat, or just isn’t what the owner hoped for. Most of these dogs fit in very well with your string, but make sure the dog isn’t being rehomed because he’s aggressive to other dogs, people, or other animals. Oftentimes, these dogs are a perfect fit for a hunter who prefers only one dog.
Gun Dog Rescues: There are a number of gun dog rescue groups that focus on particular breeds. Learning about the dog’s past and current health and behavior is helpful, but because they’ve been rescued, this information is often unavailable. Some are trained, others are not, and fees, if any, are low. When picking up a rescue, remember that every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.
Personal Contacts: The call frequently comes from your buddy who has a litter on the ground and every pup had been spoken for….until yesterday…when that dude welched out of the deal…and he’s got an extra pup…a male…with your name on it. If the pup fits in with your timing and objectives, then it could be win for you and the breeder. And if the breeder passes along a held deposit to you, then everyone might be a winner.
The last time I was in a tackle shop, I heard the best reason to get a new dog. A customer asked the guy behind the counter when was the best time to go fishing? “Whenever you can,” was the answer. So, load up your kennel and fill up your home. The rest will sort itself out.
