10/1/09 - The pups are working on their first retrieving skills...   learning to keep their eye on the bumper, then pursue, pick up and return with it.  Below are some videos of a few of the pups making their very first retrieve.

 

Radar - Quickly making his way toward the top of the list of Jump Start Academy candidates, Radar shows strong potential for a solid retrieving drive.  He gives us a lot to work with.

 

Rebel - This chocolate male is another consistently responsive candidate.  Rebel shows some strong potential for making it into the academy.  He is also a very sociable pup and is going to make a great companion for both the hunt & the hearth.

 

Slick - This fiery black female has lots of gusto!  In many ways, she reminds us of Glory.  Smart as a whip and always into something -  she loves the game of retrieve!  Look for Slick to be moving on to academy.

 

TRILL WHISTLE RESPONSE - The entire litter is responding to the whistle call by 10/1/09.  As I enter this on 10/3/09, the pups have already become more responsive and consistent to the whistle.

 

FACSIMILE GUNFIRE - Starting with loud noises to desensitize the pups takes balance and judgement in order to not create gun shyness.  Once the pups become desensitized, we test by 'firing' over them when there are no distractions.  The pups all respond with a big yawn, except for Gauge & Rebel, who are attracted by the noise.