Training Programs and Facilities

Programs and Facilities

Click here to read about our *Guaranteed multi-step training programs or your money back!

Our programs are Separated into Phase I and Phase II which are done at different ages and experience levels.

Separating the age groups is not only best for the dog, it is best for the pocket book. 

We also offer: Training camps on wild birds in Texas & Montana. 

Problem dogs?  No problem!  We train problem Brittany dogs with full *guarantees!

Click here for us to train your Brittany

*guarantees are as advertised on this web site!

Map: DIRECTIONS TO OUR KENNEL

Health Requirements

Our Pledge

Your Pledge

Payments & Training Reservations

Puppies

Seminars & Clinics

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About our training programs facilities

Gun Dog Training for American Brittanys and pointing dogs.  We specialize in pointing dogs with a soft disposition.  Our primary training program is mostly comprised of soft - easy touch repetitive conditioning with rewards.

We train Brittanys only.  Other pointing breeds accepted on occasion.  We train Brittanys with native and released birds.  See our free training tips web page to get an idea of our training program. 

We won't take a Brittany into our training program unless you agree to be trained too!  Of course there is no charge for training you along with the dog. 

We strongly believe that if the owner/handler does not know how to properly handle a gun dog afield then the dog will be at a disadvantage.

Dave will train you and your dog for hunting, companionship, field trial venues (AKC, American Field, NSTRA, etc.) and hunt tests.

We are a Platinum member of The Purina Pro Club.

 

Purina Pro Plan and Purina O.N.E. are super premium dog foods that we feel are the best on the market.

Our kennels are located adjacent to our home for maximum supervision, protection and safety.

Your dog will be placed on our super premium dog food upon arrival.  You may bring a small portion of food, if different, to wean your dog off your diet and on to our diet.  If your dog has special dietary needs as prescribed by a Veterinarian, please bring enough food for the entire stay (special needs dogs may incur additional fees).  Each dog is watered via sanitary self-watering Autoflo spigots. 

Our kennels are in full shade under huge Oak Trees so summertime is comfortable for them!  We also maintain a large sanitized water tank for the dogs to cool off in on particularly hot days.  Our kennels face south towards an open 40 acre training field in which a nice southerly breeze can be felt most every day.  We have an additional 20 acres of wooded land.  Our Kennel rests on a 60 contiguous acres.

We have a thorough kennel sanitization schedule.  Each kennel has a concrete floor which is pressure washed twice daily and disinfected with the highest quality antimicrobial/antiviral/antiprotozoal/antibacterial pet safe cleaners. 

  Martha and Sally are our kennel assistants.  They care for your dog 7 days a week, twice per day.  Sally and Martha provide grooming, exercise, socialization and more.  Below are pics of our facility with Kennel Assistants Sally and Martha.

Contact us.

Kennel

Kennel

Martha & Sally

Sally & Martha

Pup socialization

Exercising pups in the open field in front of the kennels.

 

Dave roading dogs

Sniffers appeared on Animal Planet with Dave.  Steady to wing and retrieves to hand.  Trained exclusively by Dave.

Dave with old and new prospects

Dave afield with training prospects during Texas wild quail season.

 

All training is done by Dave.  Contact us.

Our training pasture panorama!

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Payment & Reservation methods and terms

Our training appointments are limited and by reservation.  Reservations are usually made 3 to 12 months in advance (please check with us to see if there are any available sooner) and must be accompanied by a 100 dollar surety deposit.  See link below for reservation/deposit/payment over the internet. 

Monthly payment due in advance and every 30 days thereafter.  Any balance due will be prorated.

A Surety Dog Training Deposit of $100 is required to get a training reservation.  You may use the Paypal button below for credit cards / e-checks or you may submit  your deposit to: Chief's Brittanys, 12560 CR 461, Cross Plains, TX 76443.  254 725 6217.  Contact us.

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Health and Identification Requirements

To obtain training/services from us you and your dog must first visit your Veterinarian AND meet the following criteria!  IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ!  Any dog 'just visiting' must meet the same requirements.  Contact us.

  This requirement list is non-negotiable!  Please take this list to your Veterinarian

CLICK HERE FOR EASY TO PRINT PDF FORMAT

  You will need Adobe Acrobat reader to view and print the above document.

  Please understand that Dave trains dogs from Brittany breeders all over the country/world.  We simply cannot and will not compromise the health of our canine friends. 

We appreciate the expense/inconvenience and we know you will feel good knowing that every dog here went through the same process.  If you are considering having your dog trained by someone open to the public and they do not have similar requirements, beware.  The chain of disease transmission is vicious and brutal.

Many times Vets are not aware that your dog will be hunting (potentially) anywhere in the U.S./Canada/Mexico.  Hunting dogs are likely to encounter anything in the wild when in training.  Therefore, they are much more likely to be exposed to disease in training or later in life when traveling.  Please explain this to your Veterinarian so that he/she may vaccinate your dog with appropriate vaccines, some vaccines that may be uncommon to 'city' dogs.

We require a copy of a written exam/health certificate that was performed within 7 days of expected arrival from a qualified licensed Veterinarian with the following requirements: 

Fecal test negative for coccidia, giardia, worms and other internal parasites.

Blood test neg. for heartworms/ ehrlichia/ lymes (most vets stock a heartworm test that checks all 3 at the same time) and be currently taking heartworm preventative medications (last dose must be within 30 days).  Bring 3 months supply.

If your dog tested positive for heart worms, fecal worms, coccidia, giardia or any other internal and/or external parasites such as demodex/mange/ticks-fleas*/etc., your dog cannot enter training until your Vet is willing to sign a health certificate stating your dog has been treated and is clear from disease, internal/external parasites, etc.  This applies to other compromising health conditions as well.

*If your dog had fleas when you took it to the Vet, we require tape worm treatment OR a quarantine period to ensure your dog does not arrive with tapeworms.  If your dog had ticks, we require your Vet take appropriate steps to ensure the dog is not arriving with ehrlichia, lymes, rocky mountain spotted fever, etc.

We do provide excellent, twice per month, BARRIER type flea/tick prevention at no extra charge once your dog arrives.  Drops that your Vet prescribes that allow the tick/flea to bite before dying is not recommended as your dog will be running through meadows, wooded areas, etc.  So, Please don't bring flea/tick drops.  If you have a barrier product, bring it.  Otherwise, we provide it.  It is necessary that your dog be on flea / tick preventative before arrival (see above tapeworm requirement).

Riveted or slide on ID tag, no dangly ID tags please.  Please do not bring your dog with a special/expensive collar.  We recommend a generic, cheap but sturdy Day-Glow collar with METAL buckles and a name plate (riveted or slide on) affixed to it.  Please, no dangly name tags or PLASTIC buckles, they get torn away when the dog is hunting in heavy cover.  Here is a link to Boomerang tags company for inexpensive, well made, slide on tags.

 

ALL DOGS WILL BE TESTED for Brucella, intact or not!  The test must be within 14 days of arrival to our kennel.   This is usually a 'mail out' test so get to your Vet right at 12 to 14 days.

It has been recently proven that casual contact with a brucella positive dog can be transmitted.  It does NOT have to be sexual.  NO EXCEPTIONS, PLEASE DON'T ASK US TO WAIVE THIS REQUIREMENT.

Brucella Canis is spread through ingestion of contaminated placental material or aborted fetuses, mating - vaginal discharge of infected female/semen of infected male, mammary secretions, infected saliva, nasal secretions, or urine contaminated with semen and/or prostatic fluid.

There are reported cases coming from multiple states. 

Blood tests:  Rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT), Tube agglutination test (TAT).  Both RSAT and TAT can have false positive, but are good for screening.  Enzyme linked immunosorbent (Elisa) is less likely to have false positive.  Agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID) is most specific blood test and considered a confirmation test. (Cornell University Diagnostic Lab).

We suggest ELISA testing as the RSAT and TAT have a great number of false positives.  Please read this excerpt posted on a brittany list from notable resources:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dualbrittanys/message/19997

If your dog is on special medications (other than heart worm prevention) and we agree to take your dog anyway, you may be billed for medication administration while your dog is here.  Also, your dog's special medications must be from a licensed Vet with clear directions on how/when/where to administer the medications.

If your dog is on a special Vet ordered diet, you must provide dog food.  Otherwise, your dog will be placed on our dog food.  If your dog is on a dog food other than Purina Pro Plan or Purina O.N.E., please bring about 1 quart of your dogs food in a zip lock bag so that we may convert it over to Pro Plan / O.N.E.  Please do not bring anymore food than that as all dogs are required to be on Pro Plan or Purina O.N.E unless on a special Veterinarian prescribed diet.  If you'd like to help us out, you may slowly convert your dog over to Purina Pro Plan / O.N.E. chicken and rice formula prior to arrival.  Please do not bring toys, blankets, dog beds, etc. You may bring consumable chew treats that are clearly labeled with your dogs name written on the package.

We now require that dogs be microchipped and registered with a full time, around the clock national rescue database.  We provide microchipping and national database registration for a very reasonable fee upon arrival.

Rules for intact dogs (not spay or neuter):  PLEASE, We require that females NOT be in heat or about to come in heat.  Females should be at least 3 months away from an expected heat cycle ON THE DATE OF ARRIVAL.  If the female has recently had a heat, we ask you wait at least 1 month before sending her to us for training to make sure your dog wasn't 'accidentally bred' without your knowledge.

Red Rock Biologics Snake vaccination most strongly recommended (not to be confused with snake avoidance training).  We have it on premises if you wish to have it administered here.

Be current on 7-way vaccines including Corona, Lepto, Rabies, Lymes and Bordetella.

NO EXCEPTIONS TO HEALTH REQUIREMENTS UNLESS VETERINARY ORDERED, IN WRITING. 

Call us for exceptions.  Contact us.

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OUR TRAINING PLEDGE TO YOU 

We are honest.  We will not take advantage of you.  We understand the value of a hard earned dollar. 

We will tell you exactly as it appears to us, NOT what we think you want to hear. 

If for some reason we miss training days, we will not bill you for training on those days. 

Your dog's occupation of our kennel is not our income.  Our income comes from properly training your dog and sending it home to a happy owner expediently.  We understand that your referral affects our future business.

Timely training is best for us so the next dog can come in behind yours to be trained.  We have a tight training schedule and holding a dog over longer than usual inconveniences us and the next client as much as you, therefore, we will do our level best to train your dog properly and expeditiously.  We do not guarantee 60 days in and out.  If your dog is slow to progress, we will tell you and it is up to you to leave your dog here beyond the normal training time.  Also, since Dave is the primary trainer, it is possible that he would have a delay of a personal nature.  Be assured, there is no charge for extra time here if it is our delay.

If we feel your dog is not cut out to be a bird dog, we will end training and ask you to come pick it up. 

We promise to be available to you by phone, e-mail or in person for any needs you have before, during, and after the training.  You are NOT a bother to us.  You are our client and we appreciate you.  We respect you and want to please you with quality services.  Please feel free to call or e-mail us.  Your opinion MATTERS!

Every dog that completes our phase I and/or phase II training gets one free 1/2 day follow-up clinic should the owner desire it.  We understand that learning along with your dog is lifetime process and we want you to freely return to extra tips and advice as your experience grows with your Brittany.

Every dog owner is allowed unlimited free follow-up telephone consultation regarding the practical application of the training we provided.  This privilege is available 7 days a week.  Dave carries his cell phone when training and hunting afield in order to be there for you.  Example: You are hunting and you realize your dog incorrectly handled a bird yet you are confused as to what the best remedy would be and you need immediate advice because you are concerned you might 'mess your dog up', Dave is there for you.

Note:  All dogs receive a full evaluation the first week they are here.  We will provide this evaluation in writing upon request.  If the dog is not mature enough or lacks what it takes to become a good companion gun dog, we will be very honest with you and advise you accordingly.  If at any time in your dog's training we feel that the dog should not proceed any further, for any reason, we will call you immediately.

For dogs with ordinary progress, we do not call you day to day about progress as that takes from valuable training time, however, we do enjoy and accept all phone calls from you checking on your dog, you are not a bother.  If you wish to speak, mid-day is the best time to call regarding your dog.  We do call owners when it is time for you to visit and be trained yourself and if there are concerns, otherwise, your dog's training is on track.  Remember, our visitation policy does not require an appointment to see your dog.  You may drop by any day unannounced to see your Brittany.  Contact us.

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YOUR PLEDGE TO US

You will be a willing participant in your dogs training.  You agree to be trained along with your dog.  You will call/e-mail us and schedule training visits throughout your dogs stay with us.  You will not hesitate to call/e-mail us if you have training concerns as consultations are free. 

You will bring your dog back to us for one free follow-up clinic to help us help you should you have any concern or simply want a 'tightening up clinic'. 

You promise to give us a chance to help you in person with your dog present should you not be able to properly handle your dog.  You will be frank with us and discuss any concerns you may have. 

You will visit your dog whenever you choose, no appointment necessary, because we understand that Brittanys are family and quality time with family is important!  You promise to give us your feedback so that we can improve if needed - we like pats on the back too! 

You understand that we cannot call you about your dog unnecessarily.  We have a work day just like everyone else and when the day is done, we like to relax too.  Making calls to each client each week during the work day would rob valuable training time from your dog and everyone else's dog.  You are welcome to call or email us whenever you wish to check on your dog.

You will not ask us to forgive your absence whereby only your dog is trained.  You MUST be trained along with your dog.  We recommend at minimum of twice, once at 30 days and again at 60 days.  Other arrangements can be made for out of state / long distance clients.

You understand that your dog could finish sooner than expected.  There is no price break for finishing early. 

Also, you understand that there could be a delay in your dog's training.  Maybe your dog is slow or maybe Dave has an unplanned family situation.  Should a delay occur, you must be willing to allow Dave time to finish the dog.  If it is related to Dave, the extended training time is free

Lastly, if you want your dog in and out in exactly 60 days, please do not make a reservation with us. 

If you decide to take your dog home during training or before we have declared we are finished training it, all refunds and guarantees are null and void!

Payment terms

Monthly payment due in advance and every 30 days thereafter.  Any balance due will be prorated.

A Surety Dog Training Deposit of $100 is required to get a training reservation.  You may use the Paypal button below for credit cards / e-checks or you may submit  your deposit to: Chief's Brittanys, 12560 CR 461, Cross Plains, TX 76443.  254 725 6217.  Contact us.

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Our Training Programs

TRAINING MENU

Puppy introduction → popular pick for those with no equipment/facilities.

Phase I → popular pick for most hunters.

Phase II → popular pick for folks who want a finished dog performance and field trialers.

Trained Retrieve

Montana / Texas training camps on wild birds for Brittanys

Problem Dog Training

Finished Dogs

Dave will train you and your dog for hunting, companionship, field trial venues (AKC, American Field, NSTRA, etc.) and hunt tests.  Let him know what you want!  Contact us.

Puppy introductory training

is directed at puppies 4 to 8 months of age.  In this program, no pressure is applied to your pup.  We introduce things that many folks living in the city cannot do for themselves.  For a good idea of what all is involved, see my free training tips article titled "8 weeks to 8 months".

We introduce the puppy and desensitize him / her to cap gun fire, live birds, launchers, other dogs, meadows, water, etc. as well as nurture pups desire to naturally retrieve

Pup learns to be tied out and patiently observe older dogs getting their more advanced training done. 

Pup is introduced to a training lead, a check cord and a chain gang.

Through positive reinforcement and exposure to tools he will one day utilize, pup will make a better Phase I trainee.

Puppy intro is only 4 weeks long and costs 350.00.  It's great for pups and it's also great for folks who are unsure whether or not their dog is ready for regular training.  Click here to contact us.

 

About the Phase I program

is directed at dogs & puppies that are totally untrained or have very little training.  Directed at hunters and first year trial dogs. 

This program is part of our overall program and is most popular for hunters.  This phase fits those who only want their dog to be started (green trained) and desire to finish their own dog at their own lease / place to hunt but need hands on guidance from us before taking on this task. 

It is not meant to serve as a quick fix for problem dogs, i.e. blinkers, bolters, fighters, chasers, gun shyness, bird eaters, etc.  We can figure that out quite easily so please let us know up front so that we can tailor the program to the needs of your dog.

Our emphasis is getting the dog to understand and perform basic commands and teaching the owner what to do when the dog makes a mistake in both yard work and in the field. 

This phase is also popular with new hunters because we also teach the owner / handler bird dog etiquette. 

Phase I is for dogs with a clean slate. 

We GUARANTEE our work and if you are not happy with what we said we would accomplish, we will refund your money! 

You must be willing to wait until we are finished with your dog!  Be sure you can do without your dog at least 60 days.  No two dogs are trained exactly the same way in the same amount of time as we tailor the training to the personality of the dog.

No, your dog cannot leave while here for training, especially to go hunt!

If you dog finishes training early, there is no price break.

It is possible that something unforeseen could happen which could delay your dogs training.  You must understand that things happen and there could be delays.

Look at individual training time this way: Any particular grade level in a school holds children that have special needs, those who are average and those who are in the talented and gifted program.  Dogs are similar, no two are the same.  Please understand this.

Phase I is an approximate 60 day program and is not meant to 'finish' a dog (see Phase II).  We do NOT provide 'cookie cutter' assembly line style training where every dog is guaranteed to be done in 60 days. 

As mentioned above, it could take longer.  If it does, we will tell you that.  If your dog needs more time, it is often done at no extra expense.  If it needs more time because the dog had issues before it came to us, we will charge for the extra time!

We train for the gentleman hunter.  This means that your dog will learn all yard work & field work which includes heel, whoa / stay, quartering / change direction, come, kennel up, etc.) and to hold point at least until flush.  Your dog will respond via hand signal, whistle signal, and voice commands.

There are other trainers out there that will provide your dog with steadiness on birds and to come when called, that's it.  We offer much more than that.  If that is all you want, our training may be a bit too much for you.

We also develop the natural retrieve during Phase I training if the dog exhibits the desire.  This phase of training is directed at 8 to 24 months old and untrained older dogs. 

PHASE I training provided year round.  Average green trained time is 60 days.  Minimum stay is 60 days.  If you want a 60 day firm in / out guarantee, please do not ask us to train your dog.  We are going to do the job right and will not be harnessed by a cookie cutter time frame.

The level of steadiness can be further custom trained to your needs (wing/shot) but requires an additional stay.  Wing and shot with plenty of repetition takes more time than 60 days allows.  It is impossible for any bird dog to be completely finished (including experience afield) in just 60 days.

If you want complete steadiness to wing and shot, the age of your dog and maturity affects when it can be done and how quickly it can be done.  In most cases, it is wise to send the dog for Phase I then hunt the dog for a season then bring it back for Phase II and the trained retrieve if necessary.

Your dog will be 'green trained' upon completion.  This means he/she will understand the basic commands, have some experience with birds being shot over it but will not be a finished dog. 

Remember that most Phase I dogs are still immature puppies.  We teach you and the pup the fundamentals, it's up to you to provide the experience and correction afield through numerous hunts with your dog.  If you want us to give your pup wild bird experience and do most of the correcting, you will need to send your pup to Montana with us.

We teach you what to do afield so that you know how to give your dog experience.  We also teach bird dog etiquette.  Yes, there are no-no's when hunting afield with others, some obvious, some not so obvious.

If you cannot be a part of your puppies training, we will not take your dog.  Every Phase I dog gets a free follow-up clinic for you and your dog.  Also, free telephone consultations.  This is to help you along so that you are successful in polishing your dog.  There is no reason why you should be unhappy with your dog after our training because we are there for you!

We accept phase I dogs year round.  We do not require an additional 30 days for a total of 90 for Phase I but do suggest it if you are wanting your dog to be more polished in performance.  Every day over 60 equals more polish and experience.

Phase I Schedule

0 to 30 days: evaluation, conditioning which includes your dog learning to road, intro to birds, sound conditioning, and extensive yard work with intro field work.  Your dog will learn voice, hand, and whistle commands.

31 to 60 days: continued conditioning, field obedience, field and bird work with repetition.

We do not require an additional 30 days but do suggest it if you are wanting your dog to be more polished in performance.  Phase I does not include 'force' training to retrieve.  The 'trained retrieve' is separate of phase I.  We encourage and develop the natural retrieve as part of our program.

Our training program is 600 dollars per month (effective March 1st, 2008 due to soaring kennel related costs of over 20 percent).  Minimum of 60 days (prorated).  A 100-dollar deposit is required to hold your reservation.  Our monthly fee now INCLUDES the cost of killed pen raised birds over your dog!  Dave, the owner of Chief’s Brittanys, performs all training personally and is sometimes assisted by his son's who train the same way he does.  Training is GUARANTEED.

Payment terms

Monthly payment due in advance and every 30 days thereafter.  Any balance due will be prorated.

A Surety Dog Training Deposit of $100 is required to get a training reservation.  You may use the Paypal button below for credit cards / e-checks or you may submit  your deposit to: Chief's Brittanys, 12560 CR 461, Cross Plains, TX 76443.  254 725 6217.  Contact us.

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About the Phase II program

is for dogs already started and are in need of finishing/polishing.  Some Phase II dogs receive 'force' training (trained retrieve) to retrieve if needed which takes additional time.  Phase II dogs should have a minimum of 1 year's hunting experience.  Phase II dogs are generally 2 year old dogs.  Please read about Phase I and its policies as they apply for phase II as well.

Many owners are very pleased with Phase I only, therefore, they do not request Phase II.  Phase II is very helpful to field trialers and hunters and want an absolutely finished and polished performance (Steady to wing and shot as well as the trained retrieve).

We teach you and the dog advanced training skills and techniques, it's up to you to provide the experience afield through numerous hunts with your dog.  We teach you what to do afield so that you know how to give your dog experience.  If you cannot be a part of your dog's training, we will not take your dog.  Every Phase II dog gets a free follow-up clinic for you and your dog.  Also, free telephone consultations.  This is to help you along so that you are successful in polishing your dog.  There is no reason why you should be unhappy with your dog after our training because we are there for you!

PHASE II training preferred from SEPTEMBER 1 to FEBRUARY 1 - during hunting season!  Phase II dog owners should strongly consider our annual September trip to Montana to polish your dog.

Average training time for Phase II without the trained retrieve is 60 days.  Minimum stay is 60 days and is an approximate time.  If you want a guaranteed in/out in 60 days, please do not send your dog to us as we do not train on a 'cookie cutter' time frame.

We do not require an additional 30 days for a total of 90 but do strongly suggest it so that your dog can get plenty of wild bird contact. 

If we are providing the 'trained retrieve' for your Phase II prospect, you will need 60 additional days (a total of 120 days though we recommend 150 days)

Your dog is taken on wild bird hunts each and every week, often times, several times per week.  Your dog gets experience in real hunting situations.  We have 11 square miles of land that we use exclusively for training, where your dog gets real time, wild bird experience and comes away polished.

Phase II Schedule

0 to 30 days: evaluation, conditioning, extensive reinforcement of yard work and field obedience, your dog learns to work with other trained dogs and your dog hunts wild birds often.  Your dog will have his voice, hand, and whistle commands reinforced to perfection.  He will learn additional commands as required and desired by the owner.

31 to 60 days: continued conditioning, steadiness improved to highest level, wing and shot.  If dog is already 'force' trained to retrieve, your dog will be required to show perfection in marked and blind retrieves with absolute delivery to hand from the position of heel.  If your dog requires the trained retrieve, we will need your dog another 60 days, overall total, 120 days.

Our Phase II training program is 600 dollars per month (effective March 1st, 2008 due to soaring kennel related costs), minimum 60 days (prorated).  A 100-dollar deposit is required to hold your reservation.  Our monthly fee includes the cost of killed pen raised birds over your dog!  Dave, the owner of Chief’s Brittanys, performs all training personally and is assisted from time to time by his son's who train just as he does.

We strongly recommend phase II be done in conjunction with   our Montana or Texas winter camp programs (except for force retrieve).  If you combine the two, your dogs training is GUARANTEED or your money back!

Click here for Montana info.

Payment terms

Monthly payment due in advance and every 30 days thereafter.  Any balance due will be prorated.

A Surety Dog Training Deposit of $100 is required to get a training reservation.  You may use the Paypal button below for credit cards / e-checks or you may submit  your deposit to: Chief's Brittanys, 12560 CR 461, Cross Plains, TX 76443.  254 725 6217.  Contact us.

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Montana summer/fall camp and Texas winter camp 2008/9 reservations being taken now!

Montana camp

We go to Montana late summer through early fall (Aug to Oct, returning to Texas in time for quail season).  Montana's bird season opens September 1st which is why we go there to train.  We introduce, train, and condition the following levels of Brittany bird dogs:

1. Puppies 5 months and up at time of departure.  Introduction to independent running, exposure to many wild birds and conditioning.

2.  Brittany Bird Dogs in our advanced training programs such as phase I & II get conditioned and receive experience on wild birds which reinforces their training thus they become more polished. 

3.  Montana trips are especially advised for dogs that will potentially field trial somewhere down the road and for HUNTERS who lack the time to get out in the field often!  Many of our hunters are professionals who simply want their dog to perform but lack the personal time to keep the dog fit and sharp on wild birds.

4.  Montana trips are advised for folks who are serious hunters and want their dog to be in top condition on opening day of season.

Space is limited and fills quickly.  As of April 2008, we have 2 reservations available.

Click here to inquire about a reservation. 

Texas camp

Texas Winter Camp is that period between December 1st and January 31st where we take your Brittany to our wild quail training leases here in west Texas.  There is no experience that equals Texas wild quail in west Texas!  Texas camp is 650 per month.

Everything about what ages and what we do is similar to Montana camp above.

Your dog gets valuable experience on wild birds, gets conditioned and more.

Space is limited and fills quickly.  As of May 2008, we have 4 reservations available.

Click here to inquire about a reservation. 

Thank you.

Payment terms

A fifty percent surety deposit is required to hold your training reservation (900.00 U.S. dollars deposit, 1800 total). 

We apologize for our rate however our operating expenses have significantly increased over 20 percent in the last few years.  We have not had a rate increase in 4 years.

With diesel fuel at $4.20 per gallon, I spend thousands on fuel up there, while there and back home.  Everything, due to high fuel prices, has skyrocketed.  If it is trucked or shipped with vehicles using fuel, the price is up!

Reservations can only be held verbally for 5 business days pending receipt of your surety deposit.  If your surety deposit is delivered at that time, we can not guarantee acceptance.  Balance must be paid when delivering dog to us in August.

You may use the Paypal button below for credit cards / e-checks or you may submit  your deposit to: Chief's Brittanys, 12560 CR 461, Cross Plains, TX 76443.  254 725 6217.  Contact us.

General Payments for Montana other than Paypal:  Click here to find payment snail mail info and more.

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Trained Retrieve (Force Training)

Force training to retrieve is separate of Puppy intro, Phase I and Phase II training as well as Montana and is a 60 to 90 day training period all by itself.  Most Brittanys do not require force training to retrieve.  If your Brittany requires the trained retrieve, we recommend you send your dog to us in the summer months.

We only train (trained retrieve!) Brittanys and we do it right.  Your dog will not only retrieve, but will also mark birds, make multiple retrieves including water and blind retrieves.  Your dog will retrieve absolutely to hand from the position of heel and will present the bird, head up and happily. 

This is not your typical 30 day 'cheap, quick and brutal' force trained program.  We understand soft Brittanys.  We charge a flat fee of 1500 dollars regardless of how long it takes us to complete the job.  Average training time is 60 to 90 days but could take up to 6 months. 

Guaranteed or your money back!

Contact us.

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Completely Finished Dogs and training.

What is a completely finished dog?

A completely finished dog is one that is steady to wing & shot, retrieves absolutely to hand (force trained), honors, and has much wild bird experience.  This type of training takes months/years which is why our program is divided to save you money. 

If you have a dog that is already finished by us or someone else and need it polished, we will do that for you.  Many folks want their finished dog to go to Montana with us so that when we get back, the dog is fresh off of two months hunting partridge, grouse, and pheasant.

We are also happy to polish your dogs skills any other time of the year as well.

If you want this type of training for a pup and cannot be involved in your dogs training, we cannot help you. 

However, if you want get on our list for a puppy from a litter of your choice, then you socialize it, send it back and have us completely train and finish a dog on wild birds for you, prices start at 8000.00 dollars.  Expect delivery of the dog between ages 2 and 4 years of age.  You still must spend time with us to learn how to handle your newly finished dog.  There just aren't any shortcuts to properly training a bird dog, it's work and lots of time.  The money is the time put in, Veterinary care and more.  If you do it yourself, you would spend this much money and more.  Contact us.

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Problem Dogs

Problem dogs are dogs that were ordinary young bird dogs until someone did something wrong.  We fix MOST ALL Brittany problems and are known for repairing gun shy Brittanys.  Some repairs are guaranteed.

Blinking My specialty.  Blinking is avoiding someone, something, or some animal/bird.  Problems include blinking the sight of a gun (not only the sound, just the mere sight), the flush of a bird, the smell of a bird, a remote bird launcher, etc.  9 times out 10, man made.  Not too hard to repair but no guarantees except on birdy dogs that only blink hidden birds.

Gun ShynessMy specialty.  Man made, intentional or not.  Dog is shy of loud noise especially the gun.  Guaranteed to fix.  Brittanys only, must be birdy.  3 to 6 months.

Bolting.  Dog runs over the horizon no matter what you do to stop it.  You have no control even after the dog has been to other professionals.  Guaranteed to fix.  Brittanys only.  Can be fixed.  1 to 3 months average.

Chasing /Creeping.  Dog doesn't handle properly by crowding birds and when birds flush, will chase them for miles thus ruining your hunt.  Guaranteed to fix.  2 months average.

Fighting.  Dog fights everything it sees even after spay/neuter.  Can potentially be fixed but not guaranteed.  Recommend spay/neuter first, then bring to me. 3 to 6 months average.  If you don't fix a dog like this, it is a liability to you and your family.  Strongly recommend you consult with a Veterinarian.

Hard mouth / Bird eatingGuaranteed to fix.  3 months average.

Shy of humans - 'Kennel Sour', not shy of other dogs and/or  shy of birds, not blinking but timid when approached by humans and/or strangers.  Guaranteed to fix, 3 months average.

First consider this before calling

1- You will spend more money fixing a problem dog then it costs to get another.  (We are NOT advocating discarding a dog! - Keep the dog or find it a good companion home but don't just 'dump' your problem on someone else.

2- Some problems just can't be fixed and its money wasted though we do have guarantees for gun shy Brittanys and some other problems. 

3- Visit your local licensed Vet to discuss behavioral issues not related to bird hunting and whether the dog has a chance to be trained or whether it should be euthanized.  IT IS NOT NORMAL for a Brittany to be 'mean'.

If you love your dog and don't mind sending your dog away for months at a time and you can afford the training, then there is hope.  If you can't afford the possibility of long term training and depending on the issue, you should consider placing the dog in a home that you trust will offer the environment it needs or contact your Brittany rescue representative. 

Contact us.

 See my FAQ page for Brittany Rescue info

Please feel free to contact Dave for more info.

 

 

 

 

SEMINARS/CLINICS

If you're as bonded with your Brittany as we are and can't bear to part with your dog for even a week, we offer clinics for both handler and dog.

Learn to handle one of our trained Brittany hunting companions so that you can understand how to handle your hunting companion in the most difficult of hunting situations.  We also work with you and your dog one on one and teach you how handle your dog and how to use the latest techniques and state-of-the-art equipment. 

Private Clinics are tailored exclusively to your needs.

Public seminars/clinics receive a special group rate and can be tailored to fit the groups needs.

Click here to make a deposit or payment (MC/VISA/AMEX/DISCOVER/E-Check) for a seminar/clinic to Chief's Brittanys

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Want to visit us?  Please read health and appointment info below.

PLEASE, schedule an appointment with us (between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily) so that we can be sure to have time for you.  We are here 24/7, however, you must schedule an appointment.  Please call us at 254 725 6217 or 325 669 8166.

All kennel tours are escorted by us so a reservation is required.  Also, other dogs/pets that you are bringing to 'just visit' must meet health requirements or stay in your vehicle at all times.  Click here to see the health requirements.  We do provide free evaluations of your dog but it too must meet our health requirements.  Please call us at 254 725 6217 or 325 669 8166.

Map and Exact Directions

Chief's Brittanys are located approximately (in driving time) 35 minutes east of Abilene TX, 2 hours west of Ft. Worth TX, 2 ½ hours west of Dallas TX, 5 hours west of Shreveport LA, 2 ¾ hours SE from Lubbock TX, 3 1/2 hours NW from Austin, 2 ¾ hours NW of Waco, 2 ½ hours south from Wichita Falls, 6 1/2 hours east from El Paso, 10 hours south from Denver CO, and 9 hours west from Jackson Miss.  Driving time is approximate. 

Airlines:  We prefer Continental and American Airlines out of DFW and Abilene, Texas. 

General location of our facility

map Click to enlarge.  EXACT DIRECTIONS BELOW, SCROLL DOWN PLEASE.

Directions from Abilene after you have scheduled your appointment.

 

Take a left out of the airport and follow the signs to I-20.  Take I-20 east to mile marker 313, FM 2228.  Get off there and make a right onto 2228 (headed south), go 6 miles south.  At 6.0 miles, the road will begin to make a slow left hand curve, at the beginning of that curve, Co Rd 461 "Y's" straight off the beginning of the curve.  Take that gravel road.

 

Go 7.2 miles south on the gravel road (Co Rd 461).  You will see our white mail box with name (JONES) on the right, the driveway is on the left, opposite of the mail box.  Drive on up!

 

Directions from DFW after you have scheduled your appointment.

 

Take I-20 west out of Ft. Worth to mile marker 313, FM 2228.  Get off there and make a left under the overpass (headed south), go 6 miles south.  At 6.0 miles, the road will begin to make a slow left hand curve, at the beginning of that curve, Co Rd 461 "Y's" straight off the beginning of the curve.  Take that gravel road.

 

Go 7.2 miles south on the gravel road (Co Rd 461).  You will see our white mail box with name on the right (JONES), the driveway is on the left, opposite of the mail box.  Drive on up!

 

Directions from Brownwood/Austin after you have scheduled your appointment.

 

Take 279 north from Brownwood to Cross Plains.  At Cross Plains, 279 becomes 206.  Proceed north through the blinking red light at Cross Plains.  Travel approximately ¾ of a mile through town until you see FM 880 on the left.  Take a left on FM 880 and follow the signs to Cottonwood, 7 miles.  At Cottonwood, you will get off of 880 on to 1079 heading west through Cottonwood (an old community – no stores/no gas!).  Proceed west on 1079 until you come to a ‘T’, make a left and go 500 feet then make an immediate right onto county road 461.  Proceed 3.6 miles on county road 461.  The road has a few sharp turns but do NOT turn off of it onto another road.  At 3.8 miles you will see our large rock home on a hill to your right.  The main gate is on your right.  There is 1 mail box on the left, opposite of our gate, that reads ‘Jones’.  Make a right into the gate and drive to the top of the drive way!

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