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Chief's Brittanys ®Training Programs and Facilities Information
Gun Dog Training for American Brittanys full time and other pointing breeds on occasion. We specialize in pointing dogs with a soft disposition. Our primary training program is mostly comprised of soft - easy touch repetitive conditioning with rewards for pointers and other gun dogs. 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
We are a sponsored member of Loyall ® Pet Food Rewards program.
Our kennels are located adjacent to our home for maximum supervision, protection and safety.
Your gun 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. It's easy to have us train your Brittany bird dog. Just follow these easy steps 1. Read this entire page carefully to get a feel for what we offer. You should also read about us by clicking here. 2. If you feel comfortable with us, call us by clicking here. We accept e-mail and phone calls. Dave's phone number is 325 669 8166.3. If you still wish to proceed, then visit our payment web page for information on how to send us a payment with a personal check, credit card, e-check, etc. Click here to find payment information. 4. Pay your surety deposit. The deposit for training and boarding in Texas is 150.00 The deposit for Montana is 750.00 5. Contact us to let us know you paid your deposit just to make sure we did in fact get it. Also to get your firm reservation date. 6. Schedule an appointment with your Vet about 2 weeks prior to your training reservation. Print out and take the Health Requirements and Identification page, listed here, with you to the Vet so that your gun dog will be accepted on check-in day here at our facility. Make sure your dog has the collar and I.D. tag we require. It is listed on the Health and Identification page you will take to your Vet. 7. Schedule a time to deliver your dog, Monday through Saturday. Bring your dog with proper collar and I.D. tag plus all the health papers your Vet gives you on check-in day for training. Bring the balance of your first month's training fee. 8. When you arrive, make note of your return appointment for a 'mid visit'. This is not only for the dog but for your training as well. Visit as often as you wish during business hours, Monday through Saturday. We have an open policy. You need not make an appointment if your dog is here for training / boarding however, out of courtesy to a busy schedule, if you wish to speak with Dave at length about your dog, please do make an appointment. Otherwise feel free to visit 7 days a week between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. If you participated in your dog's training as required, the training is 100 percent guaranteed. If there is anything that we were suppose to teach that your dog does not know or understand, bring him back for free! We may keep him for more training, or maybe it is something that we can fix on the spot, or maybe it is something you are doing. With our guarantee, there is no reason to worry. We want you and your bird dog to be successful!
All training is done by Dave. Contact us.
Our training pasture panorama!
Click here to return to training menu or scroll down 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 150 dollar surety deposit. See link below for reservation/deposit/payment info. Monthly payment due in advance and every 30 days thereafter. Any balance due will be prorated. A Surety Dog Training Deposit of $150 is required to get a training reservation. You may use credit cards / e-checks or you may submit a check. Click here to find payment information. Click here to return to 'page content menu' or scroll down Health and Identification Requirements To obtain training/services from us you and your Brittany bird 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.
Click here to return to 'page content menu' or scroll down 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 60 days. Also, since Dave is the primary trainer, it is possible that he would have a delay of a personal nature. Again, rest assured that there will be no extra 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. It is more convenient for Dave during daylight hours to communicate via e-mail / text message as he has a blackberry phone and can answer from the field (if he has a signal). This way he is not interrupted in the middle of a training session. 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 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 / e-mail from you checking on your dog, you are not a bother. Don't expect big reports each week. Dogs learn in steps. If you wish to speak, mid-day lunch hour 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. If you are stopping by for training or need to spend some time with Dave, please do make an appointment Monday through Saturday. Contact us. If you participated in your dog's training as required, the training is 100 percent guaranteed. If there is anything that we were suppose to teach that your dog does not know or understand, bring him back for free. We may keep him for more training, or maybe it is something that we can fix on the spot, or maybe it is something you are doing. With our guarantee, there is no reason to worry. We want you and your bird dog to be successful! Click here to return to 'page content menu' or scroll down First, have reasonable expectations for a dog less than one year old! Here's an article Dave wrote on his blog about 'Age Range Expectations' tm. Click here to read the article! This is an important and informative article so that you know what to expect from your pup. You will be a willing participant in your bird 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 always free. Lastly, if you want your dog in and out in exactly 60 days, please do not make a reservation with us. Dogs trained with a 'cookie cutter' mentality, perform like a 'cookie cutter' trained dog. 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! If you participated in your dog's training as required, the training is 100 percent guaranteed. If there is anything that we were suppose to teach that your dog does not know or understand, bring him back for free. We may keep him for more training, or maybe it is something that we can fix on the spot, or maybe it is something you are doing. With our guarantee, there is no reason to worry. We want you and your bird dog to be successful! Payment 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 150 dollar surety deposit. See link below for reservation/deposit/payment info. Monthly payment due in advance and every 30 days thereafter. Any balance due will be prorated. A Surety Dog Training Deposit of $150 is required to get a training reservation. You may use credit cards / e-checks or you may submit a check. Click here to find payment information. Click here to return to 'page content menu' or scroll down TRAINING MENU
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. In particular, it is most suitable for folks who want to be taught how to train and keep trained their own dog/s. This program is part of our overall program and is most popular for hunters. Most people have seen the 'dog whisperer' shows. He trains the dog then shows folks what to do to enforce what the dog has learned. The rest is up to the owners. Phase I is just like that. This phase is also popular with new hunters because we also teach the owner / handler bird dog etiquette. 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. Your young pup will not be perfect! Perfection comes after Phase II training! We GUARANTEE our work and if you are not happy with what we said we would accomplish, we will refund your money and/or retrain your dog! Phase I is for dogs with a clean slate. It is helpful if the owners use Dave's article, "8 weeks to 8 months, prior to bringing their pup but it is not entirely necessary if you lack facilities. Phase I is not meant to serve as a quick fix for problem dogs, i.e. blinkers, bolters, fighters, chasers, gun shyness, bird eaters, dogs that have no instinct to retrieve (see trained retrieve which is separate of phase I), 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. 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. We regret that your dog cannot leave while here for training, especially to go hunt. If your dog finishes training early, there is no price break. If it takes a bit longer, there is not charge UNLESS your dog had problems prior to coming to us. Phase I is an approximate 60 day year round program and is not meant to 'finish' a dog (see Phase II). It is possible that something unforeseen could happen which could delay your dogs training. Please understand that things happen and there could be delays. Look at individual puppy training time in the way a child is trained at school. Children of varying abilities learn at different rates of speed and comprehension. There are those that have special needs and those who are average as well as those who are in the talented and gifted program. Dogs are similar, no two are the same thus different training times with varying levels of abilities on the same grade level before and after phase I. If your dog needs more time, it is 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 encourage the natural instinct to retrieve but if the dog doesn't have that instinct, it just doesn't have it. Retriever practice should start when the pup first comes home at 8 weeks of age. We recommend hunting the dog for a year after phase I to allow time for the natural retrieve instinct to develop. If it is not there after a year, we recommend the trained retrieve which is separate from phase I. 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. Finished dogs are much older and have actual wild bird experience. If you expect a flawless dog, it won't happen in anyone's basic training program for puppies. Phase I is grade school equivalent for young pups. It simply teaches the fundamentals so you can expect mistakes by your young dog. The good news is that it will understand why it is being corrected which is essential to starting a pup correctly. If you want us to give your pup lots of wild bird experience you need to send your pup to our Montana or Texas camp (training on wild birds). 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! If you are one that has trouble exerting alpha dominance over your pup, this class will show you what to do. If you still lack the ability to exert alpha dominance over your pup, you will have great difficulty with a phase I dog and I strongly recommend a minimum of 3 months upwards of 6 months so that your pup and can grow and mature in its training with us and get additional field training on wild birds. We GUARANTEE our work and if you are not happy with what we said we would accomplish, we will refund your money and/or retrain your dog! 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). Discounts are available to owners of our Brittanys and repeat clients. A 150-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 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 150 dollar surety deposit. See link below for reservation/deposit/payment info. Monthly payment due in advance and every 30 days thereafter. Any balance due will be prorated. A Surety Dog Training Deposit of $150 is required to get a training reservation. You may use credit cards / e-checks or you may submit a check. Click here to find payment information. Click here to return to 'page content menu' or scroll down 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. 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 150-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 Phase II training is GUARANTEED! Payment 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 150 dollar surety deposit. See link below for reservation/deposit/payment info. Monthly payment due in advance and every 30 days thereafter. Any balance due will be prorated. A Surety Dog Training Deposit of $150 is required to get a training reservation. You may use credit cards / e-checks or you may submit a check. Click here to find payment information. Click here to return to 'page content menu' or scroll down 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. Taking 2009 reservations. Click here to inquire about a reservation. Thank you. Payment 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 150 dollar surety deposit. See link below for reservation/deposit/payment info. Monthly payment due in advance and every 30 days thereafter. Any balance due will be prorated. A Surety Dog Training Deposit of $150 is required to get a training reservation. You may use credit cards / e-checks or you may submit a check. Click here to find payment information. Click here to return to 'page content menu' or scroll down 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! Click here to find payment information
Click here to return to 'page content menu' or scroll down 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 years which is why our program is divided into different phases of training 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 to us around 8 months of age so that we can completely train and finish a dog on wild birds for you, the prices start at 8000.00 dollars. This is a dog that is steady to wing and shot on wild birds, heels, retrieves absolutely to hand, soft mouth, easy to handle, etc.
Expect delivery of the dog between ages 2 and 4 years of age
which explains the high cost. 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, 2 or more trips to Montana, 2
or more trips to my Texas winter camp, shells and fuel to take it hunting, Veterinary care and more.
If you do it yourself, you would spend this much money and more. Contact us.
Click here to return to 'page content menu' or scroll down
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. 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.
Guaranteed if the dog is sent to Montana or my Texas winter camp.
Gun Shyness. 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 eating. Guaranteed 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 then, 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. |
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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. |
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PUPPIES, STARTED DOGS, and STUD SERVICE
Puppies:
We have
puppies available only on occasion to hunting families only.
Started Dogs: Started gun dogs. Stud Service: Click here for current studs |
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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.
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
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
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
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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