Neverland-Retrievers

We had our first field training with Tink and April this weekend. The PVGRC hosted a field seminar run by Pat Nolan of the Ponderosa Kennels. As expected, Tink did most of the work and April got most of the attention. Tink and I got some handling lessons from Pat. I mainly learned all the things I was doing wrong in handling and how to properly motivate Tink to execute my commands to a blind mark. We both have a way to go before we’re ready for the senior hunter test.

April, however, was the darling of the seminar. At seven weeks old, she showed off her natural instincts by multiple retrieves of a dummy from about 6-8 feet. We must has done about 15 throws each day at various times. She would run out,  usually picking up the cord end bumper and bring it back to me for a food treat. Occasionally, she would pick up the dummy end for the return. Folks were amazed on how excited she was to get the dummy and bring it back to me.  There were only a few times when she was distracted by another objected or person and forgot her goal. April spent most of the weekend in a kennel next to Tink with no problem.

This week we are going to Dr. Stang to correct a small puppy hernia caused by her over anxious mother. It appears that Tink nibbled and/or roughly handled the umbilical stub during the first week and caused a small hernia to develop. Dr. Stang will probably stitch it closed to take care of it. April now weighs 14.25 lbs (6.5 kg). She easily keeps up with Tink in the yard. She constantly runs after her mom, nipping at her legs or coat. Tink’s been very patient and even has a nose scar from one encounter. Aprils has learned to climb steps up and down. She is also pushing the X-pen around quite easliy and will be ready for crate training soon.

…P

Today is April’s 7 week B-day. She now weighs 12.25 lbs (5.55 kgs) and is clearly responding to her name. She no longer hesitates exploring the backyard. Just a few days ago, she wouldn’t venture to the back fence, but now she’s explores everywhere and has even gone under the shed. Potting training has been partially successful. He lasts most of the day without soiling her pen area, but not the night. I think she will be quite easy to house train. She is eating both dry kibble and small amounts of canned food. She also likes Tink’s dried chicken breast strips. Tink finishes them in 30 secs, but April will work on one for several minutes.

Here are a couple of current photos.

 

 

When April is outside, she often hides under the bay window to escape the sun.

   

 

Like her mom, April clearly has the retriever gene pre-programmed to the “On” setting! Both have there own “Kong”, in adult and puppy sizes.

April does get distracted by other things on her way to retrieving the Kong.

On this Memorial Day weekend, there is nothing better than a dunk in the pool to cool off after a workout.

 

April will be quite a handfull for her new owner. Here she is stealing Tink’s bone. She really did walk off with it before mom took it back. This happened several times.

 

Here are a couple of previously un-published Photos.

 

It’s been a while since my last post. We have developed a regular routine each day of eating, cleaning and playing. April has growing quickly and now weighs 11.1 lbs (5 kgs). She got her first set of shots this week at the vet. She is developing into a fine Flat-Coat. Good bone structure, thick puppy coat, fast on her feet and retrieving the pheasant skin! In true Flat-Coat style, she has also figured out how to get out of the X-pen setup outside. The pen is 24 inches high and kept locked. Today, we put her outside while cleaning the interior pen. When we checked on her after about 20 mins, she was running in the backyard with Tink. Fortunately, the yard is totally fenced, but it is still disconcerting that she managed to climb out. Tomorrow, I will setup one of the webcam outside so everyone can see April and Tink playing in the yard. Check the BLOG in the morning for details on how to access the webcam.

Here are some new photos of April on Day 45 (6 1/2 weeks old).
   

April is almost fully weaned at five weeks. She only nurse once or twice a day and is eating soft kibble at three meals. She now weighs 8.3 lbs (3.75 kg). She has her own personality, likes exploring and running after Tink, although mom sometime forgets she’s just a little puppy.

Here are a few current profile pictures on day 35.

   

April is getting use to playing with pheasent wings and skin. She will easily go after the skin when I toss it nearby. Of course, Tink is not to be out done either.

 

April now routinely explores the yard and like to follow me or Tink around. She definitely does not like to be alone.

 

Our house cat Pearl did not appreciate all the attention April was getting from Deb, so we convinced Pearl to be April’s playmate.

 Future pheasant hunter in training.

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I am starting to take April outside for a short while. Here are some photos from our second trip.

   

Quiet time at night and going for a milk run!