I know I have probably said it hundreds of times but thank you doesn't even begin to cover the gratitude Chris and I feel for all you have helped us accomplish with our Wirehaired... (more) - Amy Welch and Christopher Cournoyer, Pomfret, CT
McFella
Date of Graduation: Sat, Mar 31st, 2012
McFella has made tremendous progress over his four weeks of training with us. This was possible for two reasons: One, his owner Jessica did an amazing job building a sound foundation in obedience for McFella, and two, McFella is already so naturally gifted and was able to overcome his fears to do what he is passionate about, which is finding birds. You rarely see a dog with his breeding point birds at the distance he does, and with such style. That simply can’t be taught – it’s genetic. Through McFella’s obedience training, we were able to harness his natural ability and shape it to a format that works for both human and dog. It is important that his obedience techniques are regularly practiced so he learns to follow and trust in his handler to lead him in the field to work as a well-conditioned team. He is now e-collar conditioned for long distance reinforcement of commands and has also learned a condition retrieve to help along a more successful hunt. This is just the start for McFella and we definitely see big things in his future.
Bode
Date of Graduation: Fri, Mar 30th, 2012
Bode is much more laid back than his brother Paco. On his very first training day he was already good on the leash and very respectful of his handler’s space. Because Bode is a lower energy dog and very willing to follow direction and respect leadership, there was not as much work to do with Bode as there was with his brother. Bode’s transformation was not as large as Paco’s but Bode has also become a much more obedient dog thanks to our program. By the conclusion of his training Bode was performing all of his obedience command on and 100% off leash with or without his brother Paco working with him. Bode has been an excellent student and will also benefit from a structure environment at home and the incorporation of obedience work into daily life.
Paco
Date of Graduation: Fri, Mar 30th, 2012
Paco has come a long way during his stay here at Quinebaug Kennels. When he first arrived he was rude, lacking manners and truly needed structure, boundaries, and limitations. Though he did have a difficult time adjusting to our program, having tantrums and protesting a lot during the first week, we can now say that Paco’s sweet nature is much more evident because he now has much more self-control and a large knowledge base for obedience. Before heading home, Paco worked all of his basic obedience commands 100% off leash and his trainer Jen Sanderson was incredibly happy with his great progress. Now, proper reinforcement of his training and a more structured lifestyle at home will guarantee his continuing success as an excellent family companion.
Teddy
Date of Graduation: Tue, Mar 27th, 2012
Upon Teddy’s first lesson here at the kennel, it was apparent that he a dog that respects leadership, tries hard to please, and responded very well the pressure from the get go. At home he was just lacking rules and structure, but because of our program, Teddy’s rude, and sometimes aggressive behavior is a thing of the past. Had a very easy time accepting leadership and direction and Teddy is now a well-trained boy with a super personality. He knows all of his basic obedience commands including sit, down, place, heel, come/here, and kennel and is now working all of these commands 100% off leash. Teddy now has all of the tools necessary to be a superb family companion. He has been such a joy to work with and we wish him and his family continued success.
Bella
Date of Graduation: Sat, Mar 24th, 2012
Bella is a lovely girl! We saw some demand barking and other slightly rude behaviors upon her arrival that would be easily addressed during her training here. She did excellent on her first day putting in amazing effort and eager to please. She is an excellent student and responds to pressure appropriately. Some issues we noticed as her socialization continued were that when she is a part of a large group of dogs she often tries to control the energy around her by ramming and sometimes grabbing the other dogs, which is a bit worrisome given her size and strength as a Mastiff. This was definitely address with the e-collar and should continue to be addressed as she continues to hang out with her friends. Preparing to go home, Bella obedience was excellent. She rarely needed any e-collar corrections when working heeling and recalls alone and when playing with other dogs. She even had to opportunity to go hiking with trainer Jen Sanderson and a few other trainees. Overall, Bella will be a great family companion after completing our program. As always, a proper follow through and enforcement of her obedience training is key for her continuing success.
George
Date of Graduation: Fri, Mar 23rd, 2012
George is definitely one talented dog. He is always ready to work and revved up like a super charged engine. He’s made great progress with his obedience, but will often get overly excited and jump on his handler without realizing what he did even though he knows jumping is wrong. The calmer the handler, the more respectful George will be. In addition to basic obedience, George practiced bird work, quartering drills, force fetch, whistle work, and the “okay” release command. He did amazing in obedience while maintaining a great attitude and he absolutely loves to work and hunt. He had a blast chasing birds, displays a tremendous drive and is fearless to shots from the bank pistol. It looks like George will definitely be an awesome bird dog as well as a loving family companion.
Gaucho
Date of Graduation: Wed, Mar 21st, 2012
When Gaucho arrived it was apparent that he was an extremely nice boy who could definitely benefit from structure and socialization. He was a little bit socially awkward as well and did a lot of growing up here at the kennel. Gaucho was very sensitive and insecure so to address this, trainer Jen Sanderson worked Gaucho on eye contact, sitting (and not downing out of avoidance), heeling, desensitization, and lots of confidence building on things like the treadmill and agility obstacles. There were also a few incidences when Gaucho would use light aggression (showing his teeth and occasionally snapping) to control the people around him, but proper handling, clarity, consistency, and fearlessness will address this issue. Gaucho learned all of his basics on and 100% off leash. He has come such a long way during his stay here and has benefited greatly from obedience training and socialization. He is responding well to pressure and is an increasingly willing and compliant partner. He will definitely be missed!
Gunner
Date of Graduation: Sat, Mar 17th, 2012
Gunner is one tough cookie! When he first arrived he took this place by storm acting like a wild man and claiming the kennel as his own while we were just visiting. After a few days of training Gunner started to see that this was not the case. He instantly changed and became much more respectful to people and all dogs. We focused mainly on e-collar obedience, force fetch, and control work and Gunner did very well and quickly became a favorite among the kennel staff and trainers. With that foundation in place he is definitely ready for more advanced training, field work, and lots and lots of birds! Gunner is such a great student with so much potential and continuing his training by finishing force fetch and working on birds will push him to be the spectacular hunting companion we all know he can be.
Moose Tracks
Date of Graduation: Sat, Mar 17th, 2012
Moose Tracks struggled with his confidence since he first arrived. It was clear that he was the type of dog our trainer Joe needed to take things slower with, but just as he started to do well he unfortunately fell ill and needed to go home to recover. He then returned to his training rested and ready to go, but still a bit nervous. Moose would point a bird one minute, and the next he would run away from it. After a lot of bird work, however, he was able to overcome some fears and learn e-collar conditioning. By the end of his training he was following all of his obeidience commands on and off leash and is definitely ready for more advanced work. Moose Tracks just needs a lot of patience, persistence, and repetition, then once he matures, he’ll be ready for birds, birds, birds!!!!
Indy
Date of Graduation: Sat, Mar 17th, 2012
Indy was a wild girl with minimal obedience and even less self-control. This was very apparent in the way she greeted people by jumping excitedly and disrespecting personal space. Establishing a much calmer, more respectful greeting was definitely something Indy and her trainers worked on each training session. Indy began her training working entry/exit control and attention drills and she instantly transformed into a different dog! She was respectful on the leash and looking for direction. Throughout her training, Indy learned all of her basic obedience commands as well as some distance recalls and stays. Then on her final training day she got the opportunity to reap the benefits of all her hard work and education enjoying a fun hike with Trainer Jen Sanderson and one other dog. She was very free, independent, enjoyed running in the woods, and most importantly she was obedient! Indy is a lovely girl who just needed to be taught boundaries, limitations, and a good foundation in obedience. She has a wonderful personality and was very fun to train.
