My style is socialize the pups to the point of being able to handle them. I ususally drastically drop personal contact with them after that point and let them absorb themself with their peers or adult dogs to attempt and establish a pack mentallity. I usually attempt to kennel pups with older pups already working or finished dogs if they are not to agressive in the attempt to build bonds. Affection after that point only comes when they accomplish tasks or milestones but I still keep it to a minimum. If they are injured they get VIP and full affection until recovered and back in running order. When I retire a dog to stud or full retirement they get affection every day for the rest of their life along with all the perks....running loose, ect.. My view has always been the same.. Hunting dogs are a tool that I utilize for working ability only. I do not raise mine as pets in any sort of way, thats what I keep a seperate pet dog for the family that can be as worthless as it wants. My belief on this matter is perty simple, this is an addiction to me personally and I cannot afford to keep a tool that does not produce up to its own worth. It also desensitizes you as a handler for the inevitable that everyone will face if you stay in this sport long enough. I have lost to many over the years to take that kinda hurt built from a close personal bond with each dog. I lean toward the views of the handlers on here that choose to distance themselves from their hunting dogs because as stated above I don't want them hanging around wanting lovin in the woods. ITS GAME TIME OR GAME OVER!
This post is in no way a jab at the views of anyone else just my own personal way of training.
I understand and respect everyones different style that is what keeps it interesting in here
myles I fill the same way it very well may not be the best way but its the best for me.
And I also figure that's the reason I didn't get a pup from Bobby b he ask me how I show affection to my puppies I told him the same thing, but all is good I no the game and what works for me. No hard filling with anyone on here and not a jab at bobby just seen his post above.
Actually I had 16 people wanting one of 10 pups. I decided to just keep one and let 9 go. You were about 13 on the list. The way you described to me how you raise your pups didnt play into it . If there had been 13 pups you would have had one. I was actually wanting one or 2 to go to guys like yourself to see how being raised differently would make the pups turn out. But I did the same with these pups as I do with my Brittanys. Pick in order I am contacted.
One of the biggest draw backs to being close to your dogs is when something happens to one of em, it tends to hit you a little harder. I know everyone feels bad to loose a good dog regardless how it was raised, but for me at least, it is just a little tougher.
