"The bond between dog and human is a strong one."
Getting a New Puppy: Building the Dog and Human Bond
Almost 6 years ago Reagan, our black lab was brought into our household. I never thought that a dog could change your life in so many ways. I didn't grow up with dogs so I didn't truly understand the powerful bond that occurred between a dog and its human companion, until Reagan met Michael.
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| Reagan's First Goose Hunt at 3 months old |
However, Michael was his trainer and they would go everywhere together. He was Michael's hunting buddy, training partner and dog. The bond that subsequently formed after years of training, hunting and playing with each other is unbreakable.
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| When Michael used to study Reagan would be right there with him. |
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| Training by the lake |
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| Always together: Best Friends |
This bond is something that I wish I had with Reagan. The way he looks at Michael is so great. He loves him so much and hangs on his every word, his every movement. Even now, they are both just sitting in the office, Michael working on the computer and Reagan sitting at his feet.
It's not that Reagan and I don't have a great relationship, he just looks to me for his loving, his pats on the head, his snuggles. I am not his hunting companion, not his buddy, not his teacher.
When Michael and I found out that we had won a new puppy from Soggy Acres Retrievers through SportingDog Adventures I think I was more excited than he was. He has his best friend... I was the one in search of a hunting dog I could call my own. We discussed how it would be "my" dog, I would be in charge of training, be in control of the hunting regime, obedience and everything else that came with it. And I know from watching Michael train Reagan that it was quite the process.
The journey that my new pup and I will take once we meet each other will be great. We have two mentor hunters and training partners to look up to. Michael will be by my side throughout the training process informing me of what to do and Reagan will be there to watch his little brother grow through the training and hunting season.
Don't get me wrong integrating a new puppy into our household and into our training and hunting routine is going to be no easy task, but that's half the fun of it, right. Learning and growing, educating ourselves along the way we will all find a way to successfully become a great hunting team.
I will be able to share the ups and downs of training with all of you. What works, what doesn't and the process from puppy to hunting dog occurs.
If you have any tips you would like to share you can email me at capitoloutdoorswoman@gmail.com or comment below.
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Remember to Enjoy the Outdoors
*Heather*