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Puppy or Older dog

Kevin Erdmier | https://www.southernpinekennel.com/ | All Hunting Articles
Posted 10/26/2022




So `Goose` is getting older and you are thinking about a new puppy. Or maybe you lost your pet and are starting to look for another one. Remember first of all there is only one `Goose`. Nothing or nobody can replace him. He was the one we have all had or want to have. He may not have been a Field Trial Champion but to us he was better. Goose just fits our family. Do we get a puppy or an older pup out of the puppy stage? Each family must make a decision of what works best for them. I am going to give you the pros and cons for young puppies verses older puppies for sporting dogs. Of course, many decisions must be made like, breed, pedigree, what or how will I use Goose Jr? Will I hunt test, field trial, or just hunt?



Puppies are so cute the first few days after getting home. They are getting acclimated to there new environment. Then about day three or four they turn into the Tasmanian devil. They start chewing on everything (including you). They start peeing and pooping in places they shouldn't for us to clean up. Then the fun begins. After the clean-up we have to start training, this includes potty training, socialization, hunt test or field trial training or hunting training etc.. After hours, days, months and possibly years of cleanup and training you are ready to head to the field and show Goose Jr off.

The older puppy you miss the puppy stage. The potty accidents the hours of clean up and training. You also miss the special moments of bonding and the a-ha moments in training. The cute puppy stages. What you get is a puppy that has been potty trained, is no longer chewing on everything, socialized and is ready to bond with your family and go hunting. You have missed the hundreds of hours of training. Another advantage to getting an older puppy is that you know what you are getting. You can see the puppy work in the field and see how obedient they are. They also give you a better idea of how they will look once grown.

The decision to get a puppy or older puppy(dog) is ultimately your decision. Just consider what is best for your family and work life. The time for training, vet visits and clean up. Budget is also a consideration a puppy more cost effective than an older puppy (dog). How much time do you have and how much is your time worth??



So now the search begins for Goose Jr. Do the research and to find the perfect Goose Jr.
 


About the Author : Kevin Erdmier
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Kevin owns Southern Pine Kennel in Blackshear, GA, where he offers a full range of dog training services. They have indoor and outdoor kennels facilities and are state licensed. He is a certified dog trainer and fully insured. Kevin is an avid hunter, mostly wing shooting dove, duck, geese, quail, and turkey. He typically hunts in Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, and Missouri. In 2016, he opened Southern Pine Kennel after training his own dogs for years. His program is designed for hunters that want to bring a well-mannered and trained dog into the field.

In 2017, he retired from U.S. Homeland Security after 26 years of Law Enforcement. His last duty was to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center as a Firearms Instructor. For the last 10 years he has trained Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement in handguns, shotguns, and rifles. Students were taught proper safety, weapons handling, nomenclature, proper maintenance, and proper marksmanship. He continues to teach firearms to individuals in his community and contractually for Homeland Security

He is currently a Pro Staff member for Retay Shotguns. He is also with Heybo, Dakota Kennels and National Pro Staff. You can find him regularly posting about his dogs on Instagram and Facebook as @southern_pine_kennel.