Gunner is my favorite all-age dog for one reason, he is extremely challenging.    I have worked with him for 2 1/2 years and have encountered many hundreds of wild birds as well as multiple field trials thanks to a terrific owner who has faith in him (and me).  All-age dogs are big running dogs for the field trial uninformed.

Though Gunner started as a ‘hunting dog’ his owner and I quickly recognized he is special.   He is definitely in the ‘extraordinary expresser of the breed’ category.  You got to love him.  Even when he screws up, he’s got that grin that says ‘Yeah, I screwed up but you love me don’t you?’  Some folks call that grin the “Shi* eatin’ grin”

I have pulled nearly every trick and technique out of my private ‘bag of training techniques’ on Gunner.  He has made me ask myself in a mirror “hey, are you a trainer?”.  He makes one think from time to time that you might be inadequate to own or handle him.  Gunner epitomizes the “I’m special and a handful, can you hang with me?” phrase.

It has been tough.  His owner relates to me how he was surprised the first time Gunner shows up with a wild quail that was NOT shot in his mouth down in west Texas.  He was 6 months old!  His owner couldn’t believe it and thought it was a fluke.  No, it wasn’t.  Gunner repeated that feat.  Gunner not only could hunt but could CATCH his WILD quarry.  Try trainin’ THAT dog!

Gunner finally began to listen about a month ago (at 3 years) and when he did, he began to place in field trials.  Most recently, he took 1st out of 45 dogs in the open all age (big running Brittanys).  Gunner had a fantastic run and finds way out there!  He made me so proud!

I am so proud of Gunner.  Is he going to be perfect and reliable…ARE YOU KIDDING?  He’s got that “grin” I mentioned earlier and he WILL use it again!  Wow, he’s fun.  When you get one like this, hold on tight!  Thanks Nubbin’!

They are our companions so give ‘em a treat and tell your Brittany that  ’Dave loves you, He means it!’, no kiddin’!  God, I love this breed.

Dave