What is this addiction?

The ‘addiciton’ I ask about is that which pertains to Bird hunting and Brittanys (or any breed bird dog).  What causes us to be so avid about bird hunting with our canine partner?  What drives us to go afield on cold blustery days then want our partner to join us fireside?

What causes grown men and women to devote so many hours to pursuing birds?  Is it really about the birds?  (speaking of folks who hunt birds with bird dogs).   Many bird hunters speak of hunting with deep conviction.  I know these folks and speak to hundreds of them every year.  They are truly excited about pursuing upland birds.

Tall stories are told about ‘the greatest hunt’ and the toughest species to ever hunt with a simple two holer and dog.  It is quite easy to listen and become enthralled by terrific stories of upland adventures.  But on closer inspection, there is a common thread woven into the very fabric of each and every story told…

… The pointing dog. 

I think that the hunting instinct is a primative urge that bonds the most sophisticated upland hunter with his/her bird dog.  That primitive instinct, whereby man domesticates an animal then works together in a mutual partnership to capture their quarry, is basic.

True, most of us don’t hunt to provide for our families but we do rekindle our most fundamental instincts when pursuing game with our 4 legged partner. 

Our bird dogs understand that they are part of our pack and respond accordingly when asked to hunt.  Domesticating the dog to pursue our quarry is only equaled by our own need for companionship.  The Brittany bird dog wants to hunt and to please his pack.  That desire to please man didn’t just appear yesterday.  Man has spent many generations developing that trait in the dog.  

Why?  Because our need to be accepted and not be alone is every bit as powerful as the need to hunt and gather.  I imagine that’s what makes Brittanys a great fit for most families.  It desires to please on and off the field. 

Give your dog a treat for me and tell ‘em “Dave says good dog!”

Dave