February 17th, 2010
Recently there have been several comments made about DeCoverly dogs available for adoption in a SPCA shelter in Bucks County, PA. Although it is true that these dogs came from our kennel, unfortunately there has been a great deal of misunderstanding and misinformation surrounding how and why they got there.
In 2008 the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement (part of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture) passed PA Act 119, a new set of rules and regulations governing Pennsylvania dog kennels (click here to read).
Although our kennel is state of the art and widely praised by department inspectors as a role model for other operators, these new laws required us to make some significant changes. The two biggest areas of the law that impact us are in relation to temperature and space requirements.
This summer we will undertake a $250,000 construction project to completely enclose our back runs so that we can meet the new temperature requirements. The bigger issue is that the current configuration of our kennel runs do not provide enough space for the number of dogs we currently have, despite having been perfectly adequate per state law for over 15 years. We filed for an extension of time to deal with this space issue and were denied. Therefore to comply with the new state laws we were forced in a short time frame to reduce our overall population.
At this point the state informed us that they could help us place these dogs through a “Safe Harbor Program” created by the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association and the Federated Humane Societies of Pennsylvania. The program facilitates placing dogs into reputable shelters that have the best track record for making successful placements. We felt that this was the best option for the dogs given that our only other option was to be shut down by the state and have all the dogs seized and then placed in shelters.
DeCoverly has a long standing reputation as a responsible breeder, and our facility has been praised by customers, dog wardens and veterinarians as one of the best in the country. Although these new dog laws have proved challenging we feel that it is worth these investments to maintain the DeCoverly bloodline going forward.
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January 27th, 2010
We had a visitor to the kennels over the holidays – Evan Phillippe – who manages the excellent outdoor sports blog Below the High-Water Mark.
Evan blogged about his experiences at the kennel:
“These are gorgeous dogs and everytime I visit the place it’s all I can do to resist throwing the credit card down and putting my name on the waiting list for a puppy.”
He also had an opportunity to take two DeCoverly setters out to hunt released chukar:
“Both dogs hunted beautifully, showing off their distinctly different styles, each getting the job done in their own way but with that unmistakable setter class, ingrained through generations of strong breeding and an unyielding drive to point something. It is always a privelege to walk up on one of these dogs when they are frozen solid as the winter ground they cover so efficiently.”
We appreciated Evan’s visit to the kennel and we’re glad he enjoyed hunting with DeCoverly setters. If you’d like to schedule your own visit to the kennels, email dcoverly@epix.net or call 570-378-3357.
Tags: bird dog, Dogs for hunting, English Setter Hunting Dogs, Hunting with dogs, pointing dog
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January 21st, 2010
At DeCoverly we’re proud of our dogs and we love to show them off – at home, in the field and throughout the long history of the Ryman line.
We also love to see our dogs as they leave our kennels and become a loyal member of your family. That’s why we’ve made it even easier for you to share you photos with us and for you to browse through photos from other DeCoverly owners and from our own collection.
Visit the DeCoverly Kennels Photostream on Flickr to view collections of our English Setter puppies, hunting dogs and more. And to submit a photo, just email it to photos@decoverlykennels.com and, after it’s approved by a member of the DeCoverly staff, it will go straight into the photostream.
Got a picture of your DeCoverly setter around the house? Send it in. A picture with your dog after a successful hunt? We’d love to see it!
Tags: Dogs for hunting, English Setter Hunting Dogs, gun dog, Hunting with dogs, puppy photos
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January 6th, 2010
If you’re in New Jersey and you want to learn more about DeCoverly Kennels English Setter hunting dogs, the lineage of our Ryman Dual Setters or you’d just like to say ‘hi’ to the DeCoverly team, come visit us at the 26th annual Garden State Outdoor Sportsmen’s Show.
Running January 14-17, 2010, at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center at Raritan Center, Edison, N.J., the Garden State Outdoor Sportsmen’s Show will feature family fun like a video archery range, trout pond, paintball gallery and fly-casting pool; great deals on fishing, hunting and outdoor supplies; The Garden State Deer Classic and much more.
Adult admission is $10; women are half price and children under 15 are free when accompanied by an adult with paid admission. For directions, click here. It’s sure to be a great event for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, so come out and be sure to visit us for information on our hunting dogs, training and breeding – everything that makes up the DeCoverly Difference.
Tags: bird dog, Dogs for hunting, English setter, Hunting with dogs, pointing dog
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December 2nd, 2009
If you’re a fan of DeCoverly Kennels’ one-of-a-kind Ryman Dual Setters, let us know and become a fan of our Facebook page.
We share DeCoverly news, photos and more through our page. It offers another opportunity for us to interact with owners of our DeCoverly Kennels English Setters and the page helps create a network of DeCoverly owners. So become a fan today!
Tags: English setter, English Setter Puppies, pointing dog, Ryman setters
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November 13th, 2009
The DeCoverly Difference is all about our English Setters and the development they receive. See the original base of the DeCoverly bloodline came directly from the Ryman Kennel. This base was a select group of 30 breeding quality Ryman Setters. As a result of this, the Dual English Setters we are working with today are of the finest stock.
Our developmental approach to raising and training Setters is another key component of the DeCoverly Difference. Our approach is not that of forcing training on a dog, but one which aims to allow our Setters the ability to truly learn their craft in a supportive environment. In fact, the instincts, intelligence, and desire to please of a well-bred Gentleman’s Shooting Dog, when developed through a relationship with a human partner, allow the best things to happen.
Furthermore, our socialization program has been designed from the start to make sure each puppy has the correct exposure to humans and the outside world. In this program we evaluate individual personalities and then work to shut down the more aggressive ones and pull up any shy puppies. Also included in this program is how the English Setter puppies are worked for dominance behavior.
Collectively, these all contribute to the DeCoverly Difference and guides which puppies we will keep from a given litter to be evaluated for breeding.
Tags: Carl Calkins, DeCoverly Setters, dominance behavior, Ellen Calkins, English Setter breeding, English Setter Puppies, English Setter Socialization, George Ryman, Ken Alexander, Ryman Dual English Setter, Ryman Kennel, Ryman Kennel pedigrees
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November 11th, 2009
The answer is no! To have world class English Setter proper training is required. To achieve this, DeCoverly Kennels trains its English Setter puppies from a very early age so that they develop into the hunting dogs you have all come to know and love. The basic training programs and options we provide to all of our Setter pups are as follows:
- Ealry Puppy Socialization and Evaluation Program
- Continuous Juvenile Dog Training Program
- Started Dog Program
Please refer to our website www.decoverlykennels.com to learn more about our development process.
Tags: English Setter Hunting Dogs, English Setter Puppies, Obedience Training, Pointer Dog Training, Retriever Training, Ryman Dual English Setter
Posted in DeCoverly Kennels, Hunting Dogs, Ryman Dual English Setters | No Comments »
November 4th, 2009
At DeCoverly Kennels we selectively breed in the Ryman tradition for Dual English Setters which focuses on natural hunting instincts as well as a correct physical appearance in accordance with the breed standard. These instincts are comprised of scenting ability, intelligence to learn how to handle birds, and pointing instinct. Our English Setters will not just go running off in an effort to break the bird. In fact, an English Setter from DeCoverly Kennels has such an ideal temperament, that it is able to maintain its cool until it “sets” the bird. It then waits patiently for the gun. Talk about a Gentlemen’s Shooting Dog!
Tags: English Setter Hunting Dogs, English Setter hunting dogs for sale, English Setter Temperament, Gentlemen’s Shooting Dog, Ryman Dual English Setter
Posted in DeCoverly Kennels, Hunting Dogs, Ryman Dual English Setters | No Comments »
November 2nd, 2009
Our Dual English Setters stem from the legendary kennel of George Ryman. These English setters are not like other Setters. They carry the label “Dual” because of their astonishingly complementary makeup which allows for an uncanny hunting ability, as well as an amazing physical appearance and structure. Furthering the desirable traits of these English Setters is the fact that they have wonderful personality and temperament, which makes them very suitable as pets as well.
Tags: English Setter Hunting Dogs, English Setter Personality, English Setter Pets, English Setter Temperament, George Ryman, Ryman Dual English Setter
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July 8th, 2009
For your information, DeCoverly Kennels has put together this small checklist of things to watch for with your pet:
Gastrointestinal Upset
This is a common problem that can occur any time of the year. Alcohol and chocolate in large amounts are toxic. Bones of any kind are irresistible to dogs, and can lodge in the throat, or block the intestinal tract. Be sure to properly clear all leftovers.
Burns and House Fires
Dogs can knock over heaters and candles with their vigorous tails, causing burns and even house fires.
Potpourri
Liquid potpourri is commonly used to give a nice aroma to the home. If your pet has open access, they may take interest. This can cause severe caustic burns to the mouth, gums, tongue and esophagus.
Electrocution
Make sure electrical cords are out of reach, and taped firmly to walls or floors. You should consider using cover slips for electrical outlets as well, dismissing the associated risks.
Plant Problems
Certain plants are a menace to dogs. Poinsettias can easily irritate the stomach and eyes. Some berries are toxic, and cause pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Holly and mistletoe, amaryllis, chrysanthemum, rhododendron and winter broom as well as Christmas berry, cherry, pepper and rose can all cause problems to pets that ingest them. You can easily access a toxic plant list, via the internet.
Tags: Pet Safety Checklist, Ryman setters
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