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.

In fact it takes about three years to train a fine bird dog and give him/her the experience needed for real maturity.  But if the owner takes the shortcut and breaks the dog, the end result is a dog that may never fully develop into the gun dog it has the potential to be.

For example, even if the dog has perfect manners in the field, they may never develop the independence needed to become a great performer as a result of the breaking.  So proper step by step training is absolutely crucial, and this training often times even involves giving a dog room to learn in an unimpeded environment.

To read how more about how Ken achieves this, click here.