Welcome to the latest edition of DeCoverly Kennels On-Point Newsletter. The holidays were busy this winter and we're looking forward to warm weather this spring. Since our last newsletter there have been a lot of changes and happenings in the kennels, which we hope you'll enjoy reading about in this newsletter.

"I faintly remember the bonds my father had with his Setters. A special closeness and camaraderie over many years, getting to interpret every twitch and move almost before it happened. Instincts, formed from physical contact, patience, and caring. Money down the drain, sure, but a bottomless pleasure in return such as most cannot risk to feel."

Unknown Source

STAFF UPDATES

- Jason Freethy is DeCoverly's new general manager. Jason is responsible for all day to day activities at the kennel.

- Jessica Colvin is DeCoverly's new office manager. Jessica comes to DeCoverly with six years of experience working with a veterinary orthopedic surgeon. In addition to her office duties she also helps care for the dogs.

- Martje Bicker is responsible for daily feeding, cleaning and medications.

- Bob Barth is DeCoverly's part-time started dog trainer. Bob's training program includes general socialization, basic obedience, introduction to birds and introduction to gunfire.

- Bridget Bodine recently left DeCoverly to pursue her lifelong dream of guiding water foul hunts on the Chesapeake. We wish Bridget the best and thank her for her many years of dedicated service.

FIRST ANNUAL PICNIC

We hosted our first annual DeCoverly Picnic on September 28th, 2008. Activities included a pig roast, sporting clays and an opportunity for owners to get to know one another. Although we had high hopes to see many of our owners, we were overwhelmed by the final attendance. By the end of the day we had over 200 guests and 80 setters.

DeCOVERLY'S COOKIE ON TV

DeCoverly's Cookie will be part of an upcoming episode of THE SHOTGUN JOURNAL airing on The Outdoor Channel.

UPCOMING SHOWS

DeCoverly will be attending the Southern Side by Side Spring Classic from Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26, 2009. Exhibitors from the U.S. and Europe will occupy four tents offering a wide variety of fine guns, sporting clothes, accessories, books, art, fine jewelry, dog kennels, sporting travel providers and auction houses. Competitions will be available for shooters of all gauges of side by side shotguns.

From time to time we have young
untrained dogs available. The sweet,
handsome young male pictured to the
right was whelped July 23, 2008.

PET SAFETY CHECKLIST

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
Heaters and candles are popular this time of year and dogs can knock them over with their vigorous tails. This can cause 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.

TRAINING VS. BREAKING

Training takes patience, consistency, and TIME. Breaking a dog is a series of training shortcuts and the need to do something quickly has a price. One of the prices is that the dog may not meet his/her potential as a gun dog. The dog may have perfect manners in the field, but because of the early breaking, may never develop the independence needed to become a great performer. A gun dog that needs to be constantly thinking about the handler's expectations cannot concentrate on learning.

It takes about three years to train a fine bird dog and give him/her the experience needed for real maturity. Development is a measured step-by-step process and there are no shortcuts. Early development in such areas as pointing instinct and physical size often fool handlers into assuming that other personality traits and physical structures are mature enough to push the process. It is simply not true and often leads to disaster. Training often means not interfering with a dogs learning. The first rule is DO NO HARM!

Handlers are often in a hurry and unaware of what they are teaching. There are many examples: One might be the early use of the electric collar, which can teach an exuberant youngster that the only safe place is right next to the handler. Another might be having those wonderful first puppy points and restraining that youngster with a check cord at flush. The lesson could be that birds are a no-no and now there is a problem. A third could be taking an early-pointing youngster on two or three hour hunts, when in fact that dog is physically immature.

The big decision is the kind of gun dog that you want. Do you want a partner or a servant? Do you get your pleasure from watching your dog work his magic or does your enjoyment come from shooting the birds that your dog finds. Both parts are important, but which comes first says much about the kind of experience that you are looking for.

Ken Alexander

There's plently of new good news to report from Clipper's corner of the world these days. First and foremost Clipper has a new "baby brother," our son Will, who turned one in December. Our daughter Caroline has always loved Clipper but her affection and enthusiasm pales in comparison to Will. He isn't happy unless Clipper is in the room and can spend an hour on the couch just playing with his ears and petting him (as only a toddler can pet a dog). I do foresee some great days afield as Will and Caroline get older and nothing could be more fun to anticipate.

In other news Clipper had a great hunting season this past year. Grouse numbers held strong and we had several days of four to six flushes per hour. By and large we missed the woodcock migrations but did get into some resident birds. At the preserves we got some good days on pheasants and Clipper has figured out how to circle and pin a running ringneck, which made for for some exciting action. All of this was despite having colder and more frozen conditions than usual and less time than either of us would like. With the snows now melted we're getting some bigger hikes in on the weekends and looking forward to the warmer spring days ahead.

Bill Sordoni

Dear Ken and Staff,

I thought I would write you to share an experience Hunter and I had on Sept. 30, 2007.

We entered a Chukar Challenge sponsored by Pheasants Forever Chapter 113 held at Clover Hollow Shooting Preserve. The rules for the Chukar Challenge were; that each team gets four birds, eight shells and twenty minutes to find them. The team that finds and shoots the most birds in the least amount of time with the least amount of shells wins.

Hunter and I were third to run. I thought we did ok as Hunter found three birds and I was able to put each one in the bag using four shells. Scenting conditions seemed difficult, as Hunter was unable to find the fourth bird in the allotted time. However at the end of our run we were in first place.

We had to leave the event early as we were scheduled to bring our other DeCoverly setter Saige to the kennel for her training evaluation. Bonnie and I were excited when we left since we were in first place but I wasn't sure our score would stand because there were about seven more teams to run, some of them previous winners.

However later in the day, through a phone call to the club we found out that our score was unbeaten. We were a little sad we couldn't be at the club for the ribbon presentation but the next day we were presented with a very nice First Place Blue Ribbon.

Once again I would like to thank you for such a beautiful and intelligent companion whether we are at home or in the field.

Thank you,
Tim and Bonnie Payonk

Dear DeCoverly Team,

Rio is the epitome of why I have a bird dog. She is wonderful in the house, and is a joy to watch in the field. I've had friends tell me she is too lazy to hunt while she is lying next to the fireplace. I sure like watching their faces when she hears her hunting bell.

My only wish is that I had started this years ago. My 16-year-old son is trying to figure out how to make a living with a bird dog.

I am grateful for how the DeCoverly Team has ensured that I have received more than I paid for. It shows in all you do. I feel that everything you do is for the dogs and not just to make a dollar.


Thank you again,
"Rio" and The Cheshire Family