I had one, and I can say that the “calmer” part in the house was not accurate with her. She was an incredible upland dog with extreme high drive and would point quite often (no formal training for that). She was shorter and very stocky. However, she never really calmed down and acclimated to the house, even after rigorous training sessions. After knocking down my girls in the house for 3-4 years I finally kept her outside most of the time. I don’t know if they are all like that, but my experience doesn’t support some of the “qualities” breeders claim.

Todd Ritter

Keep at it! I haven’t had an opportunity yet myself. Just curious – you didn’t mention decoys. Were you using any, and if so what? I had a Tom out in South Dakota earlier this year spook from a jake decoy.

Todd Ritter

Sorry to hear about your dog. I had a yellow lab female who blew one at age 7. It seems to me there were three options for surgery. My vet told me the most expensive one was the only long-term cure, so I paid $1300 for the procedure. A vet from the U of M actually came up to the St. Cloud area to do it. It worked very well (with a pretty specific rehab program) and then at age 10 the other one blew. Needless to say at that age, she is retired now with an injury like that. She walks fine with a slight limp, but the rigors of pheasant hunting are out of the question. Good luck. Although it is quite expensive, the surgery does work well.

Todd Ritter
http://www.toddritteruplandresources.com