Wirehaired Pointing Griffon - That's My Point Kennels

I'm a part of NAVHDA.....Right?

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:25:00 +0000

Over the years I have told people, I'm a part of NAVHDA or the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, and so are my Griffs. I have even helped train my Griffs for the first test of hunting for any versatile dog which is the NA (natural ability) test. But until this spring I have never gone to, or seen what NAVHDA does. Sure I have seen my Griffs work in a field, watched them grow in ability from pup to adult. But I was in the mindset of, well its something my husband can do. I was also afraid it would be more of the good ole boys club, where they get together and shoot the breeze, work with dogs, and talk sports. I felt that I would be an after thought, in the way of the things they would be doing there. Well I couldn't have been more wrong.

The people there are very welcoming. They mentor each other in the training of their dogs, help solve problems, encourage children to run dogs and teach them the basics, encouraging a whole new generation of responsible hunters and confident dogs. I was missing the whole picture and I didn't even realize it. We have had training sessions, BBQ's, and even the tests are full of encouragement and tips.

I knew it was a good organization, my husband always enjoyed himself learned a lot of things the Griffs had a good time. I was almost content to leave it at that but with encouragement from my husband, I joined in and I can't imagine life working my Griffs without it. I have made many new friends, found great teachers, and learned a few great new jokes from the other NAVHDA members. It has helped me and my Griffs grow and that itself has been worth it weight in gold.

If your on the fence check it out. No matter if your helping a 7 year old boy or girl learn to handle and teach their first versatile dog, or retired and wanting to brush up on a favorite past time with a new pup or an old hunting buddy. It can't hurt to go and see what its all about and possibly make some new friends while learning a whole lot about training and problem solving for you and your dogs. And even if you don't have a dog its a great place to learn about different breeds and find the one right for you as well as learn how to train it to be the best hunting dog for you. Don't just know about and organization called NAVHDA, or just read the magazines you might have gotten when you joined, find the chapter nearest you and give them a call. No matter what you will meet great people and have a good time, I just about guarantee!

Water training is a great activity for your dogs

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:15:00 +0000

Water training is a great activity for your dogs. Not only does it provide great exercise, and help build stamina when used as part of a regular training routine, but it is an essential part of the versatile hunting dog experience. A versatile dog should be as comfortable in water as they are on land. To help achieve that goal here are some steps to help you out.

Start with building a relationship with your dog, this can be as simple as offering your new pup their first bites of kibble from your hand before offering them each meal. The next step is LOTS of encouragement, plenty of praise such as; good dog or way to go "dogs name", good dog, and tons of excitement toward what you are doing with your dog. We have had dogs learn simply with a few games of ground fetch that go into the water at a short distance and end up well into the middle of a fair sized pond, to following a fellow k9 companion, all the way up to actually standing in the water (which may have been cold I can't be sure since I was more observing)and actually building the dogs confidence in the water with a few assisted swims until they are off on their own.

Water training is a rewarding and enjoyable aspect of training for both you and your dog and early, regular, positive exposure will be a great asset to you and your dog as training goes on.

The following video was a great one, not only for what you see but what you don't. Before this was taken Penny was a bit hesitant to go into the water during this training session, there was so much going on and her first two entrances were short to say the least, she began to get excited but I forgot the most important part...the encouragement! Once I boosted her interest with an excited tone and a lot of dummy waving, she leapt into the water with an eager ease. No matter what you are asking this is a great part of training. I was glad to not only have this recognized and used to assist the others there training their dogs, but to assist me in keeping that in the forefront of my training as well! Enjoy Ms. Penny enjoying what she was made to do!

Great night at RRV NAVHDA Training

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Wed, 26 May 2010 19:08:00 +0000

There were about 13 dogs out at the training grounds last night. Trainers brought out birds and they were placed in the field in launchers. This was the first time a lot of these young dogs were on birds. Was nice to see how responsive the dogs were, everyones dog did well. Saw some nice points and some dogs very happy with their trophies.

The Importance of NAVHDA

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Tue, 18 May 2010 19:46:00 +0000

When we bought our first Wirehaired Pointing Griffon we asked ourselves. What do we primarily want to train our dogs for, field or show ring? My passion is outdoors and hunting, so it made the decision pretty simple, but then came the question. Who can help us train and work with pointers? I had only hunted over flushers in the past. Then we found NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association).

The first thought that ran through our heads was, that the organization would be full of a bunch of grumpy, know it all men that would be unwilling to help people learn about their dogs and that the organization was there more for a rite of passage. Boy, were we ever wrong! Instead what we found was an organization made up of men and women that have a love for versatile hunting dogs and the sport of bird hunting. The members of NAVHDA are friendly and willing to help new comers to the sport learn as well as help tune up dogs and owners that have been in the field for years.

A couple years ago we ran our first NA test (Natural Ability) and we had no idea what to expect. Boy was it was nerve racking to get ready for. Sure you know all the things that will be tested, but you don't know how the judges treat you, how things are going to be scored, how other members will look at you (are you considered competition) and most importantly how your dog will act while being tested; dogs have good days and bad days just like anyone else. Immediately we saw that the trainers are very helpful, the tests are organized, the judges are fair and the members are so friendly. What we found is that NAVHDA really wants your dog to succeed!

If you have or are looking to purchase a versatile hunting dog, I would highly recommend finding your local NAVHDA chapter and giving them a call. With each puppy packet we send out to interested parties, we look up the local chapter contact info and include a one page overview of NAVHDA. We don't do this because we have any ties to the organization; we do it, because we love the versatile hunting dogs and want their new owners to be successful in raising them and enjoy working with them.

Remember to take the time to enjoy your dog, both in companionship and in training.

My Take on Designer Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Mon, 03 May 2010 14:10:00 +0000

Perhaps this will be an unpopular topic, but I feel I needed to talk about it.
Being a dog breeder I have learned a lot about bloodlines, genetics, testing, breed clubs and animal behavior. I do tons of research about the dogs I am breeding so that I can both improve my dogs breed and continue the characteristics in that breed that is both the standard as well as desired for that breed. I spend hours talking to breeders, looking over papers, researching bloodlines, etc. which is, or should be, a normal part of showing and breeding dogs. Other huge parts of my program include getting testing done on my animals to ensure healthy animals without some of the possible genetic issues, working in field tests and trials to find proven inherent abilities desired by people interested in my breed, and constant work with the dogs themselves. Becoming a dog breeder is expensive, its time consuming, and it is a huge responsibility.
My issues come, quite frankly, from seeing all these "designer" dogs being bred and sold. Watching this new fad develop and become popular has been a hard pill to swallow. I know someone who paid 350.00+ dollars for a dog that was one part this that and the other. My personal feeling is it's a mutt, no there is nothing wrong with a mutt. However, you can get one at the animal shelter, usually with all their shots, spayed or neutered and occasionally house broken and well adjusted for aroud or less than 100.00. An added benefit is being able to provide a well needed home for an unfortunate dog. While I agree some shelter animals have serious issues and will never make good pets, this happens to shelter pet and purebred alike. However the lead organizations for shelters have tried to put things in place to weed out problem pets, like the ASPCA for example. However, people also have to accept responsibility and learn about proper dog care and obedience and not expect a dog to just get it.
Breeding a pet is not an easy thing and should not be entered into lightly. It involves research, education, a network of other respected breeders and veterinarians, as well as friends to lend a hand when needed. A responsible breeder will breed with consideration for the pups they will create before they are even a factor, begin finding homes before their birth, provide a lifetime of help and support for each dog they bring into the world and offer help when things come up, as they do in life to ensure their dog has a place to return to if anything every changes. Another important thing to note is when you breed a dog there is always the chance that you will lose your dog, their puppies or both.
The facts are that there are too many dogs in pounds and on the street for people to be intentionally creating dogs for fun or profit. To be clear I am not only opposed to "designer" dog breeders but also to the breeders of purebred dogs out there breeding without consideration and that is just as wrong to me especially since they are marketing themselves otherwise. People should look into breeders always ask tons of questions and consider carefully why they want a dog and what they want the dog to be in their lives for, companionship, hunting, showing, agility, or just to be spoiled remember that pure bred dogs are great and have a place but if you want a cute dog and don't care what it is or want certain types of dog or a certain look there are places to find them. For your "designer" dog the animal shelter is by far the best place to find them, you can even let the animal shelter know what types of breeds you are interested in and they can contact you if something you want comes into the shelter. Know what you are looking for, the time you have available for your pet, and size requirements for your living situation and always take at least a day to think over a pet purchase, when you rush into buying a pet unprepared everyone involved ends up unhappy.

Animal Planet Covers the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (Korthals Griffon)

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:47:00 +0000

I was pleased to run into this video and see how well Animal Planet covered my breed.

Dogs 101: Korthals Griffon : Video : Animal Planet

The Korthals Griffon is a rare breed that loves the water and is a versatile hunter. They do best in wide open spaces and are extremely intelligent.

http://animal.discovery.com/videos/dogs-101-korthals-griffon.html

Enjoy and Happy Hunting!

Check your NAVHDA Events and Testing Schedules

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:01:00 +0000

Well it is that time of year again, the snow has melted, the ground is drying off and it is time to start NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) events and testing again. I would encourage you all to go the the following sites to verify dates and locations:

Upcoming Tests: http://www.navhda.us/TestSked/ListUpcoming.asp?W_MODE=DATE

Special Events: http://www.navhda.org/calendar.html#Special Events

Be safe and have fun!

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:02:00 +0000

Just a quick note. Summer training will be starting soon, check your local NAVHDA Chapter for dates and locations.

Happy Training!

What a fun weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:42:00 +0000

The weather was perfect save the ever present North Dakota "breeze" The sun was shining and my people decided it was a great day for us all to be out an play. Boy did we have fun! It was a great break from training. We just ran and played for hours. (Pictures described from left to right)

This is my little Penny wrestling with me I like to let her think she is winning. (and the side of Tripps head (he likes to be part of everything)

That is Penny, Tripp and Me.

This one is Tripp, Me, and Penny

Those are me and Penny again. Ok, so I can't always let her win :) Tripp had to get in on the last fight. I think he was feeling left out.

And finally a group shot of Bobby, Tripp, Me (Aspen) and little Penny still trying to get me!

Always take time to enjoy the little things no matter how simple or silly they seam because those are the things that you look back on that make life wounderful!

Here's Another Pupdate from Tim and Cash in Wisconsin

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:45:00 +0000

Tracy,
Hope everything is going well for you. Just wanted to give you a little update on Cash. He has been nuetered. He has been doing very good here at home, altough he is not staying with us right now as he is staying at a trainers house. I have been out there many times to help and learn as much as i can about training. The gentleman(Jim) training Cash has commented many times on how smart he is and that he can tell he has come from good stock. He has trained 3 other Griffons and says Cash is the best of them. Jim has trained many breeds, pointers and flushers that have achieved MH and national championships in hunts and field trials. Jim has also told me that Cash is doing the best of any dog he has right now. I was out with them today and we shot his first bird over him today. Funny how once they have been to the field a couple times they know exactly what they are there to do right out of the kennel.(no more puppy, doesn't care dad is there, where are the BIRDS!) A couple other guys out there commented how great he is doing. Retrieved the bird, didn't bring right back, but did hold it until he came to us.

Thank you,
Tim

p.s. figured you would like to hear comments of an expierenced dog trainer.

More Awsome Pupdates!!

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:42:00 +0000

Hello Tracy,

Just an up date for you.
Gus is doing great, he has 42 roosters under his belt, including the 3 from this morning.
I get nothing but complements on him. His point is solid and his nose is unbelievable and what a personality, not bad for just being 5 months old.
I am going to get some good pictures of him on point and send them to you.

Take care,

Mike L.

---------------------------------------------------------
Another Update from Gus and Mike,

Good Evening Tracy,

I hope all is well with you and yours.
I have some updated photos of Gus for you. He is 55 pounds of fun now and doing great.
He is a bird tracking , pointing, hunting, fetching machine. One of the things that makes it so much fun is he loves what he does. I have some really good shots of him on point, I am trying to find and will get them to you when I locate them.
He was a star at the Sportsman show up north this year, the trainer had large pictures of him at the booth and on the video playing showing him off.

Take care,
Mike L.

Even though he is my boy (and I am possibly a tad bias) He is so darn handsome, isn't he?!?!

Looking good Fellas!!!! Keep sending us those awesome updates!! Hmmm!! I think I just caught the sent of something interesting.... Enjoy a nice walk and at least a few nice scratches every day if possible!! (here's a hint people pups love it when you roll over on your back and look cute, lots of tummy rubbing there) Ooh! I think I see a little people pup coming this way, back later

It's That Time Again!!!

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:32:00 +0000

Don't forget to update vaccinations, worming, and heart worm prevention for your furry friends! Spring is here and now is the best time to get caught up on or start your worming and vaccinations for the year.
Many people look at heartworm and deworming as "No big deal" or say "I've never worried about that and my dog is fine." Are they really? Signs of worms such as Gastrointestinal disturbances, Scratching, particularly around the base of the tail, Mild to severe coughing, Poor Appetite, Loss of energy, Anemia.
These symptoms can easily be over looked, and it may seam easy to just leave your pet alone and not worry if they seam healthy and happy. However, left untreated it can cost you thousands in veterinary costs later and possibly more than that, the life of your pet. Take care of your pets and they will reward you with years of love and enjoyment, and hopefully in our case some birds!!!!

Take care and enjoy the weather!!

My Kiddos are sure growing!!

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:08:00 +0000

My kiddos are sure growing fast. They are about five months old now an doing great in their new homes. I could never have hoped for better forever families for my little ones. Thank you all for taking such good care of them! Here they are with their new owners and a little of what they had to say about my people and my babies.

Nancy - 1st born and in a hurry to get to her new family with Carol and Ray of Colorado. She was so fast I almost missed her birth. Congratulations guys!!

A note from Carol:

Dear Tracy,

Just wanted to let you know that Nancy is wonderful, she is getting big, and smarter by the day, she is still a puppy at times, but she gets better all the time. I can not remember when she did not go outside to do her business. I bless the day we called you..My best to You and your family. Carol

Next up was Miss Bella;

She went to live with the Zermeno Family in Texas! Congratulations!

Some of what they had to say;

Hi Tracy,

Bella is adjusting a little better everyday. She really turns heads. Never had a dog get so many compliments. Have a great day!

Zermeno's

Next was Camma! She went to live with her new owner Austen and took a long trip over to Alaska. Congratulation!

Here is a little of what they had to say about their new pup;

She's here. She is such a god pup. She is as beautiful as ever and her little tail just wags all of the time. As soon as Edmee took her out of the kennel, she relaxed right away. She knew that she was home. She has even gone shopping with us and was such a good girl. We just have to spoil her.
She has been playing and running everywhere with Edmee and has eaten and is drinking non stop. Such a sweetie.

Next up was Little miss Scout and her wounderful new family the Parish's in Minnesota. Congratulaions!

Here's Some things they had to say;
Tracy,

Good afternoon! Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Scout has been doing real well and is taking quite nicely to her obedience training. I'll have to send some video for you to check out. We also had a chance to get her exposed to gunfire this weekend and she did fantastic!
You have been a pleasure to work with, and again I want to thank you for letting us make a "visit" in between picking her out, and picking her up. Thanks so much for your help!

Here's Gus who now lives in Washington with new owner Mike and his family. Congratulations!

Here is little of what they had to say:

Tracy Puppy is doing well. He is a great addition to the family.He is sitting, retrieving and even staying (some what).His name is Gus.I will send pictures and keep in touch.

Thanks,
Mike

Next up is Duke (love the name guys!) He went to live with the Horn family in Minnesota. Congratulations!

Some of their comments;

Tracy,
Everyone is great here except maybe a bit waterlogged as its been raining since last week. Duke is doing fine. As I type he is taking a nap in his kennel in the laundry room after lunch and a potty break. He is getting better during the night, he gets up about 2 or 3 times to go out so we figure as he gets bigger it will decrease. He is a great eater today he actually stopped to go out before he finished eating which up until that point he had been inhaling it before he would even look at you. We are all enjoying having a new "baby" in the family. He is much more a people person then our goldens were in the past. He goes in next week to charm our vet who was so excited to hear we got a griff. He is so cute and already knows where to go back into the garage to get back to his room when he is done going. What a smart puppy! Thanks so much for this little guy we are retraining ourselves in puppy procedures.

Blessings!

Dana Horn

Our next pup is Don Rico, this was a special fit for both dog and owner Todd and Family in Colorado. Congratulations!

Here is what they had to say about their new pup;

Tracy,
Our little guy Don (named after my deceased father) made himself at home immediately as I think you can see from the attached photos. Harry our full-time dog (a 2-year old Lab) is being very sweet and welcoming to Don, my brothers 8-year old lab who is with us time is simply ignoring him.

We adore Don he is a sweetheart who seems to be adjusting beautifully to his new surroundings and he is thoroughly enjoying the 15 inches of snow we received over the past two days.

From the get go all of this seemed to be a perfect fit and now that he is here it feels as though he becoming a part of our family was meant to be. Thank you for sending him to us.
Best Regards,

Todd

Another of our pups is Mr. Cash. He went to live with the Burman Family in Wisconsin. We will update a picture if we get the opportunity. Here is what they said about their new pup; We are all doing great. Cash has adjusted well. Our other dog and him get along great.

Thanks again,
Tim

Bo was another of our pups, he went to live with his new owner Terry in Virginia. We will update more on Bo once we get the opportunity.

A little update!

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:19:00 +0000

Well Hello all. It has been awhile since I have had the chance to write. I am happy to say that all my babies found wonderful homes all over the state and I get regular updates and photos of most of my babies. All their families love them. I am also happy to announce that we have kept one of my little girls and she will be staying with us as a part of our family!!! That's my Penny playing on a snowmobile!!!

We have been out trying to get some hunting this season but here in the south eastern half of North Dakota the corn is still all around and the birds are mostly out of site. We have seen quite a few but have had no luck getting any of our own....yet that is!! I believe that my people will find them and then I can do my job!

I look forward to this spring when my little girl will have her first test with NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) where we will see her natural ability shine, of course I know where her talents come from so I know she will do well!! Well enough for now I will look forward to updating you with more later. Take care and happy holidays!!!

Aspen

What an adventure!!!

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:01:00 +0000

Ok so the new guy got here on Tuesday the 15th and he was here for a total of 12 hours when my peoples little pup who's 4 accidently helped open his kennel and he took off me and my people went out looking for him everyday. Me and my owner Tracy must have walked over eight miles in two days!! Not that I minded the excersize and the oppertunity to sniff out a few birds!!! Well I am happy to say that with my help we were able to get him to come home!!

Welcome Home Bobby!!!

The New Guy

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:13:00 +0000

First, before I begin my blog, a word from me and my people. We would like to take a moment to pray for those lost, those left behind and those that gave in ultimate sacrifice on that tragic day September 11th. They were friends, husbands, wives, they were mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. Terrorism is a very real threat even today and extremism in any place or for any reason, no matter what the cause is dangerous. Please let us never forget this tragedy or those who died or lost someone they loved! Thank you, TMP Kennel Team

Well this morning I found out that the new guy, Bobby, gets here on Tuesday. I admit that I am kind of excited to meet him. As long as he knows who’s treats are who’s we should get along alright. I am sure he will be tired after his long flight but I will get to meet him that day or the next so I can let my people know if I approve of him or not. They sort of rely on my approval of things! We will see what he is really about October 10th, for those that don't know that is pheasant opener here in North Dakota!!!!!

Always time for Playtime!!!

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Here are my little ones enjoying some playtime, I hope you all enjoy!!!

Here is one of my babies and her brother playing, you will also see my peoples pup playing with my pup, she is always helping keep them busy for me.

And here are a few pictures of my little ones, my favorite is my little boy with his Goose.

Puppies, Puppies, Puppies!!

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:15:00 +0000

Here I am with my babies, they are always hungry. If I look tired I probably am but my people have been giving me some time off by feeding my babies so I don't always have to. They are now up to two meals a day and will be moving to three by the end of the week.

This morning my people showed my babies pheasant wings!!! I think they really liked those wings, I wanted one too but they told me soon I can get the real thing, I suppose I can wait just a little longer.

I think my babies look great with bird wings, just think of how they will look with a whole bird!!! They were even playing with those over their new toys, they might like birds as much as I do. I am starting to learn my babies new names and I love them so far. Thanks to all their soon to be people for think up such great names for my babies, the ones I picked would be a little harder for people to pronounce I suppose...lol... Well I will be back for more later.

Aspen

My babies are growing up!

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:46:00 +0000

Today my pups had their first meal, they really seamed to enjoy it. I can't believe they are going to be four weeks old next Wednesday and will only have four or five more weeks here with me. I have heard my people say they are going to good homes with loving families.

At least hunting season is right around the corner and I will get to be a part of that and keep my mind off missing my babies and my people said we are keeping one of my little girls too! I can't wait to teach her all the things I know!

I hear that the new guy, Bobby, will be coming soon and he is supposed to to a pretty big shot, we'll see. I just hope he realizes who's in charge here! But I will be my usual friendly self and get to know him and maybe we can get a bunch of birds and get to play in the field and make our people, and ourselves proud!

Well, back to work for me today I have practice for the upcoming hunting season and I still have my babies to take care of and keep out of trouble, those little one are getting into everything now! All I need now are some extra paws.

Another Wet Morning!

noreply@blogger.com (That's My Point) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:43:00 +0000

Its another wet morning and if it keeps up like the I will have to start dressing my puppies like this. This cute little guy is who my people call little green he was my last puppy born.

This is me before I had my babies, not too bad for eleven if you ask me!!

This is me this morning, I think I look much more comfortable, and much more like myself. I am ready to go out and play already but.... I have to go back with my babies and take care of them.

Wow, what a group huh? Well being a busy mom of eleven my work is never done. I will be back to share more stories with you later. Bye for now.

Aspen