225. Puppy Development - How To Start A Great Hunting Dog

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! We're sitting down with the El Tesoro crew for a full season recap. We're covering everything from wild quail numbers and dog performance to some genuinely wild stories from the field. We break down what the Cocker Spaniels and German Shorthairs did well, where they fell short, and what's on the training agenda heading into the off-season.Topics include:0:00 Intro & Season Overview1:17 How the Season Differed from Years Past2:50 Wild Quail Conditions and Bird Movement4:30 Cocker Spaniel Breakdown: Trip, Dorothy, Hatchet, Bella6:40 Retrieving Problems: Switching, Diversion Birds, and Shopping9:00 E-Collar Jump Settings for Multi-Dog Handling11:30 Field Handling and Heel Consistency Near Birds17:00 Steadiness and Chase Issues at the Ranch23:00 Breeding Discussion: Trip x Bella Cross28:00 Balance vs. Drive: What We're Looking For in a Litter32:00 Trip's Eye Injuries — A Wild Story from the Field39:30 Dog Goggles and Eye Protection (Rex Specs)44:00 Dorothy's Bird-in-a-Tree Moment47:00 Naming the New Cocker Puppy (Comment Below!)48:30 Short Hair Season Breakdown50:00 Flushing Anticipation and Steadiness Observations54:00 Vale's Improved Natural Backing55:30 Decompression Debate: Does It Help or Hurt?59:00 Wild Quail Numbers: 70 Coveys Moved1:03:00 Young Dog String vs. the Geriatric Crew1:06:00 Spring Training Goals: Hand Signals, Utility Prep, and Riot1:09:14 OutroWe also talk through a scary recurring eye injury with one of the Cockers, the debut of three new GSPs at the ranch, a Dorothy highlight reel moment, and what dogs are being prepped for utility testing and NAVHDA this spring.If you're training a versatile bird dog, a flushing spaniel, or building a breeding program, this one covers a lot of ground.Send Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! In this episode of the Standing Stone Podcast, Ethan sits down with Tessa, the kennel's full-time trainer and puppy development specialist, to break down exactly what puppy development looks like from day one through six months old.Whether you're bringing home your first German Shorthaired Pointer or your fifth, this conversation is packed with real-world insight from someone who has raised and trained multiple puppies and works with dogs seven days a week.Topics covered in this episode:0:00 Introduction — Puppy Development with Tessa2:07 The 1-to-1 Ratio and Why It Matters for Puppy Raising4:13 Overnight Crate Training and Potty Training at Night7:02 How Long Does Potty Training Actually Take?11:41 Breaking Bad Habits vs. Building Good Ones13:54 When to Start Clicker Training (Day One)19:07 The 12–16 Week Developmental Shift22:30 Collar Conditioning and What Changes at 16 Weeks25:23 Adventures, Socialization, and Public Outings27:31 Tessa's #1 Pro Tip for Taking Puppies in Public29:03 It's Not Your Right to Pet Every Dog33:41 What Dogs Should Know Before Coming to the Kennel at 6 Months34:41 Puppy You Raised vs. New Dog at 6 Months — Compare and Contrast37:34 "Learning to Learn" — What It Means and Why It Matters43:26 Tethering as a Bonding and Settling Tool45:26 Does Raising from 8 Weeks Make a Difference?50:00 Wrap-Up and What's Coming Next for TessaIf you're working through puppy development at home and want step-by-step guidance, check out our Versatile Dog or Retriever online training courses, or join our dog training community on Patreon for personalized support.Send Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! Rave just turned 16 weeks old, and in this episode, we break down everything that happened from the day she came home to right now, and why she's already ready for e-collar conditioning.We walk you through the exact training framework we use with every puppy: Obedience Goals, Developmental Goals, and Complementary Goals, the same structure built into our Step-By-Step Dog Training Course. You'll see how we applied it with Rave, where we modified it, and what real progress looks like week by week with a high-drive German Shorthaired Pointer.Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Rave's 16-Week Update01:04 How the Online Course Framework Works02:29 Three Training Goal Categories Explained04:13 Setting Up New Puppy Owners for Success05:58 Week 1: Charging the Clicker & Earning Resources07:44 Why Dogs Must Learn to Earn Everything10:07 Tough Love Approach & Healthy Puppies12:26 Proper Feeding for Large Breed Dogs13:01 Why Free Feeding Ruins Hunting Dogs on the Road17:38 How to Handle a Dog That Eats Too Fast18:31 Back to Rave: Working Through Week 119:44 Crate Training vs. Exercise Pens20:47 Car Rides as Developmental Training21:12 Overnight Crating & UTI Watch22:09 How Many Hours a Day Should a Puppy Be Crated?25:14 Weeks 2–3: Teaching Sit, Stand, Place & Targeting26:12 Why We Use a Clicker Instead of Verbal Praise28:24 Shaping Behaviors Before Adding a Cue31:54 Building Momentum: One Behavior at a Time33:17 Week 4: Cue Differentiation35:41 Nail Trims, Appropriate Play & Puppy Biting41:10 Tug of War for Bird Dogs — Why & How44:07 Weeks 5–8: Generalizing Behaviors in New Environments49:19 Appropriate Play With Adult Dogs53:24 Weeks 5–8 Continued: Collar Conditioning Prep54:11 Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement Explained Simply56:00 Vibrate vs. Stimulation: Which to Use First01:00:23 Rave's Progress at 16 Weeks01:03:45 Fast Developers vs. Slow Developers — Both Are Fine01:07:14 Is 16 Weeks Too Early for the E-Collar?01:11:19 Common E-Collar Conditioning Mistakes to Avoid01:13:26 What's Next: Recall or Place Training First?01:15:25 Wrap-Up & Course OverviewWhether you have a versatile hunting dog, retriever, or family pet, this breakdown gives you a real look at how to raise a well-trained dog from day one.Our Step-By-Step Dog Training Courses: standingstonekennels.comJoin our Patreon Dog Training Community: patreon.com/standingstonekennelsReach out for a 1-on-1 consulting call - https://calendly.com/standingstonekennels/trainingvideoconsultSend Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Reach out for a 1-on-1 consulting call - https://calendly.com/standingstonekennels/trainingvideoconsultWelcome to Standing Stone Kennels! In this in-depth Q&A episode, Ethan answers real dog training questions covering puppy training mistakes, crate training problems, separation anxiety, bird dog development, trained retrieve, gunfire introduction, and hunting dog obedience.Learn why your dog may not truly understand commands like “place” or “kennel,” how to fix treat dependency, and how to properly generalize training for real-world reliability. We also break down crate training for anxious puppies, adult dogs peeing in crates, and how to transition dogs to independence step by step.For bird dog owners and upland hunters, this episode covers:Training a GSP around backyard chickensFixing chewing and poor delivery on birdsProperly introducing gunfirePreventing bad mouth habits from tennis ballsUsing tug correctly in retrieve developmentStopping rabbit chasing (off-game correction)Training older hunting dogsWhether you’re raising a German Shorthaired Pointer, Labrador Retriever, flushing dog, or versatile hunting dog, this episode delivers practical, proven training advice you can apply immediately.If you’re serious about building a reliable family companion and capable hunting partner, this is a must-watch.Send Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! What does it really take to develop a young bird dog for high-level wild quail hunting?In this episode, we take a group of developing German Shorthaired Pointers to South Texas for real wild bobwhite quail exposure as part of the El Tesoro program. These young dogs have already hunted sharptail grouse, prairie chickens, and pheasants in the Dakotas; now it’s time to test them on quail in thick thorn country.Over three days, the dogs:- Navigate heavy brush, cactus, and roller-chopped terrain- Adjust from cold northern temps to warm Texas conditions- Hunt both on foot and from the quail rig- Learn to handle running coveys- Practice backing and steady behavior- Build independence without relying on older dogsWe break down each dog’s performance, total coveys found (20 in 3 days), conditioning, pad toughness, and which dogs are progressing toward steady to wing, shot, and fall expectations for 2026.If you're training a young hunting dog or developing a versatile hunting dog for wild birds, this episode explains how real-world exposure builds finished dogs.Send Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! Struggling with puppy crate training, potty training accidents, or nighttime wakeups? In this Q&A episode, Kat answers real questions from puppy owners about crate training, retrieve drive, clicker training, breeding decisions, and whelping management.You’ll learn:- How often an 8-week-old puppy should go out at night- Why crate size matters for potty training- Whether using an older dog increases retrieve drive- How to build food motivation for clicker training- Best bottle feeding practices for newborn puppies- Whether mom dogs should eat placentas- Ideal check cord length for recall training- Where to place your puppy’s crate (quiet room vs. living area)If you’re raising a German Shorthaired Pointer, Labrador, versatile hunting dog, or any high-drive working breed, this episode will help you avoid common puppy training mistakes and build strong foundations early.Have a question? Drop it in the comments for a future Q&A episode.For more structured guidance, check out our online puppy training courses designed for hunting dogs and family companions. https://www.standingstonekennels.com/coursesSend Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! In this video, Ethan and Kat talk through upcoming breedings and potential litters. They break down advanced breeding philosophy and long-term breeding strategy for German Shorthaired Pointers, focusing on how to stack genetics intentionally rather than chasing trends or titles.They explain why breeding decisions must be made years in advance, how temperament, natural ability, and trainability matter more than paper credentials alone, and why certain dogs are kept in the program while others are not — even if they are talented.Send Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! Every year, we sit down and plan our upcoming dog breedings—but this time, we’re bringing you inside the process.In this episode of the Standing Stone Podcast, we break down how we plan our litters, evaluate pedigrees, calculate inbreeding coefficients (COI), and balance genetics with real-world hunting performance. We discuss linebreeding vs outcrossing, fertility considerations, color genetics, temperament, and long-term breeding strategy.You’ll hear detailed discussions on planned breedings for dogs like Cassie, Rye, Trix, Hazel, and Shock, along with honest explanations of why some breedings are repeated, others are avoided, and how future flexibility plays a major role in every decision.This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in:- Breeding hunting dogs responsibly- Understanding pedigrees and COI- Building a sustainable breeding program- Producing versatile, family-friendly bird dogs👉 This is Part 1 of our annual breeding plan—Part 2 will cover additional dogs and future prospects.Send Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! Got questions about puppy training, leash manners, clicker training, rewards, water intake, or e-collar recall? In this episode, we answer real YouTube comment questions covering everything from newborn puppy weight tracking and weaning puppy mush to leash training timelines, reward frequency, and building reliable recall.Sign up for a consultation: https://calendly.com/standingstonekennels/training-video-consult-youtubeWe break down:- When to switch puppy weights from grams to pounds- How early is too early for leash training- Whether rewarding every rep is a mistake- How to stop puppies from chugging water- Clicker training vs verbal markers- Free-running puppies for confidence- E-collar vibrate vs stimulation for recall- Sending puppies home at 7 vs 8 weeks- Best dog beds for place training- Bird training setups and beeper collar featuresIf you’re raising a puppy, hunting dog, or family companion, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes and build a confident, well-trained dog from the start.👉 Drop your questions in the comments for a chance to be featured in the next Q&A episode.Send Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW

Welcome to Standing Stone Kennels! Pedigrees aren’t just paperwork—they’re the blueprint for future generations.In this episode, we break down how elite breeding programs use genetics, DNA data, and multi-generation pedigrees to consistently produce high-level hunting dogs and trophy whitetail deer. From inbreeding coefficients to genetic diversity, we compare dog breeding, deer breeding, and even pigeon racing to uncover what truly drives performance, temperament, and long-term success.We also discuss why modern dog training can hide genetic weaknesses, how linebreeding actually works, and why consistency—not perfection—is the real goal.If you’re serious about breeding better hunting dogs, understanding pedigrees, or improving long-term results, this conversation will change how you think about genetics.Send Us Mail5919 W Pleasant Valley RdPretty Prairie, KS 67570LinksStep-By-Step Dog Training Course: https://www.standingstonesupply.com/coursesJoin our Patreon Community - https://bit.ly/SSK-PatreonOur Store - https://bit.ly/SSK-StoreSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/StandingStoneKennelsInstagram: www.instagram.com/standingstonekennels/Website: www.standingstonekennels.comEthan and Kat Pippitt are the proud owners of Standing Stone Kennels. They breed German Shorthaired pointers and train all types of dogs for the hunt and the home. Their training strategies are easy to follow and are flexible to meet the needs of individual dogs. They are avid outdoorsmen and when they aren't training dogs they spend their free time hunting all kinds of game across the United States.We use affiliate links to help support the channel. If you would like to support Standing Stone content we appreciate you using the links in the description of this video.Subscribe to our channel here: http://bit.ly/2Dyy9DW