One important guideline to follow is to avoid introducing young pups to birds too soon. While the French Brittany matures quickly, starting too early can overwhelm your dog and cause setbacks in their training even cause your dog to be scared of birds. Ideally, females should be introduced to birds around 6 months of age, while males can wait until about 8 months of age. This extra time allows for mental and physical development, ensuring your pup is has the confidence it needs to face birds and be confident around them.
To begin, start with controlled exposure to birds in a calm environment. Introduce your Epagneul Breton to a well-trained, calm bird, such as a pigeon or quail, to avoid triggering fear or overstimulation. Encourage curiosity and let your dog sniff, observe, and interact at their own pace. Gradually progress to more dynamic settings where birds are allowed to fly, teaching your dog to focus on locating and pointing rather than chasing. It’s crucial to reward positive behaviors and build confidence during these early sessions to create a positive association with birds.
Using live birds can be a critical step in developing your Epagneul Breton’s hunting instincts, but it must be done responsibly. Short training
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