We welcomed Flare into our family at eight weeks old, confident that the time was right to add another dog now since our other Labrador Retriever, Swayze, was reliable both in the field and at home through consistent training. Flare is the first bird dog I have trained independently, with guidance from a local trainer and online research. While the thought of training her was initially daunting given the many factors involved, thorough preparation and encouragement at home helped build my confidence. The most important lesson I learned while working with both Flare and Swayze is that establishing a strong bond and solid foundation is essential. When dogs trust and understand what is being asked of them, you can accomplish anything.

While we have shared many great days, one of my favorites was Flare’s first hunt. It was incredibly rewarding to watch her thrive in the field and genuinely enjoy the work. Given that this was her first opportunity to hunt birds in a controlled environment, my expectations were low; however, she exceeded them in every aspect. She quartered at an appropriate distance, flushed birds effectively, and retrieved with a level of consistency and confidence like a seasoned dog. 

During her first hunt, she successfully retrieved eight birds, and while she was capable of continuing, we chose to conclude on a positive note and allow our other dog, Swayze, an opportunity to work. Watching Flare make the connections and truly enjoy herself was incredibly fulfilling and made me so happy. She still has lots to improve on, but I could not be prouder of her.

Flare has a big personality! She is a goofy dog who never fails to bring a smile to those around her. While she can be shy with strangers at first, she warms up quickly, especially when a toy is involved. Swayze, on the other hand, is Flare’s complete opposite. She greets everyone and everything with enthusiasm and has an exceptionally loving, gentle nature. But they both have a high level of drive and love spending time playing and working outdoors. Despite their differences, their personalities complement each other perfectly, making them an outstanding pair.

Both of my dogs have had a huge impact on my life, standing by me through every milestone—both positive and challenging. While they require a big commitment, the experiences and adventures we have shared are invaluable, and I would not change them for the world.