Made in Nashville, TN.
By Ron Boehme | Co-Founder Upland Institute | Host of @thehuntingdogpodcast
In a young dog, these two inherited instincts develop first. It is said that a dog does nothing without using its nose, this is evident on the day they’re born when they seek out their first meal. In a few short weeks the ability to leave the whelping box and explore the world around them.
As they develop in age, it is our role to provide them with opportunities that help them expand their search and the use of their nose for any pursuit.
One might not consider the act of swimming an instinct. In the natural world, wild canines swimming can be a part of their daily travels or part of the hunt for food. In domestic canines, we are looking for them to approach water as just another type of terrain. In the versatile dog, we are introducing the idea that a search in the water can be as productive as a search on land.
The strength of this instinct can vary greatly based on age and breed of the pup. As they are given opportunities in the field to find game we may see the first glimpse of pointing. Do not confuse style or duration of a point, only that this “pause before the pounce” was produced by the nose, and in the end that it was productive.
For the spaniel and retriever breeds, this instinct is the means to produce game on the wing. The same variables apply to age and experience.
This is not exclusive to the versatile breeds. Historically great emphasis of this trait for sporting dogs is very desirable. The style in which dogs track is not of importance. Nose to the ground or head up and downwind, the concentration and accuracy they show while tracking is more important than the method. Strong retrieving instincts in any breed of sporting dog usually parallel a strong genetic strength to recover downed or crippled game. Which is the goal game conservation.
This is really the meat and potatoes of all versatile dogs. Both of these should show up in every phase of their work on land and in the water. A high level of desire we’ll show itself with enthusiasm, a sense of purpose and an almost compulsion to complete a task. Cooperation is the willingness to connect all of its skills in the field and water while working with the owner/handler for a common goal.
“The saying has become a trite one, that the training of dogs is not science, but an art allowing for all possibilities and probabilities. I am going on the record with the statement that it is neither. It is an accomplishment that can be learned by anyone who loves dogs. Provided they have a general knowledge of the technique, possesses a level head, a well balanced mind and an even temper.”
A.F. Hochwalt, The Working Dog and His Education, 1925
Ron has had a passion for bird hunting since 1973, when he bought his first license to chase pheasants in his home state of Illinois. Since that time, he has hunted in 22 states and 3 provinces, mostly with a bird dog by his side. A move to Michigan allowed him to build his kennel, Dancing Duke Kennels, and begin a lifetime membership with the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association where he is currently a Senior Judge. Ron is currently ranked 39th among the top 10 wing shooters in the country. You can learn from Ron’s experience at the Upland Institute, and keep up with him via @huntingdogpodcast.
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EXTERIOR
|INTERIOR
INTERIOR: 21.75" (L - Floor) x 14.5" (W - Floor) x 15.5" (H) / 16.5" (W) at kennel's widest interior point
EXTERIOR: 24.5" (L) x 18.625" (W) x 19" (H) / 20.5" (H) with carry handles
EMPTY WEIGHT: 27 lb.
EXTERIOR
|INTERIOR
INTERIOR: 25" (L - Floor) x 18" (W - Floor) x 19.75" (H) / 19" (W) at kennel's widest interior point
EXTERIOR: 29.5" (L) x 20.5" (W) x 23.5" (H) / 25" (H) with carry handles
EMPTY WEIGHT: 38 lb.
EXTERIOR
|INTERIOR
INTERIOR: 30" (L - Floor) x 18" (W - Floor) x 25" (H) / 19" (W) at kennel's widest interior point
EXTERIOR: 34" (L) x 23" (W) x 28.5" (H) / 30" (H) with carry handles
EMPTY WEIGHT: 48 lb.
EXTERIOR
|INTERIOR
INTERIOR: 33.25" (L - Floor) x 21" (W - Floor) x 29" (H) / 23" (W) at kennel's widest interior point
EXTERIOR: 40.25" (L) x 28" (W) x 33.25" (H) / 34.5" (H) with carry handles
EMPTY WEIGHT: 72 lb.
Interior | Exterior | Empty Weight | |
---|---|---|---|
G1™ SMALL | 21.75" (L - Floor) x 14.5" (W - Floor) x 15.5" (H) / 16.5" (W) at kennel's widest interior point | 24.5" (L) x 18.625" (W) x 19" (H) / 20.5" (H) with carry handles | 27 lb. |
G1™ MEDIUM | 25" (L - Floor) x 18" (W - Floor) x 19.75" (H) / 19" (W) at kennel's widest interior point | 29.5" (L) x 20.5" (W) x 23.5" (H) / 25" (H) with carry handles | 38 lb. |
G1™ INTERMEDIATE | 30" (L - Floor) x 18" (W - Floor) x 25" (H) / 19" (W) at kennel's widest interior point | 34" (L) x 23" (W) x 28.5" (H) / 30" (H) with carry handles | 48 lb. |
G1™ LARGE | 33.25" (L - Floor) x 21" (W - Floor) x 29" (H) / 23" (W) at kennel's widest interior point | 40.25" (L) x 28" (W) x 33.25" (H) / 34.5" (H) with carry handles | 72 lb. |
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You will need a soft measuring tape, your dog, and 2 minutes to find your perfect fit.
Tip: If you don't have a soft measuring tape, use a piece of string or a leash then compare.
Measure from base of tail to end of nose, keeping the tape along the spine.
Still need help measuring? Watch our video here.
Still need help measuring? Watch our video here.
GUNNER is the original 5 Star Crash Tested kennel, per the Center For Pet Safety. We created this crate specifically for transportation and that factors into our fit recommendations. In the best interest of your dog, we advise a snug fit for safe travel. If choosing the GUNNER crate for home kenneling, simply slide the toggle above to the right to see the best size.
When primarily used for travel, we always recommend a tight fit in the GUNNER kennel. This protects the dog in the case of an accident: the less wasted interior space the better. Think about it like this – if you’re hitting the brakes too hard, or get into a wreck, you’d rather that your dog have less room to move around inside the kennel. Many customers have also found that their dog feels more secure when traveling in a tighter area too.
For further explanation on this point, let Seth Bynum, a Veterinarian, break it down for you.
For further explanation on this point, let Seth Bynum, a Veterinarian, break it down for you.
Check out the below visual. When the door is closed, the proper fit for safe travel could mean that your dog:
• Is curled
• Paws are tucked
• Rump/tail is resting against the back
Here’s another look for how your dog might look in a crate sized for safe travel, when the door is open:
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