Hello, fellow dog lovers! As an experienced dog trainer and a proud owner of several French Brittanys, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding many dogs and their owners through the journey of growth and training. Today, I want to introduce you to a concept that’s often overlooked but can be a game-changer for many dog owners – ‘started dogs’.

What are started dogs, you ask? Well, let’s dive in!

Understanding the Concept of ‘Started Dogs’

A ‘started dog’ is a young dog that has been introduced to basic training and hunting concepts1. They’re not fully trained, but they’ve got a head start. Picture them as the high school graduates of the dog world. They’ve got the basics down, but there’s still a lot to learn.

The Benefits of Choosing a Started French Brittany

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Why would anyone choose a started dog over a puppy or a fully trained adult dog? Well, let me share a personal anecdote.

A few years ago, I met a busy professional couple interested in owning a French Brittany. They loved the breed’s energy, intelligence, and hunting prowess. However, they were worried about juggling their busy schedules with the demands of training a puppy. That’s when I introduced them to Bella, a started French Brittany. She was just the right fit! Bella had her basic training in place, saving them time and effort, yet she was young enough to adapt to her new home and bond with her owners.

Choosing a started French Brittany offers several benefits:

  1. Time and Effort: Training a puppy from scratch can be time-consuming and demanding. A started dog saves you this effort, as they already know basic commands and behaviors.

  2. Adaptability: Unlike fully trained adult dogs, started dogs are young enough to adapt to new environments and bond with their new family.

  3. Easier Transition into Hunting: If you’re interested in hunting, a started French Brittany is a great choice. They’ve been introduced to the field, making the transition smoother and faster.

Considerations When Choosing a Started Dog

While started dogs offer numerous benefits, it’s important to consider a few things:

  1. Training Continuity: It’s crucial to continue the training started by the breeder or trainer. Consistency is key to reinforce learned behaviors and teach new skills.

  2. Patience and Understanding: Remember, a started dog is still learning. Be patient and understanding as they adjust to their new home and continue their training journey.

  3. Health Checks: Ensure the dog has been health-checked and vaccinated. A reputable breeder or trainer should provide all relevant health records.

So, are you intrigued by the idea of a started French Brittany? Do you see yourself enjoying the best of both worlds – the joy of shaping a young dog’s future without starting from scratch? If you answered yes, then a started dog might be just what you’re looking for!

In conclusion, choosing a started French Brittany can be a rewarding experience. It offers the joy of shaping a young dog’s future, saves time and effort on initial training, and provides a smoother transition into hunting. So, consider your lifestyle, needs, and preferences, and who knows? A started French Brittany might be the perfect fit for you. Happy dog parenting!

Footnotes

  1. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/started-dog-vs-puppy/ ↩