Bluestem Kennels

Heartland NAVHDA Spring Test

Immediately following the last of this year’s puppies going home, I went down to the Heartland Chapter Spring Test.  Much to my surprise, I had heard that my friend Gino Troy from Austin, Texas and his dog “Brie” from Whiskeytown Kennels were up doing UPT.

Gino and Brie

I have no idea what the results were, but it was good to have a visit.  Our one year old female, Fire, her sister Gracie tested Natural Ability but didn’t get a prize.  Still it was nice to see how well she has turned out in the looks department.  I think that she is prettier than Fire.

Gracie and Curt at the Heartland NAVHDA Spring Test

Bluestem’s Otoe Chief

I am really happy with how Chief is coming along.  He is really growing and is a nice close-working dog.  It is interesting to contrast his style with Fire’s, who will probably be bringing home some AKC Amateur Walking Derby ribbons this fall: speed queen.  But here are some photos of Chief as we’ve been training him over the summer.

Chief at 3.5 mos

Chief at 3.5 mos

Chief at 3.5 mos

Chief wasn’t sure about the quail at first

Chief retrieved the quail 20 times once he got used to it.

Chief at 5.5 mos

Chief pointing a live quail at 5 mos

Chief retrieving the mallard Dokken at 5.5 mos

Pupdates

A month or so after the pups went home, I got a few pupdates.  Here is Willa out in Colorado with Mort and Patty.  She is from Sam and BB and would have been about 3.5 months in this picture.  Here is what Patty had to say, “Hello Charity – we have been meaning to email you and let you know what a complete delight our puppy girl is.  Her name is Willa now and she is thriving.  You and your family did such a wonderful job socializing the puppies.  We feel very lucky to have picked your kennel and are so happy with such an amazing little creature.”

Willa in the water

Megan and John, also from Colorado, sent this update on Remi (who I called “Little Sioux” because she reminded me of my first Griff, Sweetgrass Sandhill Sioux, who would be her grandmother).  This also would have been at about 3.5 months and she is out of Ben and Velma.

Just wanted to send you a quick update. Sioux /AKA Remi is such a perfect fit! Her spunky personality and cuddle-bug nature is the best blend. Logan was NOT a happy camper when we brought her home, but he is quickly coming around and is trying to get her to chase him through the fields. She can’t really keep up with him just yet but I suspect will give him a run for his money soon. Her hidden talent seems to be surprise attacking dandelion fluffs, which entertains her no end. She’s quickly picking up on commands and loves to learn new things.

Remi and big bro Logan

Matt down in Lincoln, Nebraska shared some videos of when Chloe was around 3.5 months old.  Here is what he had to say:

Just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how Chloe is doing.  Chloe has been amazing in the house and has been a breeze to potty train so far.  She loves to pick on our old lab, Ace, but he takes it like a champ.  She gets really frustrated that he doesn’t respond to her little barks, she doesn’t realize he’s deaf!

Chloe loves to hang out in her swimming pool while the kids play in their pool.  https://youtu.be/LzYFENNw2Uo

Chloe has seen pigeons on several occasions.  She has had some awesome points already and is starting to get introduced to the starter pistol.  She went from full speed to perfect point in an instant on the first bird last weekend.  I wish I would have had video because it was awesome!  She came into the bird in this video from slightly upwind and I think she was surprised by how close she was when she found it.  https://youtu.be/uHqLwwVcpY8

She is really starting to love the water!  We started doing some easy water retrieves parallel to the shore last weekend.  https://youtu.be/Fjx6Xmyus_Q   Last night we tried stretching her out in the water a little further and she didn’t miss a beat (even though I forgot my bumper and had her retrieving a piece of wood!).  https://youtu.be/GzS-wRRsK-c

Basic obedience is coming along nicely.  She is so smart and picks up on things very fast and is very eager to please! 

I plan on taking her to her first training day this weekend so we are looking forward to that.

We are so thrilled to have such a calm little pup!  Everyone she’s met just raves about how calm and laid back she is for such a young puppy. 

As you can tell, we are like proud new parents wanting to show off our new baby.  We just wanted to let you know how happy we are that we were able to get a puppy from BB and Sam.

Susan and TracHer took another shot at the NAVHDA UT test, but didn’t take home a prize.  Which is okay, it is a tough test.  In the deed the glory.

TracHer and Susan

Congrats to Ernie and Duncan on a NAVHDA NA Prize III at the Central Dakota Chapter Spring test!