Birddog's Guage is on the Hunt SH MH (Heidi X Rooster 2013)
Guage is trained and handled by his owner Dean Meuhlbauer of Fox River Retrievers in Wisconsin.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lily (Grace X 4xGMPR HRCH Rooster Smasher MH QAA, Fall 2013)
April 21, 2015 Hi Gina,
I haven't updated you on lily for
awhile. She is doing great. Already 18 months old, seems like yesterday. She is
65 lbs, perfect size. She has been everything I could have asked for, a
consummate professional in all her task whether it's finding birds, chasing
rabbits or retrieving. Her drive is crazy fun. She loves retrieving so much
that sometimes it takes a bit to get her to settle down and focus. Although
I've done some antler training with her my mission to find sheds this spring
was stalled by a big injury I sustained.
The girl is an amazing athlete and
just plain so much fun. Well behaved with a perfect on/off switch. I have
entered her in her first dock jumping competition for june. She has the skills now
I just need to figure out how to get some more height out of her. She so
talented I wish I had the time to get into search & rescue with her. As a
volunteer fireman this enhances the appeal for me but at this point in my life
I haven't a clue how I'd find that extra time. If keeping her for breeding
doesn't work out I will Definitely be back for my next in about 5 years. That's
my plan anyway. Thanks again and hope everything is great there. Appears you
are building quite a pedigree up in the arctic.
Erik Kurth
9-12-2014
Lily’s behavior was excellent for
her first hunt. She hates the doggy blind. Probably my fault I didn't start her
on that very early on. We didn't get any geese, but a few teal. Her enthusiasm
& desire is second to none. Overall
she is a joy to have around & is doing fantastic as a whole. She seems to
be a very unique special dog. She loves guns too. She's very well rounded, an
extremely strong swimmer, very teachable & intelligent. Crazy athletic. She
equally at home in the field, at the campground or watching a movie. She has
the perfect on/ off switch. At this point I couldn't be happier with how this
worked out. Erik Kurth
January 19, 2014 (16 weeks old)
“Hi Gina, I wanted to give you an update on Lily and I am willing and wanted to give you
a nice reference post for your website if you would? Let me know and how to do
it. Thanks.
Lily is doing very well, came totally as advertised. She is smart, (funny sidebar
here.) I took her for first vet visit and I didn't really brag her up or
anything and about 3/4 of the way through the appointment he looks at me and
says; look at that dog, she follows your every move with curiosity, looks you
directly in the eye, and seems genuinely interested in you and what's going on.
There's something different about her. I couldn't help but smile. She is very athletic (jumps like a kangaroo) a very natural and willing
retriever. She is always using her nose, needs to trust herself with it yet
though, but that will come. She is a near perfect citizen as a pet and family member. Perfect in the house
and amazing with all kids not just her (brother & sister). Travels like a
veteran, hesitant getting in vehicle. I am not sure why yet. I am sure it is just
a caution phase. In a nearly tragic way I found out she loves water too, really
cold water besides. Basic commands are nearly always adhered too. If she
refuses, she probably was too distracted to start where I shouldn't have even
bothered with a command. Although the weather had been ridiculous, training has been going well. Not a
fan of subzero weather but who is? Anyway we moved right past the short
retrieves and the wings and right on to bumpers, dead & frozen pigeon,
grouse & pheasant, as well as dead fowl trainers and antlers. Struggles
with mouth being a little small for bigger items but tries like heck and finds
a way. Real birds didn't faze her although yesterday wanted to chew them a
little. I just moved on to another item. Yesterday I set her up and fired the
22. from about 20 yards away, didn't bother her. So today I used the 22. blank
dummy launcher right next to her, never flinched eyes on the prize the whole
time. Good start there. Then just for fun I thought I would try a multiple bird
drill so I started with 2, no problem. I then moved on to 3 items. Went well
other than a little "what one should I get". I guess the only flaw so far is she can be a little sensitive. It might be a
good thing she doesn't need much correction because I am not sure will handle
it, but I just quickly move on to next task she seems to forget all about it. I am not sure I could be more pleased at this point. So in closing I would just
like to say thank you for your honesty and straightforward no nonsense sales
pitch and eased my hesitation about traveling hundreds of miles each way to buy
the "passed over" last dog of the litter. A dog sight unseen besides.”
Erik Kurth Wisconsin
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Kona (Grace X Berkley MH QAA, 2013)
Hi Gina,
I just wanted to say thank you for delivering such an outstanding puppy! I was
a little uneasy at first buying a dog sight unseen, but Kona arrived as
advertised and the whole process was a pleasure. He has already met quite a few
new people, as well as a few dogs, and he has handled it great. It’s obvious
that you did a remarkable job raising these puppies. I'm confident that he will
adapt to his new home very well (once we get through the first few sleepless
nights). Thanks again,
Rick
(April 24, 2013) Kona is adjusting well to his new home, he has been doing great with all the
new things. I haven't left the house in a week without him, including him going
to work with me every day. He's a big hit everywhere we go, and everyone is
amazed how well he handles himself with new situations. He's growing by the
day, and starting to respond well to basic obedience training. He also loves to
retrieve, and always returns straight back to me. We just have to work on the
puppy biting, he's a nipper! As much as I love the puppy stage, I'm really
looking forward to getting into some more advanced training as he gets older.
Just wanted to give you an update. Rick
(June 11, 2013) Hi Gina, I just wanted to give you a long overdue update on Kona. He's doing
really well settling into his new home. He's growing fast, at his 16 week vet
visit yesterday, he was 35 pounds. He's a handsome little dude, tall, lean, and
very muscular. He is crazy about retrieving and loves the water. He discovered
our neighbors pool today and followed their golden around swimming laps! Comes
to work with me every day and loves riding in the golf cart. He has responded
very well to basic obedience. House manners are not quite as good, but he gets
better every day, haha. He's full of energy, and seems to get into everything.
All in all he's an amazing little dog, and has been a great addition to our
family. Feel free to check up on him if your ever curious.
(June 28, 2013) Kona had his first
introduction to live birds the other day and didn't hesitate one bit on the
retrieve. My biggest problem is trying not to over do it with throwing things
for him, because we have so much fun retrieving and its the easiest
way to wear him out. I'll definitely stay in touch and keep you updated
periodically. As crazy as I must be, I'm already thinking about the
next one down the road. I just take a deep breath and keep reminding
myself about all that crazy puppy energy and that usually snaps me back to
reality. Although a chocolate Rooster pup might change that thought
process.....
At only 8 months old Rebel became the youngest dog to ever certify in Advanced Area Search with the International Police Work Dog Association! Way to go Kate and Rebel we are so proud of you both!!!
Thank you Gina! I wouldn't have
ever had the blessing of Rebel had it not been for you.
Gina gives the pups the best start possible and is a very honest breeder.
Couldn't be more pleased in my experience with working with Bird Dog Labs!!
Kate
has kept me updated on Rebel’s progress in her search and rescue training! They
are an amazing team and the following is the updates of their unbelievable track record so far! Very proud of both of them.
-(1
day after going to her new home) Rebel hasn't messed in the
kennel yet. She has also mastered the sit command and is starting to learn
stay. She knows her name is Rebel. Yesterday we went to rescue training and she
mastered all the small drills.
-(3
days after going to her new home) She's an excellent little puppy. And I can't
thank you enough!! Well Rebel has mastered sit, stay and
come. She can hold a stay for one minute and comes from 100 yards without the
assistance of a lead. All the handlers are very impressed and so am I. I
think you sold me a wonder dog. It's very easy to see that she's special.
-(May 30th – 15 weeks old)
Rebel's indication when
she finds a subject is to bark and hold. That meaning when she makes her find,
she will sit and bark until I reach the scene. Rebel has already mastered this
task so I can officially say that my beloved pooch finds people. Pretty neat eh?
-(June 14, 2013- 4 months old) We did a three acre blind search and she completed
it perfectly with bark and hold indication and all!
-She's doing so great! We also started two victims
each a mile apart and she continually nails it with indication and all! To
think she's only five months old!
-This really was one heck of a
litter! Rebel and I are heading to IPWDA (International Police Work Dog
Association) in November and she is expected to be the youngest canine to
certify there. She'll be close to eight months old, but she has such a huge
drive and it's very possible that she will achieve a pass on her test.
Kate and Rebel (8 months old) with their Advanced Area Search certificate with the International Police Work Dog Association.
_______________________________________________________________________________ Birddog's Tango JH SH MH QAA (Heidi X Rooster, 2013)
Updated! May 16, 2015 Tango took 1st in the Qualifying at the Minnesota Field Trial Association Inc. Spring 2015 trial. This earned him his Qualified All Age status! Tango has been training with Dynamic Retrievers and was handled by Tim Springer.
"This stunning boy is just amazing to us! Tango not only
has the looks and perfect temperament, but he is also very talented with
the drive and desire that's needed in the hunt test/field trial
circuit. He is a very quiet boy that loves everyone and everything he
meets, but when it comes to working he's extremely focused and ready to
go. He has been in Field Trial training with Tim and Lauren Springer of
Dynamic Retrievers since November of 2013 and is doing wonderful. We
decided to have some fun with him this summer (2014) and put him in Hunt Tests. He went 4 for 4 in Juniors and 4 for 4 in Seniors when he titled in both by a year and a half. Tango received many compliments from every judge that was judging him saying how nice of a dog he is! He has run several derbies and has finished with a Reserve JAM and several JAM's. Tango turned 2 on February 12, 2015 and will be running Qual's working for his QA2 title and then on to Masters. He is a young boy that we have high hopes for ." Georgia Johnsen (http://tangosredlabs.com/birddogs-tango.html).
Tango at 12 weeks. He is complete housebroke.
His sit and here commands are progressing
very well.
He loves fetching bring it straight back to
me and ready for more.
He loves chasing pheasant wings.
He still is not a fan of the leash. Oh well
everything is play at this point.
Van Johnsen
_______________________________________________________________________________ Major (Heidi X 4xGMPR HRCH Rooster Smasher MH QAA, 2013)
Hey Gina,
Things are going great! I couldn't be more happy. He has such a cool
personality, he is training great, has gone on a few road trips with me to
Kentucky and east Arkansas (he rides in the front seat like a champ), rides
with me on the deck on my zero turn mower, etc. Everyone that sees him tells me
how good looking he is too. I'm actually in Minneapolis right now working and
he is coming up work my girl friend tomorrow to stay the rest of the week.
Everyone in my family really likes him as well. So yeah, I'm super pleased with
him so far.
Brandon James Arkansas
The following are pictures of Major's first year hunting. He is less than one year old in all of the following pictures.
Major getting ready for big things to come!
______________________________________________________________________________ Austin and Drax (Grace X Berkley MH QAA, 2013)
Gina, You are one of the nicest people I never met! They are doing great, you did a great job socializing them. I have never
received puppy's so well mannered. Thank you, and I will send pictures.
The puppies are doing great. We took them to the vet last
week. Austin is already over 20 lbs... They are happy and busy.
They sit, come to "here", and are close to house trained.
10 weeks today. Oh, they are chipped also. We start the
Hillman dvd training gig at 22 weeks.
So we are 3 months old now and really starting to mature on our own. Drax
(petro) is the taller one for now. Austin (bolbus) still has the bigger
paws. We started the Hillman puppy training DVD yesterday, so back out in
the field today.
Greg Buzzell April-June 2013
California
Hi Gina,
The boys are doing great. It’s
so funny how 2 pups from the same litter can differ so much, but it always
keeps it fun. Mr Drax is the mousey one, but better retriever and more of a
field trial looking dog. Mr Austin (aka fatman) is mister defiant, super quick
learner but you’re gonna be on his time, and you swear he is 10lbs (really only
3) heavier cause he is short and stocky. We got in with one of the premier
trainers on the west coast Luann Pleasant. She left for Montana to train for 2
months while it is warm here in CA, so the pups went this week. She was willing
to train them a month earlier then we had planned but that fact she let us in
to her kennel is super exiting for us dog nuts. Mike Lardy is a very good
friend of hers to let you know the level she trains at... Anyhow both our boys
are well loved, great looking and have very different albeit cite
personalities.
Will send ya training updates as
well get them, but both sit steady, retrieve at @ 50yds, heal left side and
swim well..
Thanks again for amazing dogs, and hopefully they continue
to exceed our expectations.
Michael O’Brien July 2013 California
Austin (left) and Drax (right)
These boys are being trained together to be the hunting partners of two friends. Pretty cool!
___________________________________________________________________________________ Cooper (Grace X Berkley MH QAA, 2013)
April 2013 - Cooper is taking to puppy training well. He is house trained and
crate trained. I have started him on games that are really training. He already
knows commands : Sit, Come, Kennel, Fetch and "Get Busy" - He is a
smart dog.
July 2013 - Again Thanks For Cooper. He is doing great. We Absolutely Adore
him. He and I have an incredible bond. He loves Puppy training. I am going to
start formal training this week. He comes, heals on lead and sits well. He is
retrieving singles in Water and on Land. He is a water nut. He dives under
water too. What a hoot.
We are
very Thankful to you!! We love our Tinkerbell very much!!! She is sooooo much
like our black lab that we lost last yr Easter Sunday!!! So happy we found
you:))
Hi
Gina,Tinker is doing great. She is fetching, retrieving, swimming and doing
basic obedience commands well. We have just started leash training &
that is going well. She has a great temperament & disposition....we
couldn't be happier!
Update: APRIL 2014 Ryder earned her Junior Hunter title! She ran 4/4 to earn the title.
I love my new puppy and she loves
the wing the bumper and for her to chase that baby duck in the first hour I got
home makes me assume that her prey drive should help me overcome her weariness
of loud noises. I was really happy to see her show that much interest in a new
environment so fast. Thank you very much and I will keep you updated on her
progress with pics and emails.
Thanks, Joe Bradley Virginia
Ryder tied for first place in pup class at the Tidewater Retriever Club - 4 months old!
Hi Gina,
Cooper is doing great! Very smart
pup!
He is lots of fun. Dennis is concerned about training him correctly since
he is so smart. He wants to train him correctly. Do you have any
recommendations for hunting training?
Everybody just loves him, he is so sweet! Cooper loves the water and he is
a retrieving fool!
Have a great summer !
Hello Gina,
I've been meaning to email you. We
decided to name miss burgundy, Scout, after the main girl character in the book
To Kill a Mockingbird. It fits her really well because like the character she
is very smart, curious, cautious, and also adventurous. She's a great puppy for
a lab. Scout will be a great dog too. She's so sweet and she's already my new
best friend. She follows me everywhere except we do put her in a crate at night
which she is used to now. Also, thank you for basically potty training her.
When we got scout, she already knew to go in the grass and not inside. I think
she's had maybe 3 accidents inside, which is pretty good for a puppy. Scout is
super laid back, but sometimes she gets a little feisty. She plays with our
other dogs so she doesn't get bored and chew things. Thank you for being a
great breeder! Scout is a better puppy because of you. She is absolutely
beautiful also. She is fine from the tornado she got in the storm shelter with
me for a few minutes when we didn't know what direction the tornado would go.
She was the calmest dog about it haha. Here are some pictures of darling scout!
She's a wonderful addition to our family. Thanks
again, Ashlyn
November 2013: Hello Gina, I wanted
to update you on Scout. She is going through hunting training at the
moment. She is doing very well. Scout was a little intimidated by
water, making her late to swim, but now she loves the water and is an
excellent and aggressive swimmer. Scout is extremely athletic and
intelligent. She is also very beautiful. She looks similar to her
mother. Here are some pictures taken of Scout a couple of months ago.
I don't have any super recent ones. Her eyes stayed a green color
which is cool. She is a tall and big dog. We love it and we love her.
Thanks again!
-Ashlyn Rawls Oklahoma
____________________________________________________________________________ -Gunner (Grace X Stoney MH QAA, 2009)
Hello, a bit of history if you will. We had a puppy born
and raised in AZ, big blocky head. When we saw the pictures of Gunner, we
just knew we had to have a mate for Lobo. While we are not breeders, both
dogs were fixed as puppies. The introduction was done in a neutral
setting actually a dog care business where Lobo attended most days.
Living in the city does not yield the opportunities to run and play as
one would have in an open area but I would not have it any other way.
Gunner is a lover dog, always affectionate, a protector of my wife and
son and is ready to play catch at a moment’s notice. With proper
training, Gunner would be a fantastic retriever if used for hunting. Gina is great to work with, I email her every so often to share pictures and
thoughts. I am not sure if Gunner has become a desert dog in a sense that
when it is windy and cool out he will be outside all day long. We flew Gunner in from Gina and it was done like clock work. We took him
straight to the groomer for cleaning as he had a mess in his kennel (normal)
and got to play with Lobo. When it was time to come home, Lobo welcomed
him into the house, showed him around the yard/house and kennels. We did not have the terrible twos or threes, but have noticed that he is
becoming a bit more outgoing and will protect my wife if there is a noise. Lobo does the same but since he is the old one, he figures he can
let the young one run to the door, and if Lobo is needed then will step in. Lobo is a big dog, 125lb comes from a mom and dad that were over 130 each.
Gunner is a tad smaller at 115. Gunner is build for swimming, his
feet are webbed and and the way he runs you can see that if he had the chance
he would be all over it.
I cannot say enough about Gina and Bird Dog Labs.
Great people to work with, and great animals that are coming from her
time and willingness to have the best.
-Holli (Grace X Stoney MH QAA, 2009)
I own a black lab pup from the first litter that
Gina's dog, Grace, had. Holli is now almost 4 years and an exceptional family
pet. She is smart, a quick learner, beautiful, and very devoted.
As a dog breeder, Gina is devoted to raising top quality pups through all the
research of pedigree and the tests needed to provide health clearances. Gina
also raises the pups in her home and will give each pup their individual
attention needed.
If you choose to get a pup from Gina, you will find she is very easy to work
with, honest and truly loves raising her labs.
Tango at 12 weeks. He is complete housebroke. 
Major getting ready for big things to come!
Austin (left) and Drax (right)
Ryder out duck hunting. 10 months old.
