Trainer’s weird game turns a confused puppy into a loyal hunting partner

Professional bird dog trainer Bev Millheim has some simple advice when it comes to training your puppy to become a tried-and-true bird dog: start early. She recommends taking it easy at first, with simple commands and obstacles like short platforms, mud runs, and teaching them how to get in an out of a small boat. The real key is remembering that while many breeds have an instinctual drive toward hunting, you can’t force a dog to do anything in the same way you can’t force a person. Bev advises to keep your training fun and allow the pup to come around on his or her own. It’s all about practice and if you keep at it, you’ll have your best four legged friend at your side every step of the way.