It's Spring, and excitement is in the air.

Spring is well underway, and it has been packed with all sorts of activity.  Habitat work is in full swing on my hunting property.  The yard is filled with "honey do" projects.  Tracking training is at full steam ahead.  Echo has been in his new home now for a couple of months, and is doing awesome with his new owner/handler.  That places Layla in the top spot for this season.  She has really made a lot of progress in her training, and should be ready for some tough recoveries come season.

Last week I had the opportunity to visit Boulder Creek Performance K9 in Southeastern MO.  BCK9 is owned and operated by Mark Wynn, a remarkable dog trainer who learned his trade while in the military.  He specializes in military and law enforcement dogs, but is also doing some blood tracking work for those interested. I was privileged to get to spend the day training with the Illinois State Police dog handlers who were there training at Boulder Creek.  My main reason for making the trip; however, was to get a look at the two new Hanoverian pups that Mark just imported from Germany.  These pups are now 4 months old, and will be trained in man tracking and drug detection before being sold to a law enforcement department.  The pups were beautiful, and full of drive.  It was a blast to watch them work the short "man hunting" trails that they are currently performing.  

Speaking of Hanoverians, I should have a pup on the ground any day now.  The dam, Nya, is big and round, and due to drop pups any day now. I will have the male pick of the litter to choose from, and couldn't be more excited!  He should be ready for pick up by the end of July, and the training will begin immediately.  I hope that the new rascal is ready to do some easier recoveries this fall.  Here is a photo of poor, pregnant Nya.

I will do my best to document the new pups progress from start to finish, and hopefully have some useful videos to watch as time goes on.

I will try to get some new photos and videos of Layla's progress as well.  She is turning into a solid tracker, and is usually a joy to work on track.  Stay tuned for more updates as the season draws near.

Good hunting, Brady