A DeCoverly Started Dog is an attractive option for customers who don’t have the time, experience, or facilities to train a pointing dog. These dogs are typically one and a half to two and a half years old. They bond easily with their new owners given a little bit of time and a lot of affection.

Training consists of basic obedience including come when called, sit, kennel, heel, etc. It also includes general interaction with one of our trainers to establish basic dog/human rules of behavior. Beyond the formal “training” portion of their education, we work with our Started Dogs to develop their natural hunting abilities and to ensure that they are the perfect partner in the field.

They learn where to look for birds, demonstrate appropriate use of cover and scent, and will handle and hunt for the gun, not for themselves. Started Dogs will hunt dead or wounded birds, and most are retrieving birds naturally. All started dogs are PennHip X-rayed for dysplasia and are evaluated for temperament and personality.

From time to time we also have started braces available, which add backing and complementary field work to the basic started dog training. We also have finished Setters available at times. The additional development of these Setters adds backing, retrieving to hand, and steady to flush to the basic started dog. Because you are buying a more finished product, we require that you visit the kennel personally when selecting from any of these very special dogs.