The Process of Training a Highland Bird Dog There is a process that must be followed when a person chooses a puppy who will be trained as a highland bird dog. The first step is to do some research to choose the right breed of puppy that will suit not only the family but also the birds that will be hunted. The owner should know the proper care needed for the puppy to grow into a healthy dog. There are basic training steps necessary for a puppy to become a great bird dog that begin when the puppy comes home. Being a responsible owner of a trained and skilled mountain bird dog takes time and patience, but the reward of a well-trained dog and the love of a companion is priceless. The first step is to do some research to choose the right dog. breed of puppy that will fit in not only with the family but also with the poultry that will be hunted. Explore different breeders and find one that matches the needs of the puppy you choose. This will be ideal in the history of the lineage from the parents to the puppies and your puppy's abilities and their future training. There are many breed options when it comes to choosing the right puppy. To narrow down the selection, consider whether a retriever or pointer will suit your hunting and family needs. When selecting a puppy, the family's lifestyle should be tailored to the breed, as this may require a commitment of more than ten years (Hall, 2013). Retrievers are eager to please their owner, love the water, and are known as the "hunter" bird dogs. Retrievers make excellent pets and are very loyal to their family as a whole, but the main owner or alpha is the hunter for whom the dogs live to please. Pointers are also eager to please, but they are...... middle of paper ......the one of the family. Animals are like machines, but they also need proper care, love and nutrition. Works Cited Bourjaily, P. (2009). A dog's life. Field & Stream, 113(10), 43. Davis, M. (2011). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.pilchuckvet.com/articles/caring-for-the-working-dog-and-canine-athlete Dunlap, T. (2013, March 28). Training a bird dog. Times-News, The (Twin Falls, ID). Graves, M. (September 24, 2010). Five easy steps to success as a bird dog. Game & Fish, retrieved from http://www.gameandfishmag.com/2010/09/24/hunting_hunting-dogs_ra_1005_03/Hall, E. (2013). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.gamebirdhunts.com/HuntingDogs/DogTrainingArticles/ChoosingAPuppy/tabid/358/Default.aspxHood, B. (2012). How to ruin a good dog. Texas Fish & Game, 29(7), 37. Tarrant, B. (1999). Training of popular breeds. Field and stream, 103(11), 108.