The Deutsch Drahthaar is the result of over 100 years of hard work and unwavering dedication to the testing and breeding program of the Verein Deutsch Drahthaar.

The job description of the DD is quite impressive. They are expected to be as proficient in the field and forest as the pointing breeds, and as proficient in the water as the retrieving breeds. The DD also excels as a producer of game, both before and after the shot, through excellent tracking abilities.

While the DD has been bred for consistent performance, you can not "just add water." When a DD pup is purchased, the new owner bears the responsibility for insuring that the pup receive proper training and exposure to game.

The consistent performance of the DD can not be accomplished without proper training from a DEDICATED TRAINER. I almost used the term "Experienced Trainer" but that would have been incorrect. It is the DEDICATED TRAINER who completes the task. No matter the level of your training experience, nor lack there of, you can train a versatile hunting dog. Many people make the mistake of placing their new companion with one of the many specialist trainers. Most of these trainers are not familiar with the training, abilities, or expectations of a versatile hunting dog, which include blood tracking, practical obedience, field work, water work and retrieving, not just one or two of these subjects. It is my opinion that the majority of new owners would be much better off to train and test their dog themselves. This is where the DEDICATION comes in. By joining the VDD and committing yourself to training and testing your new pup, you will insure yourself of two things.

• You will have access to truly versatile training opportunities at chapter training days.

• You will have a much better hunting partner at the completion of the training and testing.

You may not realize it, but you already have your most useful training device...your telephone. You can call the VDD members in your area to learn about training sessions. And, at get-togethers, you will be surrounded by experienced trainers who are more than willing to help you and your new pup.

Many useful articles about training can be found here: www.drahthaar.com/articles.