Northwoods Atlas (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Nickel, 2017)
Most often, I write these remembrances when, after living a long life, a special dog passes. In those cases, you see the end coming and you can, somewhat, prepare yourself. But when a favorite dog dies suddenly, without warning, in the prime of its life, the heartache and pain are almost unbearable.
Atlas died like that on July 11.
Northwoods Atlas (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Nickel, 2017), call name Jet, was owned by Greg and Michelle Johnson of Wisconsin. Previously they had owned Gordon setters. Jet was the first dog “white dog” Greg trained and entered in cover dog field trials.
From the beginning, Greg and Jet were a winning duo. From his first derby placement through two runner-up championships, Jet placed in almost every trial—whether in Minnesota, Wisconsin or North Dakota and whether in wild bird or planted quail trials. The stake wasn’t over until Jet ran.
A stellar field trial season placed Greg and Jet as winners of both the amateur and open 2024 Minnesota/Wisconsin Shooting Dog of the Year awards.
Jet had all the characteristics of a champion—style in motion, style on point and the ability to find birds. In addition, Jet had consistency. In 2024, he won a distinctive honor by taking home the Minnesota/Wisconsin Shooting Dog of the Year for both open and amateurs. Jet was invited to the 2023 Grand National Grouse and Woodcock Invitational field trial, the most prestigious in the cover dog world as only the top 14 point-earning dogs are invited. Most likely, he would have been invited again in 2025.
Jet possessed another attribute: he passed on his special qualities to his offspring. He sired only four litters but there are many happy dog owners to whom Betsy and I have sold puppies. Jet had a bright future in our breeding program and he leaves a big hole. In addition, one son, Big Big Energy, won the 2024 Minnesota/Wisconsin Open Derby of the Year award, so a father/son pair won in the same year.
On a vacation to the Southwest last winter, Michelle and Jet rest in rugged terrain.
It’s said that actions speak louder than words. Seeing Greg and Michelle interact with Jet in their day-to-day lives, at field trials and on vacations, they didn’t have to talk about how deeply they loved him and were devoted to his health and well-being. And knowing Jet as we did and watching him, it was clear the feeling was mutual.
National caliber cover dog winner, excellent producer, devoted companion. What more could a dog give?
The process of developing a puppy into an experienced bird dog should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. That process begins with the all-important first season. Not only is the young dog at an impressionable age, but the experience and knowledge gained from that time in the woods and fields will create a foundation the dog will depend on and use in future seasons.
The first year is primarily about exposure. The goal is to have the puppy hunt for and find wild birds. Owners shouldn’t worry if the dog doesn’t point the bird or hold point for long. Both will come with repeated exposure, maturity and training.
The key is wild birds Most of what a dog needs to know about finding and pointing wild birds is learned from the birds themselves. The owner’s job is to put the young dog into birds—lots of birds.
The puppy will learn key details about birds. • Where they’re most likely to be found. • How to differentiate where the bird is as opposed to where it was, i.e., old scent vs. new scent. • How close is too close before the bird flushes. • It can’t catch the bird. • How to follow running birds.
Handling in the woods and fields Handling is often a big issue with owners. Jerry and I have a simple handling theory. As long as the young dog goes with us and looks to us for direction, we say the minimum necessary to control it. Over-handling, in terms of too much calling, whistling or constant encouragement, can distract and confuse the dog. We only use two commands: HERE and calling its name. HERE means come to us. When we want the dog to turn, we call its name. At a certain point we enforce the commands with an ecollar
Expecting your puppy to be always in sight or range at a certain distance is unrealistic and, in fact, can inhibit its bird finding. As long as it’s checking in and hunting in the direction we’re headed, we don’t say anything.
In this field, Sage (CH Miller’s Upgraded Version x Northwoods Comet, 2024) looks staunch on point. But was there a bird? If so, did she hold point until owner Joey Paxman of Montana could flush?
Puppy mistakes Expect your puppy to make mistakes—flush birds, chase rabbits, not pay attention and, at times, just act like the immature dog it is. Be patient. Remember it is still just a young dog. Take a break. Call it in to you, talk calmly and stroke its back.
Be prepared A few important points need to considered prior to the hunting season. The foremost is proper introduction to birds and gunfire. The young dog should be conditioned to an ecollar for the basic HERE command and for turning. A GPS collar is excellent for peace of mind.
Also, the young dog should be accustomed to wearing a bell or beeper and comfortable both with being in a crate and riding in a vehicle.
Proper physical condition is always crucial. The young dog should be at the proper weight. A couple extra pounds can make a big difference, especially on those hot, early season days.
Finally, remember! Have fun with your young dog. And savor this first, special season.
Jerry and I wrote a piece for the September 15, 2013, issue of the Minnesota StarTribune. Some parts of that have been reprinted here.
Beginning with their first dog in the late 1990s, Barry and Jill Frieler have owned six setters out of our dogs. On a recent afternoon in their Minnesota home, the current pack found a sunny spot for napping. Clockwise from top: Northwoods Highclass Kate (Northwoods Blue Ox x Houston’s Belle’s Choice, 2010), Madison (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Nickel, 2018), Ellie (CH Ponderosa Mac x Northwoods Redbreast, 2022) and Jack (CH Houston’s Blackjack x Northwoods Highclass Kate, 2013).
When Sig (Northwoods Rob Roy x Northwoods Minerva, 2019) isn’t in the grouse woods or in wide open Montana places, he accompanies his owner Chris Bye of Wisconsin on trout streams.
Lacey (Northwoods Grits x Northwoods Minerva, 2020) flies across an open field on Nantucket where owner Zenas Hutcheson conditions her for the hunting season in their home state of Minnesota.
There are good reasons Northwoods Comet (HOF CH Rock Acre Blackhawk x Northwoods Vixen, 2018), a female pointer Jerry and I own, is one of our best of all time. On a recent training run for sharptails, in addition to her breathtaking poise, style and composure, her blazing eyes tell the story.
