There was a time when I had 2 all the time, getting a replacement ready when the oldest turned 7, the youngest being 3. I'd get a litter pick, and have that one ready when the eldest aged out.
Recently, I've been doing that, but with pups that were litter picks that went to grandkids, or friends. Subsequently, my main guy is 10 and I'm puppyless, so next year might not be a good hunting year for me. Especially since I need a hunting dog that handles well, and that takes about a 2 year old to be up to the task.
I thought I'd have a pup to work with this fall, but the breeding didn't take. So we'll be giving it a try again soon. Not all bad, as Da Bull is getting ALL my attention, and that's as it should be. He's doing just great BTW.
UB