Im sure that others have had to deal with SPS at some point in their train of dogs. Im living with and choking down the crow that I self inflicted on myself. My pup is just over 6 months old and shes a big strong, athletic BLF. Sh breezed theough yard work, Obed, FF and CC. Was retrieving aout as far as I felt the need to go, no more than 150 yards because my first SPS pup now runs at the gun as I pushed her too far too fast. I guess Im not as good or as smart as I think I am. Dont get me wrong, I still feel like she will be an amazing dog, but in the future with her, I need to stay in my lane and have more realistic, no time binding expectations. Please excuse or lament the training pains!
Super Puppy Syndrome (SPS)
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One of the best ways I have found to overcome this is stand alone singles with pretty big throws. Not long. Distance means nothing to me at this age. 
Someone told me once that a particularly well know pro said 'give me a dog that runs to the gun station and I will make it a field champion.'
However, I would much prefer the dog to run to the mark.
You will get then issue squared away. Sounds like she's going to be a lot of fun!!!
Someone told me once that a particularly well know pro said 'give me a dog that runs to the gun station and I will make it a field champion.'
However, I would much prefer the dog to run to the mark.
You will get then issue squared away. Sounds like she's going to be a lot of fun!!!
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I guess I've become jaded about puppies. I've had so many people tell me how nice their puppies are or that they're the next big thing. Not many of those turned out. The only truly special puppy I've ever seen was NFC-AFC Bullet. Some of that could have been attributed to the work ethic and skills of his owner/trainer, Dan Hurst. On the flip side of that, I have a hard time understanding how people wash out 4-7 month old puppies. That's like taking a 7 or 8 year old and telling me there's no way he'll be good at sports. Nonsense.
You are exactly correct sir. Totally human make up. Sometimes I have the expectation that Ive done my teching job so thoroughly that I expect the translation to happen quickly. All my girls have been successful, at least in my eyes, HRCH, MH with Q and Derby placements, but I seem to forget that they are dogs trying to please me and might not have a full understanding or ability yet to do what I ask. The young one REALLY wants to please and will make a fine dog if I just relax and let it come in time at her pace instead of mine.Is (SPS) a human syndrome ? . If so , I'm sure the dog(s) will be immune if kept apart and at distance .
For those of us with limited experience, it is hard to know how much, how soon, and what should/shouldn’t be expected at a young age (6 m.o. in my case). Also, there is an overachiever in my training group with a pup the same age so it is hard to keep perspective…
Pup with 4 N's in pedigree on 1st 6 dogs. Went to great homes. 1 became FC.
At 13 months of age I was offered a dog that I liked for $300., At 14 months of
age that same dog won his 1st derby. 9 derby's later he had 30 Derby points.
# years later had an NFC in front of his name. I didn't buy because I had
another dog.
As long as they try & keep improving you keep them in train9ng.
At 13 months of age I was offered a dog that I liked for $300., At 14 months of
age that same dog won his 1st derby. 9 derby's later he had 30 Derby points.
# years later had an NFC in front of his name. I didn't buy because I had
another dog.
As long as they try & keep improving you keep them in train9ng.
Mines just over 6 months and she is the overachiever in the training group. Herein lies the problem. When she is marking on par with much older dogs then has a brain fart. I forget perspective. We are both works in progress and Im working on letting her be a puppy.For those of us with limited experience, it is hard to know how much, how soon, and what should/shouldn’t be expected at a young age (6 m.o. in my case). Also, there is an overachiever in my training group with a pup the same age so it is hard to keep perspective…
I absolutely will keep her and in training. She is out of an Ali dam and Clooney sire. She should have what it takes to do well in the future. I dont know that Ill ever reach any of those lofty goals, but Ill do all I can to help her reach her potential.
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Great point!!!
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