TRINITY BIRD DOGS

DOBROCAT N FK'S MT BLUEBELL JH

Phoenix.  Named for the mythical bird that destroys itself through fire and re-emerges from the flames as a fresh, new creature.

Phoenix came to us as a "rescue" dog at age 10 months.  We were her 3rd home.  She had originally been purchased by an older gentleman, who decided she was too active and sent her off for "professional training."  At the time we acquired her, she had been living at a training center for 3 months, receiving intense obedience training every day.  The trainer was a kind woman, but business was business and she had dogs of her own.  Phoenix (named Blue at that time) was literally starved for affection by the time she came to live with us.  Additionally, the intense training had really confused this poor pup.  She  didn't know if she should sit, lay down, stand up, or tap dance whenever someone spoke to her.  Her responses to any attention were almost spastic.

We spent close to a year simply "deprogramming" Phoenix, teaching her to just be a dog.  She played with the other dogs, hunted with the other Vizslas & English Setters, learned a few house manners, and started to settle down.

Phoenix has an incredible nose and is a great little birddog.  She has great style and intensity on point.  However, because of all that has happened to her, she simply cannot handle the pressure of field trialing.  Anytime she feels that she has done wrong, or is in doubt of her actions, she simply falls apart and starts to "heel" and "sit".  She's a GREAT hunting dog, pretty steady with her birds, and if you take her out hunting you won't come home empty handed.

While Phoenix's story has a happy ending, her's is a classic example of what can happen when an inexperience or unprepared person acquires a Vizsla.  PLEASE do your research and learn about this unique and highly active breed before deciding you want one!