By David DiBenedetto

We’re launching the F&S Reader Gun Dog series this week. So without further ado, here’s the first nominee. A Labrador owned by Mike Nobles (mnobles23) from Oklahoma.

Dog’s Name: Kota

Breed: Labrador

Age: 2 ½ years

Type of Hunting: Waterfowl

Favorite Place to Hunt Together: Our Secret Honey Hole

Moment You’re Most Proud Of: This is a tough one here. There are two moments that stand out in my mind:

1) The above photo was taken after Kota’s second hunt. These were his first two “text book” retrieves. Not many people can say they know the exact moment when their pup has finally become a full-blown retrieving machine. When the first of those two greenheads was delivered to my hand I knew THAT was the moment.

2) The night I brought Kota home was the night my grandmother passed away. I took him by her house so she could see him, which let me see her one last time. I was fortunate to have Kota to keep me busy during the loss. This helped lead to a bond that I can’t even describe here in words. He’s my companion and I couldn’t imagine life without him.

Moment You’d Like to Forget: I was setting decoys while hunting a pond, and Kota took it upon himself to explore the banks of the pond. By “explore” I mean “roll in.” And by “banks” I mean “cow s%$#.” I’m not talking about old, crusty stuff either. This was just about as fresh as you could get without following a cow around with a bucket. The cow excrement coated his head, ID collar, and electronic collar to the point where even water retrieves wouldn’t break it loose. Oh, and did I mention that this was at the BEGINNING of our hunt for the day? That was the most horrid smelling duck hunt I have ever experienced.

Best Piece of Dog Training Advice: Be patient. There will be many, many times when a pup will try your patience. Stick with it and keep the goal in mind. There’s a great chance you’ll end up with more than just a hunting partner when it’s all said and done.

If Your Gun Dog Could Talk It Would Say: Throw it. Throw it. Throw it. Pleaaaase!

Sounds like a great dog, Mike. He certainly is good looking. Keep up the solid work.

For those of you who want to participate in the Reader Gun Dog series, click here for more information. And thanks to the many of you that have already sent in your info and photos. Given the great response, I’ll be running one reader gun dog post a week from here on out.

Comments (9)

from pinopolis wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

Kota is one good-looking pup. Love reading about other people's dogs—glad you're going to keep this series going.

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from Blitz wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

Very cool dog and relationship. Thanks for sharing them both.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from dighunter wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

makes me want to run home and pet my dogs.

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from waldman79 wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

GREAT ADDITION TO THE SITE, KEEP IT GOING

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from coyute wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

Good dog!

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from kelmitch wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

Great picture of Kota! Great idea Dave!

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from kelmitch wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

Aceo88 You had asked how to introduce your dog to birds there is a great link on GundogsOnline-Spaniel training you should look at.

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from nujjm12 wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

Cool way to see why Dogs are man's best friend.

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from Cgull wrote 2 years 1 week ago

Good lookin dog Mike. I cant wait to take my new chocolate afield. Very good idea Dave, thanks!

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from pinopolis wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

Kota is one good-looking pup. Love reading about other people's dogs—glad you're going to keep this series going.

+3 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Blitz wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

Very cool dog and relationship. Thanks for sharing them both.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from dighunter wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

makes me want to run home and pet my dogs.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from waldman79 wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

GREAT ADDITION TO THE SITE, KEEP IT GOING

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from coyute wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

Good dog!

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from kelmitch wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

Great picture of Kota! Great idea Dave!

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from kelmitch wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

Aceo88 You had asked how to introduce your dog to birds there is a great link on GundogsOnline-Spaniel training you should look at.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from nujjm12 wrote 2 years 2 weeks ago

Cool way to see why Dogs are man's best friend.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Cgull wrote 2 years 1 week ago

Good lookin dog Mike. I cant wait to take my new chocolate afield. Very good idea Dave, thanks!

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

Post a Comment

 

All submitted comments are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.