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Do you retire your dog and if so, when?

DComeaux. " My Ellie is 15 this year and getting frail. I will take her out this year just for the boat ride and very easy retrieves."

DC mentioned Ellie the other day in my log, this pretty much sums up how I retire my dogs...

I think every dog is different and there's no set time for anything...

As long as they can still walk, I take them until it seems like they no longer have the want to. I’ll use my discretion on what retrieve is too long or difficult. With pointers, we’ll step down gradually. Shorter braces, then no longer on horseback, just hunting on foot.

My oldest is 12. She is having difficulty lifting her hips off the ground and does not respond favorably to training. As a young dog all her healthy clearances were normal and excellent. I assume it's just arthritis and old age. She is officially retired as her replacement is ready to roll.

It tells a great story.