About Hatszel Kennels

Hatszel Kennels is a Vizsla breeding and training operation in Sinclairville, describing itself as "Breeders of Loyal AKC Registered Vizslas for the Field and the Home" and, more directly, "We are Breeders and Trainers of Nationally Recognized Vizslas." The training is open to outside dogs and is the reason this kennel is listed here rather than as a breeder only.

The training ladder

The published program is headed "Hunting Dog, Hunt Test and Field Trial Training" and runs in three stages. Puppy Training, at the Junior Hunter and Puppy and Derby field-trial levels, takes dogs "as early as 4 months old which includes introduction to birds, shot, turning and recall," after which "puppies will progress to pointing and are permitted to chase birds with no pressure." Intermediate Training, at Senior Hunter level, is "designed for dogs that are ready to progress from puppy training and will include collar conditioning, pointing and controlled chase and building the blocks for finish training to stop to shot and flush." The finished level – Master Hunter, Gun Dog, Shooting Dog and All Age Dog – takes dogs that have shown intermediate work "and progress[es] to a finished dog that will stand its birds flush and shot and retrieve."

Competition work

A separate track is offered for dogs that will compete, emphasizing "proper etiquette, on birds for point, flush, and retrieve if required" plus "training for style, run and conditioning to the proper level of competition." The kennel publishes a long list of its own dogs' placings in field trials and futurities.

Who this suits

This is specialist gundog work, not pet obedience. An owner wanting house manners should look elsewhere in the county; an owner with a pointing breed and an interest in the field has no closer option in this metro.