What to Expect
What to Expect from Your New Epagneul Breton Puppy
Bringing home a new Epagneul Breton is exciting — and just like building a great bird dog, it takes time, consistency, and connection. Here are a few guiding principles to help you and your puppy start strong:
Be Patient
Rome wasn’t built in a day — and neither is your puppy. Every sound, smell, and experience is new, so give your pup time to learn, process, and grow. With calm patience and positive reinforcement, you’ll set the stage for lifelong success.
Be Consistent
Structure builds confidence. From feeding and potty breaks to training cues, consistency helps your puppy understand what’s expected. Many owners use clicker training as a positive marker to reward correct behaviors — it’s a great way to communicate clearly and avoid confusion.
Be Confident
Your Breton looks to you for guidance. Calm, confident leadership tells your puppy you’re in charge and keeps them feeling secure as they explore the world.
The lessons and experiences you give a puppy during those first few months are the foundation and boundaries upon which all future training will take shape.
Encourage Exploration
Let your puppy’s natural curiosity shine! Take short, off-leash walks in safe, open spaces. Let them explore grass, brush, mud, rocks, obstacles and new scents. Each texture and adventure builds confidence and prepares your Breton for the uplands.
No Free Meals
Use mealtime as an opportunity to train. Ask your puppy to perform small tasks before eating — it reinforces your role as the provider and teaches your dog to think, problem-solve, and work toward goals, setting them up for success in more advanced training later.
Crate Training
Crate training is one of the best tools you can use. A crate should be your puppy’s safe space, not a punishment. It aids in housebreaking, keeps your pup out of trouble when you’re busy, and helps them relax during travel.
Every dog’s born with a little brain … it’s what you do with that brain to get it operating right that matters, not the package it comes in. You have to mold it like an artist molding a lump of clay. Delmar Smith
Bird Dog Basics
The Epagneul Breton is a natural bird dog — it’s in their DNA. There are countless training methods and philosophies out there, and we encourage you to find the one that fits your style and goals. Whatever approach you choose, a supervised bird introduction at an early age can help awaken and build on your Breton’s natural instincts. Keep it fun, short, and positive — the goal is curiosity and confidence, not pressure.
Gun Breaking: Introducing gunfire is another essential building block and must be done carefully. Proper, gradual gun breaking helps your pup accept noise without fear and avoids long-term setbacks. Start with low-impact sound introductions (clap, cap guns, distant shots), progress slowly, and stop if the pup shows stress. When possible, work with an experienced trainer or mentor — done right, gun breaking protects your dog’s confidence.
A dog always wants to do the right thing. When a dog doesn’t do the right thing, it is because his natural desire to do the right thing has been confused either by inefficient or unsympathetic development. Bill West
Socialization
Consider enrolling in puppy classes to build social skills and confidence around new dogs, people, and environments. Socialization helps your Breton mature into a balanced, steady companion.
Stop Biting Early
Nipping may seem cute now, but it won’t be for long. Redirect biting with toys, and remember that teething begins around four months — soft chew toys help soothe sore gums and save your fingers.
Connect & Prepare
Every new puppy owner has questions — and you don’t have to figure it all out alone. The CEB-US community is full of experienced Breton owners, hunters, and breeders who’ve been exactly where you are. Join us to find mentors, ask questions, and share in the rewarding journey of raising a confident, capable Epagneul Breton. From training days and field events to hunting trips and friendly advice, our community is here to help you and your Breton thrive together.
