Elkhounds - 8 Weeks - 16 Weeks

Brian and Marcia with their Male Norwegian Elkhound Koda

It's my honor to talk today and share the history of the great young Norwegian Elkhound Male, Koda. Brian and Marcia have him down on the east coast of the USA and he is a tremendous intact male. Brian and Marcia have done such a wonderful job with Koda he is one of the very best. Thank You Both, What A Great Male You Have!

He is three years old in this photo and I'll share details on placing a pup at 16 weeks of age and the success of the program, how the pups like Koda fit in, and we'll hear a lot from Brian and Marcia on their thoughts as well.

Koda was born at our co-breeders Wendy and Dale and they began the early socialization and development of this magnificent young rascal and worked with him till 8 weeks. At 8 weeks he came to my location and I began the Desna training with him. This lasted another 8 weeks.

The Desna program is designed to awaken the instinctive ability of the Kamia Kennels pup, our lines are full instinct dogs so we strive to enhance and utilize these instincts. These instincts are bred into the dog from long past and we retain them. I'll expand on these aspects for you.

Pup Stability, Handler Focus, Off Leash Skills, Socialization

At Kamia Kennels we have very skilled adult dogs that can mentor and socialize and train the pups. It's a huge advantage for development of the pup as the early stages are important times for pups and the importance of quality dogs around the pup can't be stressed enough.

Marcia is here with Koda, who by the way is absolutely stable, easy going, very confident and fully social the day he arrived with them. They can basically continue immediately to enhance his skills as all the basics are in place and he is functioning already at a high level.

Pups Ready To Go - Norwegian Elkhounds

"Hi Merv,

we wanted to let you know that Koda arrived safely, he's so adorable and a sweetheart. He came right into the house and is running the place. We'll send pictures tomorrow. Thank you again so much. We are absolutely grateful.

Best Regards,

Brian and Marcia" November 6th 2018

Handler And Pup Bonding Enhanced Through Proven Principles

The early development using the mentor dogs and proven principles of instinctive awakening leads to very stable pups. Pups that are ready to work and learn immediately. They have bonding skills that are already honed and developed so they can become the very best companion dogs.

"Hi Merv,

It’s been one year since Koda arrived at our home so we wanted to give you an update. We couldn’t be happier with Koda. He is loving, friendly, highly intelligent and energetic. Not to mention incredibly handsome! You said in one of your videos that you found Koda to be personable, attentive and loyal. You were so right. We see a lot of Leif in him. He’s extremely affectionate. Koda has amazing instincts and is a skillful tracker and hiker. He is very aware of his surroundings when we go on our long hikes every morning and knows if there are any animals within a half mile of us. We love hiking with him! Koda is 55 pounds of lean muscle. We’ve decided to keep Koda intact because we think it is better for his health and our vet agrees. We will always be so grateful to you for allowing us to have Koda. We hope you and your family are doing well.

Best Regards,
Brian and Marcia Boutin " 2019 November 6th

Proper exposure to outdoor life, balance and integrity through the use of mentor dogs giving guidance to the pups. Behavioral modeling, all this sets the pup up for an exceptional life with the new handler.

"Hi Merv,
We’re writing to catch up. How are things going up your way? The corona virus situation is certainly nothing like we’ve ever seen before. Like you said in your social distancing video, we’re used to that lifestyle too! Koda is doing extremely well. He learns more each day it seems and he is extraordinarily intelligent. His instincts are amazing to witness. We’ve been taking him for extended hikes through the woods and he picks up on deer well before there’s any sign of them. He loves to scare them up! As you’ll see in the accompanying photos, Koda is also an extremely handsome Norwegian Elkhound. He got the best of the working and show lines for sure. We were wondering how the Swix and Tika pups are doing. Are any coming to you for Desna training? We hope all is well with you and your family and to hear from you soon. Please enjoy the photos.
Best Regards,
Brian and Marcia Boutin " 2020 March 22 

Development of a great Norwegian Elkhound Male is evident 

You would not believe how many of the "Desna Trained Pups" watch intently when my YouTube Videos come out. They literally are learning from the videos, haha. Now that is multi-training, or distance training.

"Hi Merv,

It’s been a while since we gave you an update on Koda, so we thought we’d catch up. Koda is doing spectacularly well. Although we are clearly biased, we think he is one of the best dogs you’ve ever bred. He is incredibly personable, affectionate, playful, loyal, protective, funny, and instinctual. We can’t say enough good things about him. A really cool thing that he enjoys is watching your videos on YouTube. All we have to do is ask hime “Do you want to watch puppies?” and he comes running. He sits attentively and watches the videos all the way through. We think he remembers you and his time there.

We’ve attached some pictures of Koda for you to enjoy.

Best Regards,
Brian, Marcia and Koda" 2020 December 24th

Well Developed Pups Become Highly Skilled Adult Dogs 

Koda is a prime example of great genetics matched up with pup development from early on, I always say development of the pup begins at conception.

"Hi Merv,
How are things up in western Canada? We hope all goes well with you and your family. Things are going well here. Koda has developed into such an incredibly remarkable Elkhound. He’s so exceptionally intelligent and instinctual it’s mind boggling. A real testament to your superior breeding skills. He’s also exceptionally friendly and loving like Lief.
Best Regards,
Brian and Marcia " 2021 May 19th

Superior Genetics, Breeding Principles and Sound Guidance 

"Hi Merv,

We wanted to catch up and let you know how Koda is doing. He is doing spectacularly well. What an incredible testament he is to your conservation breeding program. Koda is the most pleasant, polite, loving, curious, intelligent and happy Elkhound you can imagine. We’ve been watching all of your videos. Koda loves watching them and looks forward to seeing them. We take Koda on a hike every day that ranges from about 2 to 3.5 miles depending on the temperature. He loves it when we encounter deer. He lets us know they’re around at least 1/4 mile before we ever encounter them. His hunting instincts are exceptional. How are things up your way? It sounds like you’re in for a busy time coming up. Lots of puppies coming! We look forward to seeing them in your videos. We’ve attached pictures of Koda for you to enjoy.

Best Regards,

Brian Boutin"