There is nothing worse than a stubborn hunting dog (image by airwaves1 from flickr)
This is a common question that most first-time Hunting dog owners ask me. Before I answer your question, let me ask you a few instead:
- Do you use cookies, collars, head halters or clickers to make your hunting dog listen to your commands?
- Do you have to raise your voice every time you want your hunting dog to listen to you?
- Does your hunting dog always come or sit on command – anytime and anywhere you want him to?
If your answers are mostly in the negative, its time you seriously reconsider your role as a sincere hunting dog trainer.
Get Your Hunting dog to Listen to You
Before you begin any hunting dog training, you must first establish yourself as the “ALPHA hunting dog” of your family. Your hunting dog must know that you’re the leader of the pack and it is YOU who is in charge.
Here is a list of simple DO’s and DONT’s that you must follow if you want to be the Alpha when hunting dog training:
- Always go out or come in through the door first – remember you are the leader;
- Always eat first – give your hunting dog something to eat only after you’ve finished your meal;
- Don’t circle around your hunting dog when he is lying on the floor – make your hunting dog move out of your way instead;
- Don’t let your hunting dog set the rules – pay attention to him when you think fit and not whenever he demands;
- Don’t permit your hunting dog to sleep with you in your bed – demarcate his sleeping area clearly.
Once you successfully established yourself as the Alpha, hunting dog training will be a lot easier than you can imagine.
Remember, if your hunting dog does not learn to “listen”, all your hunting dog training efforts will be in vain!
Does your hunting dog know his name? Does your hunting dog look at you whenever you call him by his name? This is the first and the most critical step involved in Hunting dog Training. If your hunting dog doesn’t respond to his name, you cannot have his attention for teaching him any other commands.
To make sure that your hunting dog recognizes his name, take a treat in your hand and hold it away from your body. Call your hunting dog’s name. He is most likely to look at the treat in your hand. Continue calling his name until he turns and looks at your eyes. Give him the treat immediately. Repeat this exercise by holding the treat in the other hand. Once you’re sure that your hunting dog knows to recognize his name, just call his name and reward him for looking at you by petting or with a hug.
You must understand that hunting dogs respond far better to positive reinforcement than they do to coercion or force.
Hope this article helps.
James
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