Having a hunting dog with you during your hunting trips can be very helpful. In fact, it even makes the hunting experience more fun.

Before you decide to have a hunting dog, you should know that hunting dog training will take time. It’s always best to start training a hunting dog as a puppy. The only problem is that it would be hard if you would want the puppy to be a family pet and at the same time, a hunting dog.

At first, the basic commands of sit, stay, come, and down should be taught. Make sure that the dog learns to respect the owner at a young age. To do this, you should be kind and gentle in treating the dog.

You also have to be prepared for longer distances command. When hunting, there are times when the hunting dog is quite far from the owner. That’s why you shouldn’t purely rely on verbal commands. You can make use of other cues such as a whistle or specific hand signals.

The command to retrieve something is also important in hunting dog training. This should be done as early as you can. Start teaching retrieve as a puppy. To attract him to do the command, you should make him retrieve something that he likes, let’s say a ball.

Let’s admit that it’s really hard sometimes to train a hunting dog to listen to commands. Electric collars are designed to help you in that process. It’s a collar that you let your dog wear. Every time that the dog is not following your commands, you can press the remote of the collar to give the dog a little shock. You might think that this is a cruel approach but don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe. There’s no actual harm being done to the dog. Besides, an electric collar would also be useful when you’re out hunting and your dog suddenly chases something you that don’t want him to chase.

A sign of a well trained hunting dog should be always aware of the whereabouts of his owner. Also, a good hunting dog hunts through scent and not by sight.

When the hunting season is over, you should make sure that your hunting dog will still get regular exercise. This is important if you want him to stay fit and able to hunt. Control his meals as well. If you feed him too much, he might get obese. This will make him slow.

These are just some things to consider when you decide to have a hunting dog. Training won’t be easy, but if you really give it your best shot, you’ll have a great partner in your hunting trips.

Related posts:

1. Dont Forget The Basics Of Hunting Dog Training
2. Why Won’t My Hunting Dog Listen To Me?
3. Training Your Hunting Dog To Avoid Snakes

photo by tensafefrogs on flickr

Recently in an article on gundogmag.com an article by Ed Harry answered the questions of some concerned hunting dog owners about hunting dog training. These where the problems of chewing, bolting and chronic barking.

Chewing

Chewing is frequent in mostly puppies and is usually genetically determined, another important reason to get a dog with good parents that have strong hunting dog training. Other causes of chewing include:

· Incorrect primary and/or secondary socialization

· Lack of exposure to challenging experiences, and hence boredom

A question was asked about a GSP that is nearing six months. It is showing to be keen during hunting dog training as it is already after birds but he is chewing up beds, couches, toilet paper, you name it.

It is natural for puppies to chew things until they are 6 or 7 months old as they are replacing baby teeth. What you need to be careful of is reinforcing this behaviour. When the hunting dog is busy chew everything don’t run over to it and fuss, instead stop the behaviour and replace whatever they are chewing with something they would prefer such as a toy. This will stop the hunting dog from associating attention to chewing the things you don’t want them to which could only reinforce the habit.

So ignore the chewing or ripping, act like nothing is going on and give your pup a rawhide bone to chew or a soft chew toy that squeaks to get his attention away from the unwanted chewing he was doing.

Barking Problems

The second question in the article spoke about a new three-month-old Brittany pup. The owner asked when it was safe to put a bark collar on a pup and not mess up later when hunting dog training begins.

Bark collars should be steered clear of till sexually mature at around six or seven months, when the bark is deeper and it has stopped the playful puppy yapping. Then it would be wise to purchase a shock collar with about six different intensities such as Dogtra YS300 Yapper Stopper. This collar also has a warning shock which warns the hunting dog before ramping up the intensity and can be very useful when hunting dog training.

The hunting dog will rapidly realize what the warning means and will stop on it, not waiting for the bigger shock. This means the hunting dog will get trained with minimum shock and distress for the hunting dog.

James

Related posts:

1. Why Won’t My Hunting Dog Listen To Me?
2. Dont Forget The Basics Of Hunting Dog Training
3. Top Types Of Hunting Dog: Make Training A Breeze

image by freeparking at flickr

If you own a dog, especially a hunting dog and live in a part of the country that has poisonous snakes then you should train your dog to avoid all snakes. Unlike people dogs cannot wear snake boots to protect themselves from the fangs of a pit viper that lives nearby. Dogs by their nature a curious about everything including snakes. It only takes a second for a dog to be struck in the muzzle or the eye and you have a serious problem.

Hunting dog training that includes snake avoidance will reduce the chances that your dog will be bit by a poisonous snake. Snake avoidance training is a specialty that requires the trainer to be very comfortable in handling snakes. Several hunting dog training specialists located in the South and West train their prize hunting dogs during the regular obedience training. They would never risk their dog and all the time and effort they have invested by ignoring this serious problem.

The old-fashioned method

Step 1: Catch a local non poisonous snake.
Step 2: Placing a freshly caught snake in front of puppy will cause the snake to strike the dog repeatedly. It is important not to say anything to the dog during this avoidance training. Frequently this will cause the pup to avoid snakes for the rest of their lives.

The modern method

A more intensive method of teaching snake avoidance is through the use of an electronic training collar in addition to a fresh caught non poisonous snake. You want to select fresh caught snakes to assure that they snake will strike the dog repeatedly. Snakes that are handled frequently seldom will provide the proper striking response that you need. Again the snake is placed so you dog will encounter it however when the snake strikes you will use the electronic collar to provide a shock to the dog. Applying the correction at the same time as the snake strikes the dog is important. Again do not say anything during this process as you want the dog to associate the pain of the correction with the snake and not you and the training collar.

Snake Hunting Dog Training isn’t over yet…

It should be noted that non poisonous snakes do not smell the same as pit vipers. Should you have the opportunity to kill or capture a rattlesnake, copperhead or cottonmouth without endangering yourself you should do so. In snake country you will find dead pit vipers on local roads which will provide the material you need for advanced snake avoidance training. It is recommended that you remove the head of the poisonous snake before you bag the body in a zip lock bag in your freezer. The dead snake parts are thawed out and are placed in a bag with the non poisonous snake for 30 minutes to provide the odour of a pit viper to it. Then the hunting dog training process outlined above is employed to achieve the desired effects. The dog’s sense of smell will help it avoid pit vipers in the wild.

And Don’t Forget..

It must be understood that hunting dog training that includes snake avoidance is no guarantee that your dog will not be struck by a poisonous snake. In many cases as the dog works the cover it will surprise a snake and be struck. However frequently these initial strikes do not carry a large dose of venom and are used by the snake to warn the intruder off. An untrained dog will frequently turn on the snake and be struck again with a full load of venom which may kill or blind a dog. In most cases a trained dog will immediately leave the snake alone and continue hunting.

In every case whenever your dog encounters a snake it should be examined closely. Hunting dogs should be put up and observed for any swelling or signs of a bite. Many Vets will provide you with the first aid medicines that you need to treat your dog in the field. If you have any doubts about a snake bite you should contact your Vet immediately. If you love your dog then you will invest in the time and effort to properly train it in snake avoidance. Hunting Dog training that includes snake avoidance only make sense and will save you heartache, time and money.

James

Article Source: Jim Kiesel
Original Article Can Be Found Here

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1. Dont Forget The Basics Of Hunting Dog Training
2. Why Won’t My Hunting Dog Listen To Me?
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image by nugefishes' from flickr

The excitement of the stalking, the tense moments of the struggle, and the thrill of the kill are aspects of the sport of hunting which hunters are very much addicted to. However, the chores of hunting can sometimes be very onerous. Searching for a game, for example, can take a few hours. And once you’ve brought them down, searching for the bodies for clean-up can take just as much time.

Things would be easier, of course, if you have helpful hunting dog with a keen sense of smell and who could easily point you to the right direction. This is the reason why, throughout the years, many hunters have found efficient and faithful friends in dogs. Hunting dogs do exhibit an extraordinary sense for scents and sight. They could pick up a trail of any scent they are trained to find. And they could make hunting fun and enjoyable because of the convenience of their pointing, retrieving and hunting skills.

Not all dogs are meant for hunting, however. Dogs of the toy variety, for example, are not really trainable for hunting dogs. Some canine types possess a stronger sense of smell as well as the required aptitude for hunting activities. Others are best left as guard dogs or indoor companions.

Top Breeds For Hunting Dog Training

So what are the dogs that can greatly help you in some hunting purposes? Here is a list of hunting dog breeds that you could invest on.

• Hounds. There are many breeds of hounds. They are named as such because they possess the most powerful sense of smell among all the breeds of dogs there are. Investing on hounds is a “can’t miss” option for hunters, whether they are planning on preying on some birds, deer, wild boars and the likes. Hunting dog training is easy for hounds, since these dogs are meant for the outdoors. It is their environment. Whenever they are in grasslands or in the forests, hounds are in their natural element.

• Labradors. The All American, All Purpose dog is also a great choice, not just for hunting purposes, but for a variety of tasks as well. Labradors are one of the most intelligent breeds of canine companions in the world. Even pups would be very easy to train. Though they may not have the keen sense of smell that hounds possess, they more than make up for it with their obedience and their general aptitude. They work well with minimal supervision, and they are tireless companions that will always be eager to please their masters.

• American bulldogs. Bulldogs have a sense of smell that could rival hounds, though they could be a little slower. Nonetheless, many hunters profess that American bulldogs are the best catch dogs in the world of hunting. They are taken in for specific purposes and to satisfy specific aspects of hunting. As such, they are recommended for seasoned hunters who know what they want. A novice hunter should stick with the breeds that show more versatility and have more natural apptitude for hunting dog training.
• Argentine dogos. These are dogs that would make you believe that they are bred for hunting. They are fast and strong, and they could easily hurdle the rigors of the hunting game. Though they do trail behind in the sniffing prowess department, their agility, flexibility and versatility more than makes up for what they lack in their sense of smell.

Of course, it goes without saying that hunting dogs, regardless of breed, need to go through serious training. Additionally, you should take good care of them, as the rigors of hunting can take their toll on your faithful canine companions. These aside, hunting dogs are great options for the serious hunter.

James

(Original article sourced from here)

Related posts:

1. Dont Forget The Basics Of Hunting Dog Training
2. Training Your Hunting Dog To Avoid Snakes
3. Hunting Dog Training Chewing And Barking

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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2. Ideas on Hunting Dog Training
3. Dont Forget The Basics Of Hunting Dog Training

The essentials often forgotten in hunting dog training
(image by from flickr)

It’s essential for Hunting Dog owners like you to know certain basic factors that determine your relationship with your Hunting Dog and can go a long way in training him effectively.

Before you begin training your Dog, it is absolutely essential that you build a bond with him. This is important as it helps you to understand his needs and instincts and also allows your Hunting Dog to have complete trust in you.

Let us see how…….

How To Bond With Your Hunting Dog

Building a bond with your Hunting Dog is the first and the most crucial step involved in training him successfully. As soon as you bring your Dog home, you must first try to develop a caring and loving relationship with him in order to win his trust and confidence.

When Hunting Dogs are secure in the knowledge that they belong to the family, they are more likely to respond better to their owners’ training commands. Just like with any relationship, there must be mutual trust and respect between you and your Dog.

Trust takes time to develop and respect comes from defining boundaries and treating any breach of those boundaries with firmness and fairness.

Without enforceable limitations, respect can’t be developed. And when there is no respect, building a bond with your Hunting Dog is almost impossible.

4 Golden Rules To Building A Relationship With Your Hunting Dog :

Once you’re succesful in building a bond with your Dog, you can rest assured that training him and teaching him new and clever tricks will be a cakewalk.

How Your Dog Learns…

Your Dog’s learning period can be divided into five phases:

The Teaching Phase – This is the phase where you must physically demonstrate to your Hunting Dog exactly what you want him to do.

The Practicing Phase – Practice makes Perfect. Once a lesson is learnt, practice with your Hunting Dog what you have just taught him.

The Generalizing Phase – Here you must continue practicing with your Hunting Dog in different locations and in an environment with a few distractions. You can take your Dog out for a walk, or to a nearby park and command him to practice whatever you’ve taught him.

Practicing the learned lessons in multiple locations and in the presence of small distractions will help him learn and retain lessons better .

The Testing Phase – Once you’re sure that your Hunting Dog has achieved almost 90% success….he responds correctly almost every time you give a command, you must start testing his accuracy in newer locations with a lot of distractions.

Example: Take him into the field and ask him to obey your command. He may not come up with the correct response the very first time you do this, but you must not lose hope.

The idea is to test your Hunting Dog to see how he responds in an environment which is new to him. Set-up a situation where you are in control of the environment and your Dog.

There are only 2 possibilities:

Keep on testing until he succeeds. Follow the rule of the 3 Ps – patience, persistence, praise.

Internalizing Phase – Finally, comes the extremely rewarding phase where your Hunting Dog does everything he is taught to do even without your commands.

Remember:

Related posts:

1. Why Won’t My Hunting Dog Listen To Me?
2. Top Types Of Hunting Dog: Make Training A Breeze
3. Hunting Dog Training Chewing And Barking