Hunting Dog Training
Hunting Dog Training
Article by Jenny T
Hunting dog training is serious business. You will need your dog to be desensitized to the gunfire associated with the hunt, but still able to focus on the commands coming from the trainer. There are several steps involved in training the hunting dog.
Trainers must first provide a solid foundation so that the dog is safe in the hunting field. Many trainers offer a “head start” program designed for puppies that are four to six months old. The puppy is introduced to whistles, birds, check cords and commands used in hunting dog training. The puppies will also be exposed to gunfire so that they are not frightened while hunting as adults. These experiences are very important for new puppies that are headed to hunting dog training.
The next step is foundation training. This training is for dogs that are ten to twelve months old. The dog is taught to work in and out of the field. They will get accustomed to whistles and verbal commands. The dog will also begin to develop his pointing instincts. The dog will learn to have patience while pointing during hunting dog training. They will also learn to retrieve birds that are shot.
The third step in hunting dog training is to train the dog to be steady to wing and shot. The dog will be taught “whoa” and will be trained in actual hunting situations. When the dog has completed this level of hunting dog training, the dog will be able to work off leash in and out of the field, be steady to wing and shot, and be able to retrieve to hand. Retrieve to hand means that dog will be taught to retrieve the bird without damaging it and will release the bird on command. These dogs can also be taught to honor another dog’s point and to stop flushing birds. Some dogs are not natural retrievers and may need additional training in order to learn to retrieve properly. Dogs born of a hunting line, meaning both their dam and sire were hunting dogs, have a natural inclination toward hunting abilities and are usually much easier to train well.
Dogs in hunting dog training will also be required to have basic obedience training. They must know to “come,” “sit,” “stay,” and “heel.” Many trainers will take the dog into the actual field so that the dog receives hunting dog training in a real hunting atmosphere. Other trainers will train dogs at home or in a park. This makes it difficult for the dog to get the full effect of hunting dog training as they are not around the birds and gunfire on a consistent basis.
There are also trainers who offer hunting dog training in different weather. In the summer, dogs will be trained on a variety of liberated and wild birds. In the winter, dogs may be trained on wild quail. There are different bird hunting seasons in different climates and these keep the dogs sharp and on their feet. Hunting dogs can also be trained for wild hunting with their owners or for field trials. Field trials require that hunter and dog meet certain specifications and rules during the field trial. If you have a well trained dog, you may be able to compete and reward your dog in these field trials.
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