Training Tips
Here's how we make the most of each hunt
Make Your Upland Retriever Mad for Feathers
by Tom Dokken
There's nothing better than a hard-charging flushing dog that's absolutely crazy for birds. But how do you make sure your young retriever will turn out like that? Here are the steps I use. You can introduce your retriever to feathers when he is very young, say up to 12 weeks....
Training Pointing Dogs with Birds - Part 2
by LTC Jim Morehouse
In Part One of this series I explained why “Whoa” is the most important command in pointing dog training. Now I’ll explain the next step I take towards tying “Whoa” and live birds together. I want to give my young dogs heaps of experience with finding live birds. One, it’s fun...
Training Pointing Dogs with Birds - Part 1
by LTC Jim Morehouse
When SportDOG® asked me to write training articles on some of the aspects of training pointing dogs to handle birds, it seemed like a pretty easy task. As a full-time trainer and quail guide in Arizona, pointing dogs and birds are my passion. However, as I started to write about...
Training Pointing Dogs with Birds - Part 4
by LTC Jim Morehouse
In Part Three of this series I explained how to work on more advanced steadiness exercises using live birds. Now I’m going to finish by giving you my thoughts on how to deal with running birds. I’ve mentioned that when you start using live birds, you always try to work your...
Training Pointing Dogs with Birds - Part 3
by LTC Jim Morehouse
In Part Two of this series I outlined my method for tying in the “Whoa” command with live birds. Now it’s time to get into some more advanced live-bird work. Everything I’m explaining here still involves using a 15-foot lead or check cord. I don’t introduce the electronic collar...
Building a Reliable Retriever
by Tom Dokken
A retriever that stays calm in a duck hide and focuses on watching birds drop is a joy to hunt with. In a perfect world, that's how all retrievers would carry on. While a steady retriever is something that most hunters want, the reality is that very few retrievers are truly...
Working with Different Dogs
by Tom Keer
I’m a setter bloke. I’ve owned Irish setters and English setters, and one day I’ll probably own a Gordon setter. I like the way they hunt with their heads held high, their energy, and their easy-going natures. Setters are fond of people, and even better than that they love having a job...
Training Your Hunting Dog to an In-Ground Fence
by The SportDOG Staff
In-Ground Fence™ containment systems have risen dramatically in popularity over the years, and there’s good reason. In-Ground Fence systems are safe and effective devices for keeping your dog in a safe area. Most dogs take to this very quickly, especially hunting dogs that are used to e-collar training. In fact,...
