Training Tips
Here's how we make the most of each hunt
Where to Begin with Puppy Training
by The SportDOG Staff
There are several different things that need to be done for and with a new puppy. First and foremost make sure all pup’s shots are on time and up to date. Find a local vet and set up an appointment for your new mate. This is one of many places you...
Straight Talk About Protein for Hunting Dogs
by The SportDOG Staff
As I travel across the country attending field trials, visiting kennels and hunting, I get a lot of questions about dog food for some reason. One topic that stimulates many questions is protein quality and protein’s role in dog nutrition. Protein is required by the body for two reasons: To provide...
Where to Find a Dog with the Right Stuff - Part 2
by Charlie Jurney
In Part 1 of this article series, I discussed purchasing a puppy and considering bloodlines. Now we'll dig into the best breeder and how to pick the right litter. The most reasonable way to locate a well-bred puppy for yourself is by doing a great deal of research. Ask each breeder...
Don't Forget to Introduce Your Duck Dog to Decoys
by Charlie Jurney
In our excitement to build a retriever into a top-notch waterfowl dog, it’s easy to forget small but important details. For example, your dog might make you proud when he completes a long retrieve. But the first time you ask him to swim through four dozen decoys to retrieve a...
5 Reasons to Own a Hunting Dog
by The SportDOG Staff
If you've already got a hunting dog, you know there's a stack of reasons to have one. If you're still tossing up the idea, we've chucked together our TOP 5 REASONS why you should just go for it and bring that pup home. Health – Ever heard the saying “if your dog’s...
Hunting with Kids
by The SportDOG Staff
Hunting with kids is a completely different beast. There are two very important things we must all remember. First, it's all about the kids, not you. Second, no matter how grown-up you reckon a kid is, they don't think like an adult. Let's have a squiz at the first one; it's...
Where to Start with a Finished Dog
by The SportDOG Staff
I get clients from time to time that want a dog that's already well on its way to being trained. They don't want to go through puppyhood and all the pleasures of house training, chewing, obedience, and those razor sharp teeth. Nah, they want a dog that's between...
Holding your Kids’ Attention When They Are Young
by Tom Keer
When my daughter and son were younger, they both wanted to be firies. That passion came about after our local Fire Chief Joe and his crew visited their school. The demonstration included an inspection of the fire truck, the helmets, the axes and pike poles, and the siren. I thought...
Training Commands: Talk Less, Reinforce More
by Charlie Jurney
No matter how good our intentions, us hunters and dog trainers as a whole make one mistake that sets our training progress back and creates extra problems. We make this mistake time and time again, and it's bloody important to recognise it and sort it out. What am I talking about?...
Building a First Aid Kit
by The SportDOG Staff
My background's a bit different than many of the dog handlers on the SportDOG® ProStaff. I'm a tactical paramedic. I work with law enforcement and service dogs. In fact, I've never hunted with dogs. However, I've trained explosive-detection canines, and I specialise in cadaver dogs. Today, I teach canine...
Dealing with a Heat-Related Emergency
by The SportDOG Staff
We lose more dogs to heat-related emergencies than almost any other. If you take preventive measures before heading out to the field, there’s much less of a chance your dog will get into trouble. But when a dog starts to show signs of heat stress, knowing how to deal with...
5 Things Dog Trainers Do Best
by The SportDOG Staff
Dog trainers are a one of a kind. We all come from different backgrounds, careers, and experiences. We have different styles and beliefs about what we do, but still, there are a few things we all share. We all share some pretty awesome strengths. Here are some top 5 places where...
5 Reasons Your Kid Needs a Hunting Dog
by The SportDOG Staff
It should come as no surprise that we’d encourage everyone to have a dog. They’re kind of the basis of everything we do, and we love it. Most of us have had dogs since we were kids. Many of us would tell you that our dog was one of the...
Simple Trick to Keeping Your Dog Hydrated When Hunting
by Bob Ford
Conditioning and hunting dogs in the hot months of summer and early season requires that we're careful about hydration. No doubt about it, my dogs will drink from the nastiest mud puddle in the field, but I'd prefer that they don't. Stagnant water in the field could carry...
The Evolution of Dog Training: Communication is Key
by Lynne Frady
When I started training I was young and green, there weren't many training groups in my area to work with, just a few older blokes that got together once a month to train. I can't whinge because they welcomed a snot-nosed girl to train with them and I did...
Season is Coming - A Checklist for Opening Day
by The SportDOG Staff
The most anticipated time of the year is upon us…Opening Day! As you and your mates plan the first big trip, it’s important to make sure you’re fully ready for what lies ahead. There’s nothing worse than getting out in the field and realising you’re missing equipment, something got...
