Making Sure Your Dog is Ready for the Season

For many of us, opening day is just around the corner (44 days for those of us in East Tennessee). Make sure you and your dog are ready for it. These simple guidelines can help you make the most of the off-season:

1. Maintain a Balanced Diet

During the season, it's easy to remember to feed your dog the best tucker available, all the right supplements and to not go overboard with the treats. The off-season can sometimes lead us to be a bit more relaxed about these standards. Spending more time around the house often means more feedings and treats. While this might seem like a top reward for a ripper season, you might be putting your hunting mate at a serious disadvantage. Packing on a few extra kilos will mean it's harder for your dog to perform on the hunt, and the first few weeks of your season will be spent getting back in shape instead of bagging game. Make it a goal to keep your dog on his season diet, and encourage the whole family to do the same. The odd treat is not only alright, but encouraged. Just make sure to keep it in moderation.

2. Stick to a Regular Exercise Regime

Olympic athletes didn’t spend the last three years kicking back on the couch, then just hop on a plane to London, and neither can your pup. If you want your dog to be able to put in the kilometres come season open, he needs to be doing it right now. Make sure your dog is getting plenty of time to keep up his endurance and muscle tone for the season. Walks and hiking are great ways to get your hunting mate up and moving, and regular swims are great to beat the summer heat. Anything to make sure your dog gets to build and maintain muscle and cardiovascular performance will be an advantage come opening day.

3. Visit the Vet

Make sure the opening day goes smoothly by taking your hunting mate to the vet before the big day. It's not just a top chance to get all his shots up to date, but it also gives you the opportunity for a professional to check over your dog. Make sure your vet does a visual gait analysis and checks the joints. Dogs are real good at hiding any pain or discomfort. Your vet ought to spot symptoms you might miss. Spotting and diagnosing any potential issues early on is crucial for a ripper, healthy season for both you and your dog.

While you're at the vet, you might as well grab your dog's records. If you're planning to travel with your dog during the season, these will be important. Some states require a veterinary health certificate too, which your vet can sort out for you.

4. Get Out the Grooming Kit

Make sure you stick to a regular schedule of grooming your dog, even in the off season. Untrimmed nails can be a hazard to your dog in thick scrub, and even around the house. Regular baths and brushings will help get rid of excess fur that can trap heat and raise the risk of heat exhaustion in your dog. Keeping a steady grooming routine going all year round will reduce these risks through the season and summer training.

5. NEVER Stop Training

We know we sound like a bit of a broken record with how much we bang on about off-season, but it's that crucial. Cast your mind back to your first few days of school after the summer holidays as a kid. It was hard yakka to get your brain back in gear and to get the routine sorted. Those will be your dog's first few days on the hunt if he doesn't cop regular training throughout the year. It's certainly alright to take holidays here and there, but consistency is key for your pup to be running at the top of his game.

Follow these guidelines and you and your mate will have a much more productive and enjoyable opening day.