Retriever Care in Cold Weather

Cold-weather waterfowling can mean a lot of extra work in sometimes nasty conditions, but those of us who take on those challenges are often rewarded with some of the season's best hunting. It's extremely satisfying to bag out when the wind is howling and ice is forming on the decoys, even if it means frozen fingers and toes.

When it comes to caring for your retriever on these types of hunts, however, it’s best to keep your ego in check. What I mean by that is that your diehard duck dog is going to keep working as long as you let it, but it’s up to you to know when to take a break or stop altogether. It’s up to you to keep your dog safe and healthy, so let’s look at some of the late-season factors you should know how to address.

1. Indoor vs. Outdoor Dogs – It seems the percentage of retrievers that enjoy the luxury of living inside is higher than it used to be. These days, dogs are more likely to be part of the family. They're lounging on the sofa, maybe snoozing in your kids' beds and riding in the ute. In the past, it was more typical for a dog to live out the back or in an outdoor kennel. Your indoor dog isn't used to the weather like an outdoor dog. I don't care what anyone reckons, because I'm telling you from experience that an indoor dog feels the cold quicker.

If you're having a ripper day out shooting and your dog's going in and out of the chilly water often, you've gotta know when to call it quits and give your mate a rest. Whether you're on a boat or in a hide, chuck an insulated mat under the dog, put it behind or inside a windbreak and, finally, use one of those simple gas heaters to help your dog keep warm.

2. Be Smart About Feeding – Swimming in water just above freezing and then shivering in freezing temps needs heaps of calories. Even when a dog isn’t making heaps of retrieves, the extra activity of early-morning starts, the excitement of the hunt and always being on alert all burn energy.

You can offset some of that energy burn by feeding a quality, high-fat and high-protein tucker. Resist the temptation to feed heaps more than usual because your dog's system isn't going to handle it well. Here's my regimen ...

First, I always feed after the hunt. I don't like anything in a dog's guts before a big day of work. So, we head out in the morning and hunt for a few hours, then come back for a smoko. At that point, I feed a little bit (about a cup or cup and a half for a dog that normally gets four cups a day). We head back out for the arvo hunt, and when we get back, I then give the dog its usual feed.

If we're having a ripper day out hunting and the dog's getting a fair go at it, I'll pack some extra tucker or dog treats for the hide and hand 'em out bit by bit. The crucial thing to remember is to never work your dog on a full gut, no matter the weather. Yeah, your dog might shed a few kilos during a hectic season, but the answer isn't to go overboard with the feeding.

3. Advantages of Vests – I reckon a neoprene dog vest is handy in heaps of ways. It offers a bit of insulation, helps with floatation and protects against ice and underwater snags and logs. Make sure your dog gets used to wearing a vest before the season. And check that it fits right. A vest ought to be firm but not tight, and a proper fit reduces the risk of your dog getting caught up on scrub or other obstacles.

If you're a diehard waterfowler who can't get enough action, the late season is made for you. With some preparation, your dog will enjoy it just as much as you do.