Training Tips
Here's how we make the most of each hunt
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...
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...
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...
Shed Hunting: Help Your Dog Help You - Part 2
by The SportDOG Staff
In my last article I described the benefits of shed antler hunting in the off-season and how to get your dog started in this fun sport. Now let me go into more detail about how to teach your dog to efficiently hunt for sheds. A dog has three weapons to use...
Shed Hunting: Starting Your Dog Out the Right Way - Part 1
by The SportDOG Staff
It’s a real shame bird seasons only last a couple of months. It feels like autumn rocks up and brings the thrill of pheasant and duck shooting, but then before you blink, winter’s taken hold and all you can do is dream and wait for the next season. Thankfully there’s another...
Training Retrieve to Hand
by Ben Busby
We often rely on our ProStaff when we run into difficulty training. ProStaffer Ben Busby has provided insight on training the critical 'Retrieve to Hand' in this week's blog. I've heard of different gun dog owners making the statement that their dogs have been retrieving but sometimes will stop short...
Training Your Retriever with Dummies
by The SportDOG Staff
Training a retriever can be one of the most rewarding experiences any hunter can have. There are no secrets involved: just patience, repetition, perseverance, consistency and the ability to anticipate reaction. In short, the trainer needs to be just a little smarter than his pupil. This is not always as...
Top 3 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe This Summer
by The SportDOG Staff
Summer is upon us, which means there’s even more reason to be out in nature with your doggo. Whether you’re fishing, training, camping, hunting, or bushwalking, we have a few tips to keep in mind when bringing along your four-legged mate. These simple suggestions will make sure you and your...
