Training Tips
Here's how we make the most of each hunt
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
Don't Overlook Steady in Your Wetland Training Arsenal
by The SportDOG Staff
When you think of wetland hunting with your dog, the importance of water retrieves is probably the first thing that springs to mind. Being steady is also an incredibly important command for a waterfowl dog. As we all know too well, the sport requires patience for both yourself and your dog...
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...
