Training Tips
Here's how we make the most of each hunt
A Dog Ready for the Field
by The SportDOG Staff
Hunting seasons are in full swing. In bird fields you can hear the cackle of a bold cockerel taking wing, along with the hoarse voice of a hunter shouting at his dog as it chases the gaudy pheasant to the next farm field. It is easy to hear all about...
Understanding Hunting Dog Ear Infections
by The SportDOG Staff
Most hunting dog breeds have floppy ears. This drooping ear flap contributes to a high incidence of ear infections because it reduces air circulation and traps bacteria, fungi, and debris in the ear. The floppy ear also makes it slightly more difficult for the owner to spot ear problems promptly. Contributing...
Gun Shy Dogs Can Blossom
by The SportDOG Staff
Every dog training book will preach that you must be extremely careful when introducing a young dog to the sight, and especially the sound of a shotgun, but seldom will they tell you how to cure a gun shy dog. Some dog training veterans simply will not try. It...
Training Pointing Dogs with Birds - Part 1
by LTC Jim Morehouse
When SportDOG® asked me to write training articles on some of the aspects of training pointing dogs to handle birds, it seemed like a pretty easy task. As a full-time trainer and quail guide in Arizona, pointing dogs and birds are my passion. However, as I started to write about...
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...
Training Pointing Dogs with Birds - Part 2
by LTC Jim Morehouse
In Part One of this series I explained why 'Whoa' is the most important command in pointing dog training. Now I’ll explain the next step I take towards tying 'Whoa' and live birds together. I want to give my young dogs plenty of experience with finding live birds. One, it’s fun....
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...
Make Your Upland Retriever Mad for Feathers
by Tom Dokken
There’s nothing better than a hard-charging flushing dog that is absolutely crazy for birds. But how do you ensure your young retriever will turn out like that? Here are the steps I use. You can introduce your retriever to feathers when he is very young, say up to 12 weeks....
Building a Steady Retriever
by Tom Dokken
A retriever that remains calm in a duck hide and concentrates on watching birds fall is a joy to hunt with. In a perfect world, that’s how all retrievers would behave. While a steady retriever is something that most hunters want, the reality is that very few retrievers are truly...
Field Testing is the Best Part - Development of TEK 2.0
by The SportDOG Staff
Vice-President Lance Tracy was one of the first field testers for our new TEK 2.0 GPS TRACKING+E-COLLAR TRAINING SYSTEM. Lance put the system through its paces several times last season. He took some time to share his experience with our latest and greatest: The best part of being Vice-President...
Working with Different Dogs
by Tom Keer
I’m a setter man. I’ve owned Irish setters and English setters, and some day I’ll probably own a Gordon setter. I like the way they hunt with their heads held high, their energy, and their biddable natures. Setters like people, and even better than that they like having a job...
Handing Over the Reins...or Check Cords
by Tom Keer
Time marches on, we all know that. A new generation taking the reins is exciting and terrifying, all at the same time. There is a bittersweet aspect to handing over the reins, the transmitters, and the check cords. The bitter part is that it means we're getting older. The...
