Training Tips
Here's how we make the most of each hunt
Where to Begin with Puppy Training
by The SportDOG Staff
There are several different things that need to be done for and with a new puppy. First and foremost make sure all pup's jabs are on time and up to date. Find a local vet and set up an appointment for your new companion. This is one of many places you...
Rigours of a Tough Hunting Season
by The SportDOG Staff
During the 2009-2010 hunting season, most of us endured our most interesting upland season in quite some time. The entire country experienced unique weather conditions this autumn and winter. Hard winters often turn most of our thoughts and concerns towards, 'how are the birds going to make it'? A question...
Working Your Dog in the Winter
by The SportDOG Staff
Keep your training sessions with your dog brief and efficient to stave off cabin fever while keeping your dog safe in inclement weather. For those of you caught in the polar vortex, you know it can limit your time out with your dog. The freezing cold temperatures can make it tempting...
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...
Where to Start with a Trained Dog
by The SportDOG Staff
I get clients from time to time who want a dog that is 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. No, they want a dog that is between...
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...
Building a First Aid Kit
by The SportDOG Staff
My background is somewhat different from that of 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...
How You Helped Build TEK 2.0
by The SportDOG Staff
Hunting season is upon us. Excitement is high for the whole hunting community, but we’d wager no one is quite as thrilled as we are about what’s coming this season. TEK 2.0 will be hitting retailers near you this season! It’s hard to fully express how excited we are about...
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...
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 hunting 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...
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 enjoyable sport. Now let me go into more detail about how to teach your dog to efficiently search 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 too bad bird seasons only last a few months. It seems like autumn arrives and brings the excitement of pheasant and duck hunting, but then before you know it winter has set in and all you can do is dream and wait for the next season. Thankfully there’s another...
From Shelter to Field: Tips on Training a Rescue Dog
by The SportDOG Staff
The New Year often brings with it new dogs. Many of you may be looking into adding a new addition to your family as we speak. A major question we get this time of year is “can a rescue dog make an adequate hunting dog”. The short answer is yes....
The Golden Rules of Dog Training
by The SportDOG Staff
Dog training is an art man has been trying to perfect since the domestication of canines. There are almost as many theories on dog training as there are on raising children. Many of these theories are effective and having multiple options allows you to tailor your training to your dog...
