Ensuring Your Dog is Prepared for the Season

For many of us, the opening day is just around the corner (44 days for those of us in East Tennessee). Ensure you and your dog are ready for it. These simple guidelines can help you make the most of the off-season:

1. Maintain a Balanced Diet

During the season, it's easy to remember to feed your dog the best food available, all the proper supplements and to not overindulge in treats. The off-season can sometimes lead us to relax these standards. Spending more time around the house can often mean more feedings and treats. While this may seem like a great reward for an excellent season, you might be putting your hunting partner at a serious disadvantage. Gaining a few extra kilos will mean it's harder for your dog to perform on the hunt, and the first few weeks of your season will be spent getting back into shape instead of pursuing game. Make it a goal to maintain your dog's seasonal diet, and encourage the whole family to do the same. The occasional treat is not only okay, but encouraged. Just be sure to exercise moderation.

2. Maintain a Regular Exercise Programme

Olympic athletes didn’t spend the last three years lounging on the sofa, then just hop on a plane to London, and neither can your dog. If you want your dog to be able to put in the miles when the season starts, he needs to be doing it right now. Ensure your dog gets plenty of time to maintain his stamina and muscle tone for the season. Walks and hiking are excellent ways to get your hunting partner up and active, and regular swims are great for beating the summer heat. Anything to ensure your dog gets to build and maintain muscle and cardiovascular fitness will be a benefit come the first day of the season.

3. Visit the Vet

Ensure the opening day proceeds without any problems by taking your hunting companion to their vet before the big day. This is not only an excellent chance to get all their vaccinations up to date, but it also provides an opportunity for a professional to thoroughly check your dog. Make certain that your vet conducts a visual gait analysis and joint examination. Dogs are exceptionally adept at concealing pain or discomfort. Your vet ought to identify symptoms that you might miss. Detecting and addressing any potential issues in this regard is crucial for a successful and enjoyable season for both you and your dog.

Whilst you’re at the vet, you should go ahead and grab your dog’s records. If you intend to do any travelling with your dog during the season, these will be important. Some states require a veterinary health certificate as well, which your vet will be able to provide.

4. Get Out the Grooming Kit

Ensure you stick to a regular schedule of grooming your dog, even in the off-season. Untrimmed nails pose a risk of injury to your dog in thick cover, and even around the house. Regular baths and brushings will help remove excess hair that can retain warmth and increase the risk of heat exhaustion in your dog. Maintaining a consistent grooming routine throughout the year will reduce these risks during the season and summer training.

5. NEVER Stop Training

We know we sound like a bit of a broken record with how much we bang on about off-season, but it is that important. Think back to your first few days of school after the summer holidays as a child. It was tough to get your brain back in gear and to get the routine down pat. Those will be your dog’s first few days on the hunt if he doesn’t receive regular training throughout the year. It’s certainly OK to take holidays here and there, but consistency is key for your pup to be running at the top of his game.

Follow these guidelines and you and your hunting partner will have a far more productive and enjoyable opening day.