Training Tips
Here's how we make the most of each hunt
The Ultimate SportDOG Guide: Choosing the Best E-Collar for Your Dog
by The SportDOG Staff
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the best e-collar for training your dog, ensuring that when the time comes, you’re equipped with a tool that’s up to the task, no matter how tough the conditions.
Avoiding and Dealing with Heat Emergencies
by The SportDOG Staff
Take some time to understand the many factors that can lead to a heat emergency, prepare for your outings to avoid such an emergency, and then have an action plan in place to deal with the Big 3: heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
All About Retriever Training Dummies
by Tom Dokken
Training dummies are a staple of a good retriever training program.
6 Travel Considerations for the Hunting Season
by Tom Dokken
One-day or weekend bird-hunting trips are nice if you’re fortunate to have good destinations close to home, but for many hunters, long-distance, out-of-country trips are the norm. These extended adventures require more planning if you want to enjoy them to the fullest. Here are some considerations to keep in mind. Where...
Early Goose Season Means Learning Opportunities for Retrievers
by Chris Akin
With many states holding early Canada goose seasons, retriever owners have an excellent opportunity to introduce their young dogs to wildfowling, and for experienced dogs it’s a good time to provide a refresher course in hunting manners. Let’s talk about a few things you can do to make sure that...
Mid-Season Tune-Ups for Your Retriever
by Tom Dokken
Hunting season! Time for all your summer training and hard work to pay off. Thankfully, your waterfowl dog is now perfectly behaved and executes every command and retrieve with precision, right? Wait, you’re saying that’s not true? That ’s OK. I’m mostly kidding because the truth is that none of our...
A Great Summertime Water Exercise for Retrievers
by Chris Akin
If you have a young retriever and you're looking for a great summertime training exercise, I've got one that's super-simple but is also productive and educational for both you and your dog. The drill I'm going to describe is pretty basic as a 'de-cheating' method, but it actually accomplishes much more...
6 Tips for a Better Snow Goose Hunt with Your Retriever
by Chris Akin
Snow goose hunting offers its own unique set of excitements in the realm of wildfowl shooting. Spring seasons, generous or unlimited bag limits, the use of electronic callers and unregulated shotguns contribute to an exhilarating experience when you're fortunate enough to encounter countless thousands of birds in your hunting area. Not...
5 Essential Safety Tips for Walking Your Dog in Winter
by The SportDOG Staff
Keep your training sessions with your dog brief and efficient to ward off cabin fever, whilst keeping your dog safe in inclement weather. For those of you caught in the polar vortex, you're aware it can limit your time out with your dog. The freezing cold temperatures can make it tempting...
3 Ways You’re Ruining Your Gundog Puppy
by Greg McGuffin
Owners of puppies make countless training mistakes. They may not know it initially, but it’s the little things that separate professional trainers from owners who dabble in training. As a professional trainer, I’ve seen every type of misguided puppy and spent countless hours undoing bad habits. Commonly, when a 6-month-old puppy...
Summer Hazards – 5 Precautions for Your Hunting Dog
by The SportDOG Staff
Summertime means extra fun in the sun, but it also means some new dangers. These tips will help ensure you and your hunting partner stay safe in the field: Increased Hydration – Warmer weather means increased chances of heat exhaustion for you and your dog. Even mild temperatures can pose...
Where to Find a Dog with the Right Stuff - Part 2
by Charlie Jurney
In Part 1 of this article series, I discussed buying a puppy and considering pedigrees. Now we'll delve into the best breeder and how to choose the right litter. The most sensible way to find a well-bred puppy for yourself is by doing a great deal of research. Ask each breeder...
4 Good Reasons to Crate-Train Your Dog
by Rick Grant
One of the first things you should do when you get a new puppy is get him used to spending time in his crate, or portable kennel. If your dog lives in the house, the crate is a good place for him to be when you don’t want him underfoot....
Talent Is Not Obedience
by The SportDOG Staff
Whoa! Can your hunting dog 'whoa' or stop immediately? Does it always come when called? Will it turn on command or always sit or lie down when instructed? Will it gently deliver a bird to your hand without chewing the least little bit? Good bird dogs have been...
Understanding Canine Influenza
by The SportDOG Staff
If you have been watching the news lately or reading metropolitan newspapers, you may have noticed articles about a 'new' flu outbreak in dogs. In some parts of the country, veterinarians are reporting an almost panic situation around this canine flu news. Here are the facts. Canine Influenza Virus is a relatively...
Reward-Based Training for Labradors
by Charlie Jurney
Imagine you go to work this week giving your best efforts to satisfy the boss and make the company successful. During that time you forgot to return one phone call and came in five minutes late on Thursday because of a wreck on the motorway. The rest of the week...
