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Training Tips

Here's how we make the most of each hunt
Training Tips

Categories:

Advanced, Basic, Hound, Puppy, Upland, Waterfowl

Beagle in dog crate with door openBeagle in dog crate with door open

Spring Training for Beagles

by The SportDOG Staff

Spring is in the air, which means rabbit season is over in most parts of the country. So now what? I have a kennel full of Beagle rabbit hounds and no hunting, making this the perfect time to give a little extra attention to those younger hounds. Spring is a...

lady kneeling on ground petting two black lab puppieslady kneeling on ground petting two black lab puppies

Where to Find a Dog with the Right Stuff - Part 1

by Charlie Jurney

Each time someone calls to ask about locating a puppy, I have flashbacks to my first dog, Sam. I purchased Sam from a friend who had an athletic eager hunting dog. He decided to breed his girl to a very nice looking male whose ancestors found fame in the show...

Retriever Training: The Transition to WaterRetriever Training: The Transition to Water

Retriever Training: The Transition to Water

by Tom Dokken

Retrievers love water, so you wouldn’t think that transitioning from land retrievers to water retrieves would be difficult. It isn’t, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines. The key to a smooth introduction and continued improvement on water retrieves is to work in baby steps, just like you did...

yellow lab in orange collar sitting behind tall grass looking to skyyellow lab in orange collar sitting behind tall grass looking to sky

Tips For Dove Hunting And Gun Dogs

by The SportDOG Staff

There are many things that you should do to prepare you and your dog for opening day of dove season. For most of us in the south, it is still very hot during dove season. The most important thing is to keep yourself and your dog hydrated! There are all...

Yello lab puppy jumping on puppy dummyYello lab puppy jumping on puppy dummy

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 shots are on time and up to date. Find a local veterinarian and set up an appointment for your new companion. This is one of many places you...

Yellow lab running through tall grassYellow lab running through tall grass

Introducing Your Retriever to Upland Hunting

by Rick Grant

One of the most common questions I’m asked when I’m doing training demonstrations for SportDOG is this one: “How do I keep my retriever hunting in range?” Without a doubt, keeping your dog from getting too far out in front of you when he gets on the scent of a...

Gun Shy Dogs Can BlossomGun Shy Dogs Can Blossom

Gun Shy Dogs Can Blossom

by The SportDOG Staff

Every dog training book will preach that you must be so very careful when introducing a young dog to the sight, and especially the sound of a shotgun, but rarely will they tell you how to cure a gun shy dog. Some dog training veterans simply will not try. It...

man walking dog away on leash with pigeon in handman walking dog away on leash with pigeon in hand

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 toward tying “Whoa” and live birds together. I want to give my young dogs plenty of experience with finding live birds. One, it’s fun....

English setter on point. Pigeon in grass in front.English setter on point. Pigeon in grass in front.

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 the 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...

Draathar being trained whoa commandDraathar being trained whoa command

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...

Black lab puppy with live pigeon in mouthBlack lab puppy with live pigeon in mouth

Make Your Upland Retriever Crazy 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 make sure 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....

Training Pointing Dogs with Birds - Part 4Training Pointing Dogs with Birds - Part 4

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...

Man and woman sitting in grass with two setter puppies.Man and woman sitting in grass with two setter puppies.

5 Reasons to Own a Hunting Dog

by The SportDOG Staff

If you already own a hunting dog you know there are a million reasons to do so. If it's a decision you've been debating, we've pooled our TOP 5 REASONS why should go ahead and pull the trigger bring home that pup. Health – Ever heard the expression “if your dog’s...

Yellow lab laying down behind small white fence flagsYellow lab laying down behind small white fence flags

How In-Ground Fences Help with Hunting Dogs

by The SportDOG Staff

In-Ground containment fences are becoming more and more popular among dog owners, and for good reason: they allow your dog to enjoy freedom in the yard without the expense, hassle, and eye sore of a fence. On their own those are great reasons to consider a fence, but these containment...

Young boy sitting with black lab. Both looking to sky for ducks.Young boy sitting with black lab. Both looking to sky for ducks.

Hunting with Kids

by The SportDOG Staff

Hunting with kids is an entirely different animal. There are two very important things we must all remember. First, it’s all about the kids, not you. Second, no matter how mature you think a kid is, they do not think like an adult. Let’s look at the first one; it’s...

black lab walking on heel with man who is holding leashblack lab walking on heel with man who is holding leash

Where to Start with a Finished Dog

by The SportDOG Staff

I get clients from time to time that 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 breaking, chewing, obedience, and those razor sharp teeth. No, they want a dog that is between...


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