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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

Yellow lab crashing through water with e-collar on. Yellow lab crashing through water with e-collar on.

5 Ways to Improve Hunting Photos

by Tom Keer

Let me be honest: I am not a professional photographer. Over the years I’ve been fortunate to capture some good images, but it’s been luck of the draw. As a writer I’ve been blessed to work with a lot of excellent photographers and they have kindly offered me some constructive...

Gear on a table including gloves, a gun, and e-collarGear on a table including gloves, a gun, and e-collar

E-Collars: Finding the Right One and Using it Correctly

by Lynne Frady

I’m not sure if any other training tool stirs a debate like e-collars. Some people love them and others think they were made by the devil himself. This leaves many novices confused about what they’re getting into with an e-collar. After years of training and experience, I can officially tell...

Yellow lab laying down calmly behind fence flagsYellow lab laying down calmly behind fence flags

Training Your Hunting Dog to an In-Ground Fence

by The SportDOG Staff

In-Ground Fence™ containment systems have risen dramatically in popularity over the years, and there’s good reason. In-Ground Fence systems are safe and effective devices for keeping your dog in a safe area. Most dogs take to this very quickly, especially hunting dogs that are used to e-collar training. In fact,...

Black lab with deer antler in mouth walking next to man also holding deer antlerBlack lab with deer antler in mouth walking next to man also holding deer antler

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 fun sport. Now let me go into more detail about how to teach your dog to efficiently hunt for sheds. A dog has three weapons to use...

Black lab returning through water with jumbo black and white dummy in mouthBlack lab returning through water with jumbo black and white dummy in mouth

Spring Training for Your Gun Dog

by The SportDOG Staff

The warm weather is upon us and the dogs are no longer content to spend time inside. It’s time to be working and getting ready for season. Polar vortexes may have limited your ability to be out this winter, so it’s very important to be out now enjoying the sunshine...

Black lab returning with shed in mouthBlack lab returning with shed in mouth

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 fall 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...

Young boy pulling dummies out of gear bagYoung boy pulling dummies out of gear bag

Handing Over the Reins...or Check Cords

by Tom Keer

Time marches on, we all know that.  A new generation grabbing the reins is exciting and terrifying, all at the same time.  There is a bittersweet part of handing over the reins, the transmitters, and the check cords.  The bitter part is that it means that we’re getting older.  The...

Beagle being quiet while wearing bark collar.Beagle being quiet while wearing bark collar.

Finding the Right NoBark Collar for Your Hunting Dog

by The SportDOG Staff

Our NoBark Collars are famous for helping teach your dog when to be silent, but how do you know which one is right for your gun dog? We offer three models of NoBark collars to allow you to pick the best solution for your dog. Below are some helpful tips...

pigeon being launched out of launcher basket with man training dog in backgroundpigeon being launched out of launcher basket with man training dog in background

What You Need to Know About the SportDOG Launcher

by The SportDOG Staff

We are proud to announce that the SportDOG Brand® Remote Launcher System is hitting stores near you. We have information about the latest in our dog training line on our website. Currently, these are not available for purchase directly from us, but they are hitting shelves at brick and mortar...

Two Setters on point in woodsTwo Setters on point in woods

Improve Your Dog Work by Hunting for a Different Species

by Tom Keer

If I were to look back on my bird hunting life, the overwhelming amount of my days in the field were spent pursuing Ruffed grouse and woodcock. The focus of my attention has been in New England and Canada, and if I were to drill down even more New Hampshire...

5 Reasons to Join a Conservation Organization5 Reasons to Join a Conservation Organization

5 Reasons to Join a Conservation Organization

by The SportDOG Staff

Through our Conservation Fund, we support National, Regional and Local conservation organizations to ensure the future of our sport. These partners, such as Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Ruffed Grouse Society and Delta Waterfowl just to name a few, dedicate themselves to protecting wildlife habitat, growing game populations and introducing new...

Yellow lab holding bumper in mouthYellow lab holding bumper in mouth

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....

English Setter Running Through FieldEnglish Setter Running Through Field

Skin Laceration Repair in the Field

by Shawn Kinkelaar

There is nothing finer than being afield in autumn’s country with bird dogs.  The whir of wings as a covey of scaled quail erupts from the sand sage can stir the cholesterol from the morning’s greasy-spoon-country-dinner breakfast.  Gun smoke clears the air as the setter climbs through the taut five-stranded...

Tom Dokken training black labTom Dokken training black lab

Tom Dokken's Top 10 Tips for Dog Training

by The SportDOG Staff

Senior ProStaffer Tom Dokken has forgotten more about dog training than most of us will ever know, so it'd be almost impossible to get everything in one place, but Tom shared some of his Top 10 Tips for dog training: 1. Never give a command you cannot enforce. If you do...

Proper Dental Care for Your DogProper Dental Care for Your Dog

Proper Dental Care for Your Dog

by The SportDOG Staff

You put a lot into your dog’s health. Make sure you don’t mess up any of your good work by overlook a vital part of your dog’s wellness regimen: Dental Care. Dogs accumulate plaque and other germs just the same as humans do and these can pose serious health risks to...

Setter on point with hunter walking up behind with gun readySetter on point with hunter walking up behind with gun ready

Is Your Dog Ready for Opening Day?

by The SportDOG Staff

For many, opening day is right around the corner. While this is the day many of us have been waiting on for months, it’s important to not get so caught up in the anticipation that you forget to make sure you and your pup are fully prepared for your first...


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